The holidays are now officially upon us, and with them comes the opportunity to reflect on what makes us feel truly grateful.
This year, we are especially grateful for you.
The past twelve months have brought a slew of challenges that none of us expected. Through it all, you’ve been there, continuing to support our neighbors who need it most. We at the Alliance are so thankful for your partnership, which allows us to keep doing the work we do.
We are also thankful for the opportunity to serve. Being part of a community of people who know that ending homelessness is not only possible, but necessary, and who work hard to make that goal a reality, makes us so appreciative.
Finally, now especially, we are grateful for a place to call home. This year has underscored the importance of a safe, secure place to call home. Home has become the place where we work, learn, and entertain ourselves.
Home is what keeps us safe.
Yet, the more than 567,000 people experiencing homelessness today have faced the year’s many challenges without a safe place to retreat to, and will spend the holidays facing even greater uncertainty.
The Alliance has spent this year working hard to minimize the pandemic’s impact on people experiencing homelessness, to reduce the number of people who become homeless due to lasting economic uncertainty, and to try to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus among populations of people who are homeless.
We have increased our focus on racial equity, working hard to understand the disparities in homelessness so we can help reduce them.
And we have worked to reduce rates of homelessness among families with children, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities.
We couldn’t have done any of it without you.
Despite the deep commitment of providers, systems leaders, and advocates in communities across the country, this year has been an especially tough one on people experiencing homelessness. We are committed to ending homelessness for all, and we’re so grateful to know that you are, too.
Your friendship and support make all the difference in the world. We wish you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving!