Bookminders’ Post

Join me at the 2024 Florida Conference on Ending Homelessness on October 15th in Orlando, Florida. https://lnkd.in/eMBZQ9vp. Finding the Where to Care: Mobile Response to the Unhoused This session explores various roles and strategies to effectively engage with unhoused individuals. This session will delve into person-centered strategies aimed at engaging and breaking down barriers to care for those experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Additionally, highlighting the invaluable benefits of adopting a multi-disciplinary team approach with resources and programs, amplifying support and outcomes for marginalized communities. Explore the foundational principles and technical components essential for effective implementation of a street medicine team. How a community has addressed the increase need in their city including funding used to kickstart the redesign of street outreach with four principles to move them forward.

At Mission Possible we see that when people receive the one-on-one coaching and support they need to navigate life’s big challenges, they are often able to take steps towards lasting change. But these changes don’t happen without community. They don’t happen without flexibility, understanding, compassion and care. They don’t happen without our supportive family of donors. When you join this family and give to Mission Possible, you are facilitating true and lasting change by removing barriers to employment for people who are struggling right now. Join us with a gift this spring to help people overcome barriers to employment like homelessness, mental and physical health challenges and history of substance use: https://lnkd.in/g45VxSrE

This week marks Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, a time to reflect on the challenges facing our communities. In recognition of this, we would like to highlight the "Contemporary Approaches for Responding Effectively to Community-Defined Disorder" (CARE CDD) courses—one for executives and another for practitioners—both available on the COPS Training Portal. These courses were developed by our Learning Partner, the National Center for Policing Innovation (NCPI), and focus on effective policing strategies including a case study on the Wichita Homeless Outreach Team’s successful initiatives. The courses also introduce a community care framework for addressing homelessness and other community challenges. Learn how you can play a key role in creating lasting change. Enroll today!

In our society, fear of the unknown often manifests in the form of prejudice or avoidance, and nowhere is this more evident than in our attitudes toward houseless individuals. It’s disheartening to see that instead of extending compassion, many people react with fear or discomfort, creating an invisible barrier between themselves and those who are struggling the most. Homelessness is a complex issue, shaped by a myriad of factors including economic instability, mental health challenges, and systemic failures. We must resist the urge to turn our backs on those who need us the most. Embracing empathy and understanding is crucial. Building supportive communities that offer real solutions—whether through advocacy, direct support, or policy change—can transform into positive action. By fostering inclusivity and addressing homelessness with compassion and practical measures, we can ensure that our society reflects its highest values. It’s time to challenge our fears and extend a helping hand. Let’s work together to create a world where every person is seen, heard, and valued, regardless of their circumstances.

At yesterday’s meeting, Barnstable County Commissioners: 🏠 Approved $3M for expanded homelessness services & $326K for autism-friendly housing using ARPA funds. 📊 Reviewed findings from the Lower Cape health needs survey for Brewster, Chatham, Harwich, & Orleans: 👉20% increase in food insecurity since 2018 👉Healthcare provider shortages & rising costs 👉Aging isolation & mental health stigma Data-driven recommendations include expanding mental health services, advocating for affordable housing, & fostering community connections. 💻 Advanced IT digitization with a $70K ARPA-funded project to improve file management & staff training. Learn more https://loom.ly/HjWo_bs

MBHC believes that by building stronger connections and coordination of care, we can positively improve the trajectory, not only for the individual but also for our community, justice systems, and Missouri as a whole! Specifically, our Missouri Crisis Intervention (CIT) Team, Community Behavioral Health Liaison (CBHL), and Emergency Room Enhancement (ERE) programs work with local stakeholders to build stronger partnerships. MBHC is continually working to improve, advance, and grow our programs. Emergency Room Enhancement (ERE) programs, also known as emergency room diversion programs, are designed to reduce barriers that prevent individuals from seeking care in the most appropriate setting. The primary objective of these programs is to reduce the use of emergency departments and hospitalizations while decreasing rates of homelessness, unemployment, and arrests/law enforcement involvement by engaging individuals in treatment and utilizing community supports. You can learn more by visiting https://ow.ly/anf750RIAh1.

Our deputy director Beth Watts-Cobbe recently returned from New Orleans where she took part in a symposium on Justice and Housing organised by the editors of the PPE journal as part of the PPE Society Annual Conference. She spoke about paper (co-authored with Suzanne Fitzpatrick and Lynne McMordie) 'Beyond Shelters: unpacking global lessons from Scotland's journey towards housing justice'. This paper conceptualises reducing shelter use as necessary to the pursuit of housing justice because shelters actively corrode people’s capabilities and contribute to the ‘clustering of disadvantage’ among those facing homelessness.

🌟 Supporting Homeless Families: A Compassionate Approach 🌟 In our communities, there are families and individuals experiencing homelessness who may not be ready to accept help. It can be challenging, but together we can make a difference! Here are some ways to engage compassionately and effectively: 🤝 Build Trust: Take the time to listen and connect. Show that you care without judgment. 📜 Share Resources: Provide information about local shelters, food services, and support programs in a gentle, non-intrusive way. 👐 Offer Practical Help: Sometimes, a little assistance with food, clothing, or transportation can open the door to further support. 👥 Peer Support: Encourage connections with others who have shared similar experiences. Peer relationships can foster trust and community. ⏳ Be Patient: Change takes time. Keep showing up, offering support, and respecting their choices. 💬 Tailor Your Approach: Understand that everyone’s journey is unique. Customize your support based on their specific needs and circumstances. 🌈 Empower Self-Determination: Encourage families to set their own goals. Empowerment can lead to motivation for change. 🏡 Advocate for Change: Let’s work together towards systemic solutions—affordable housing, accessible healthcare, and job opportunities for all. Together, we can create a compassionate community where everyone feels valued and supported. 💖✨ #EndHomelessness #CompassionInAction #SupportOurNeighbors #CommunityLove #Empowerment Feel free to share your thoughts or ways you’ve been able to help in the comments below! 👇💬

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙃𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝘾𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙨: 𝘼 𝘾𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝘽𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙁𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙁𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙃𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 The homeless crisis in the United States has reached alarming levels, with tens of thousands of people living on the streets, many of whom suffer from chronic conditions, substance abuse, and mental health issues. While numerous strategies have been proposed and implemented to address this issue, one often overlooked solution lies in proactive community engagement—specifically, through enhanced funding for parks and recreational programs that can help mitigate the factors leading to homelessness, particularly among youth. By creating vibrant, active spaces and offering robust programming, communities can foster a sense of belonging, provide constructive outlets for energy, and offer early interventions that address the root causes of homelessness before they manifest in adulthood. Continue reading... https://lnkd.in/gFBJt4Hs

Join the Philly Homes 4 Youth Coalition for the Breaking Barriers Through Their Eyes: A Summit to End Youth and Young Adult Homelessness, an immersive, hands-on advocacy day focused on ending youth homelessness in Philadelphia. This experiential event will shine a spotlight on the challenges faced by youth and young adults experiencing housing insecurity, featuring powerful stories from those with lived experience. Attendees will gain an in-depth understanding of the current systems and services available to address youth and young adult homelessness, while also collaborating to identify solutions that are working, gaps that need to be filled, and innovative strategies for change. Goal: To cultivate a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by youth and young adults experiencing housing instability and homelessness, and use these insights to build a coordinated community response that drives collective action to end youth and young adult homelessness and ensure all young people have access to safe housing and opportunities to thrive. By the end of the event, participants will leave with actionable insights and a collective vision to build a stronger, more inclusive future for our city's youth and young adults. Please RSVP HERE https://lnkd.in/eHfVw6NQ