Our orders are delivered strictly on time without delay
Our orders are delivered strictly on time without delay
Post a response detailing the following:
Identify a proposed state and federal policy that aligns with your advocacy priorities for your vulnerable population. Clearly describe and provide evidence to support this policy. If the policy needs to change, describe and provide evidence to support the proposed change.
Evidence to Support the Policy
The evidence supporting the effectiveness of "Housing First" is robust and widely recognized. Numerous studies and real-world implementations have demonstrated that it is more successful than traditional "treatment first" models.
Improved Housing Stability: Research shows that "Housing First" programs have significantly higher housing retention rates. A large-scale study by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) found that participants in "Housing First" programs were more likely to remain housed for at least a year compared to those in traditional programs. This is because it removes the barriers that often prevent people from accessing housing in the first place, such as rigid rules or long waiting lists.
Reduced Costs: The model is also cost-effective. While it might seem counterintuitive, providing housing and supportive services is often cheaper than the cycle of emergency services, including shelters, hospitals, and jails, which are frequently used by people experiencing chronic homelessness. Studies have shown that for every dollar spent on "Housing First," communities save money on public services.
Better Health Outcomes: By providing a stable place to live, "Housing First" improves physical and mental health outcomes. People can better manage chronic illnesses, access consistent healthcare, and focus on their well-being. This, in turn, reduces emergency room visits and hospitalizations, leading to further cost savings.
A proposed state policy that aligns with these priorities is the repeal of laws that criminalize homelessness. This includes a range of ordinances that target homeless individuals for public behaviors that are often necessary for survival, such as sleeping in public, loitering, panhandling, or food sharing.
Evidence to Support the Proposed Change
Criminalization policies are not only ineffective but also harmful. They do not solve homelessness; they simply make it more difficult for people to escape it.
Creates Barriers to Housing and Employment: A criminal record, even for a minor offense like sleeping in a park, creates a major obstacle for an individual trying to find a job or secure housing. It perpetuates a cycle of poverty and homelessness, making it nearly impossible for people to get back on their feet.
Wastes Public Resources: Enforcing these laws consumes significant public resources, including police time and money for arrests, court proceedings, and jail stays. These resources could be much more effectively used to fund housing programs and social services that actually address the problem.
Advocating for policies that protect and uplift vulnerable populations is a key part of ensuring social justice and equity. For the purpose of this response, let's focus on the advocacy priorities for people experiencing homelessness. 🤝 A crucial aspect of this advocacy is addressing the root causes and providing stable, long-term solutions.
A proposed federal policy that aligns with the advocacy priorities for people experiencing homelessness is the national adoption and funding of the "Housing First" model. This approach, as a core federal strategy, would prioritize providing immediate, permanent housing to people without preconditions like sobriety, employment, or participation in mental health treatment. Once housed, individuals and families are then offered voluntary supportive services to help them maintain their housing and achieve personal goals.