Read June News & Views about homelessness and affordable housing here, and across the nation.
Thank you for being a partner in the fight to end homelessness! You make Cincinnati a kinder and more equitable community.
Is being homeless a crime?
A new NPR Marketplace series “Finding Your Place” tackles this question, and more.
Instituting bans on encampments across the country doesn’t solve homelessness. Creating more, safe affordable housing does.
Meanwhile other cities, like Portland, Oregon are actively decriminalizing homelessness. Realizing that experiencing homelessness is usually the direct result of “economic hardship and a shortage of safe and affordable housing.”
While acknowledging the recently introduced bill doesn’t provide zoning reform or more affordable housing directly, residents say it’s “an important step in the right direction” to “ensure certain rights of homeless individuals.”
Done in 60 Seconds
Locally, the average eviction court proceeding lasts less than 1 minute. And only 7% of the time, families have legal representation. While 93% of landlords, do.
Local groups, and Cincinnati City Council are looking to change this. A combination of “rental assistance with legal representation” is the best way to prevent evictions. Ultimately, to make landlords whole and keep families safely housed.
Families facing eviction are certainly in need. And stopping evictions can help to prevent homelessness for some families. But they are not the population of people most imminently at risk of homelessness.
Serving Families Experiencing Homelessness
Our partners at Bethany House Services provide shelter and services to thousands of people each year. Most often to families led by women. And oftentimes three generations at once.
Due to rising rents, and the lack of affordable housing, one mother found herself and her son living in shelter for more than 200 days. Far beyond the goal of 55 days or fewer. Today, Carrie is on her journey to stable housing.
When families call our Central Access Point helpline, they are ideally connected to shelter, like Bethany House.
Or if capacity is available, enrolled in our Shelter Diversion Program. The most cost-effective homelessness prevention program with the best outcomes.
Providing rental assistance and case management, while helping children avoid the trauma of experiencing homelessness.
Thank you for reading June News & Views!
Sign up here to receive each month’s edition. Unsubscribe at any time.
And know, your trust matters. We do not rent, share, sell, or allow the use of our lists by others, at any time, for any reason.
