Currently, over 12,000 Community Housing and Homeless Shelters operate in the United States, according to this article by Ibis World. At the same time, the homeless population that these organizations exist to serve is at an all-time high of 653,104 people, according to HUD's annual point-in-time report. A lack of affordable housing plays a significant factor in causing this all time high. States and cities that have more expensive housing tend to have higher populations of people experiencing homelessness. Thiis commonal though as there are examples of cities that have done a good job getting people off the street twithmore expensive housing. In reading about how these cities have approached tackling the issue I noticed a common theme, collaboration.
In Topeka, Kansas housing coordinators and other local officials are bringing the community together to gather ideas from citizens, instead of relying exclusively on the local government to address the situation. Their goal is to change the mindset of people in the city from making calls complaining about homeless people, to making calls because of concern about the people impacted by homelessness in their community. An effective solution is going to take the whole community to come together to support each other. The governing body is working to create programs, based on ideas from everyone impacted, on how best to support people battling homelessness. We as a people, have to stop otherizing the people who have lost their homes. We need to come together to support those people and lift each other up. Only then can we make real sustained progress.
Homelessness is not a uniquely American problem. Across the pond in London there are many people impacted and local agencies have organized over 100 businesses, non-profits, faith & community groups to come together by establishing a charter to end homelessness. One organization or campaign alone isn't going to end homelessness. It is going to take collective action from all people who have compassion and empathy for people going through difficult times. Collaborating, sharing ideas ,and coming together for the common good is the best way to make a real impact on homelessness. I encourage anyone who is reading this to get involved! There are always opportunities to volunteer! Call your local shelter or food bank and ask how you can support them. Contact your local government representative and encourage a collaborative approach. When you see a homeless person on the street, introduce yourself, be kind and thoughtful. Show them that you care! One act of kindness has the power to lift a persons spirits. Be that person for the next homeless person you come across. Be apart of the solution!
