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Housing the homeless is the best option not just for public health, but for reaching them w/ the resources they deserve. NIMBY ‘liberals’ like this run local govts everywhere + make sure to create punishing conditions for homelessness. 1/ https://twitter.com/mattkatz00/status/1304492746204426240
I worked for affordable housing in DC every summer during college; my dad left lobbying to eventually run a men’s shelter near the Capitol. He’s still involved w/ housing + homelessness, in rural VA.
The *vast* majority of America is one financial hit away from homelessness. 2/
The *vast* majority of America is one financial hit away from homelessness. 2/
Your local shelter is under equipped in every way. Food banks are being sought by thousands now. Their laundry and bathroom/shower facilities are poor to falling apart.
From a humanitarian standpoint, to say they fail to support human dignity is putting it mildly.
From a humanitarian standpoint, to say they fail to support human dignity is putting it mildly.
And then there’s the violence they’re subjected to by a*holes like these UWS folks. It’s harsh, rarely policed, and costs lives. People think they have a right to *violently assault* the homeless. https://www.fox13memphis.com/rss-snd/man-arrested-beating-humiliating-homeless-man/JYPGWJOU55DEVILD4U76YPFIZM/
So much homelessness is unseen. Those chronically on the streets, a small % of all homeless, are criminalized instead of cared for.
Their treatment is one reason why people stay hidden.
And what if asking for help meant losing your kids? https://www.calhealthreport.org/2018/05/09/many-homeless-families-tough-choice-separation-shelter-bed/
Their treatment is one reason why people stay hidden.
And what if asking for help meant losing your kids? https://www.calhealthreport.org/2018/05/09/many-homeless-families-tough-choice-separation-shelter-bed/
What if getting help meant losing a source of affection and love, like your pet? https://nextcity.org/daily/entry/why-more-homeless-shelters-are-welcoming-clients-pets
I have Archie bc his mom became homeless and couldn’t keep him. He was clearly loved, well cared for. She must have been in so much pain; losing him only made things worse.
I have Archie bc his mom became homeless and couldn’t keep him. He was clearly loved, well cared for. She must have been in so much pain; losing him only made things worse.
You can get cynical abt homelessness + I’ve seen why. But the problems aren’t due to any one factor or even to ‘choices.’ It’s a toxic mix set up to punish the poor.
And most of us are one bill, one hospital stay away from poverty. During a pandemic. https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/07/americas-health-crisis-is-becoming-a-housing-crisis/614149/
And most of us are one bill, one hospital stay away from poverty. During a pandemic. https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/07/americas-health-crisis-is-becoming-a-housing-crisis/614149/
Suspending eviction doesn’t forestall the crisis, either. How many millions will find only $$$ slumlord housing once their credit is ruined by eviction? By being put on “do not rent” blacklists circulated by landlords? https://www.amny.com/real-estate/tenant-blacklist-ban-1-33255395/
It is so expensive to be poor in America. You’re punished at every opportunity, every basic need. Every ask for help comes with means testing designed to break your dignity - and deter you from receiving aid you have a *right* to. https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2014/01/it-is-expensive-to-be-poor/282979/
All of this is built on the violent lie of “the welfare queen.” It’s a lie Clinton supported to seem tough in the 90s. Considering he grew up without a lot, that lie was especially vicious.
Those who actually commit welfare fraud: managers + executives. https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2013/08/everything-you-think-you-know-about-government-fraud-is-wrong/278690/
Those who actually commit welfare fraud: managers + executives. https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2013/08/everything-you-think-you-know-about-government-fraud-is-wrong/278690/
The homeless are your neighbors. Your friends. Your family. If not today, they may soon be tomorrow - whether from wildfire disaster, pandemic unemployment, or anything else.
It doesn’t matter why. What matters is how we help each other.
https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank
It doesn’t matter why. What matters is how we help each other.
https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank
https://www.hudexchange.info/housing-and-homeless-assistance/
Find a local shelter; ask what they need. If they say money, give money. If you can supply in-kind - esp contractors who can remodel bathrooms, supply laundry appliances, build + retrofit for Covid minimization - that’s also great
Find a local shelter; ask what they need. If they say money, give money. If you can supply in-kind - esp contractors who can remodel bathrooms, supply laundry appliances, build + retrofit for Covid minimization - that’s also great
Your church may have stopped providing shelter + food pantries due to Covid. Organize. Figure out how to get those services back online OR to supply alternatives. Prepare to ask for $, churches are running low on donations.
