As leaders struggle to respond to public outcry, some are considering outmoded responses including arresting people for sleeping outside, or warehousing people experiencing homelessness into facilities with few services. Fortunately, this week the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development […]
Blog
Planning for Seasonal Weather Emergencies: A Solution or a Symptom?
Just about everyone in the human services sector knows this cycle. In anticipation of just such events, many communities spent the previous months formulating “summer plans” to help flex up services and resources to accommodate seasonal heat emergencies. And, of […]
Rising Rents and Inflation Are Likely Increasing Low-Income Families’ Risk of Homelessness
Rising rents and persistent inflation increase the risk for people becoming homeless and serve as barriers to people who are trying to exit homelessness. In a 2020 study, researchers at the U.S. Government Accountability Office estimated that “a $100 increase […]
How to Preserve Emergency Rental Assistance for Your Neighbors
ERA funds can cover rental payments, move-in expenses, and supports to promote housing stability, among other eligible activities. In addition to preventing housing loss (including for families living in doubled up situations) and homelessness, ERA funds can be used to […]
Services Not Sweeps: Ending the Criminalization and Forced Displacement of Unhoused People
Written by Becky Dennison, Executive Director of Venice Community Housing My organization, Venice Community Housing (VCH), is a nonprofit affordable and supportive housing provider operating in communities on the westside of Los Angeles, CA. VCH has been active for decades […]