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Every life tells a story, and it's our privilege to help families embrace this process with compassion and care. Let's cherish the moments that matter and celebrate the legacies that shape us. If you need guidance in estate administration, don’t hesitate to reach out. 📞(301) 627-1000 🌐https://bit.ly/3Uo4Wko #TrustAdministration #EstatePlanningLawFirm #EstatePlanning #FamilyFirst #EstatePlanningAttorney

The Supreme Courts decision to allow the criminalization of homelessness is inhumane. This ruling overturns a California Appeals Court decision that deemed criminalization to be “Cruel and Unusual Punishment” when shelter space is significantly lacking. Sleep is a biological function, not a crime. There are so many factors that play into why an individual may become homeless. This ruling fails to address any of those concerns, and instead punishes individuals who receive the least amount of support in our society. Homelessness disproportionately affects individuals with disabilities, older adults, the LGBTQIA+ community, Veterans, and people of color. According to the last Point-In-Time count, more than 650,000 Americans are homeless - the most in history since beginning to record this data in 2007. Nearly half of these individuals have no other choice but to sleep outside. Shelters are allowed to set their own admission criteria, which automatically is biased against people with disabilities due to access needs. Others do not feel safe in shelters for a variety of reasons. I know personally if I were told to go to a shelter tomorrow, I would do everything in my power to avoid that becoming a reality. This decision is inherently classist and is designed to punish individuals on the lowest rung of our socio-economic ladder.

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Housing Counselors Can Be the Catalyst and Guide for a First-Time Homebuyer Becoming a Successful Homeowner

The right to shelter is embedded in multiple articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Shelter is as, if not more, essential to survival as food and water. Shelter is a basic human right. It is completely essential to one’s safety and ability to live independently and successfully. Decades (and decades) of intentional, inequitable policy decisions have made the US the hotspot for a consistently increasing rate of chronically homeless and unsheltered people, and has left thousands of others cost-burdened and housing-insecure. Unsurprisingly, race and ethnicity are key determinants of housing insecurity. It is immoral to create a homelessness issue this severe and then effectively outlaw homelessness by upholding ordinances that attempt to ban people who are already homeless and extremely vulnerable from self preservation. A ruling like this one doesn’t just deny someone’s safety, though. It is a very deliberate statement: people who experience homelessness do not hold the same human value as those who are housed. Politically and economically powerful groups have attempted to “hide” and “get rid of” homeless people for ages—not with solutions that protect and uplift the homeless, but with punitive policies that punish unhoused people for attempting to survive. Finding a real solution requires us to attack this issue head-on with strategy and empathy. As uncomfortable it may be to witness homelessness firsthand, as “unsightly” or “dangerous” encampments are… humans have the right to protect themselves and are entitled to be treated as any other human being regardless of their identity or housing status. The time for action and advocacy is now! https://lnkd.in/gN_YsvRP

Today, while being led by a few colleagues, I had the privilege of sitting with six individuals who are currently unhoused to hear their stories and understand the journeys that led to their current situations. These conversations will help support some of Allegheny County housing initiatives, aiming to make a meaningful impact on providing housing for those in need in our community. Listening to these experiences reinforced the need to approach each person with empathy and break down the stereotypes that often cloud our understanding. Being unhoused isn’t just a lack of shelter—it’s often the result of relentless challenges people face, mixed with systemic barriers that don’t account for everyone’s unique circumstances. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to these struggles, yet resilience shines through each story. Let’s commit to a deeper understanding of the hardships people experience. Together, we can build communities that uplift rather than overlook. To learn more about Allegheny County’s 500 in 500 program, visit https://lnkd.in/eYdUqBAq

A common misconception about assisted living is that it takes away independence. The truth? It’s all about promoting independence with the right support when needed. 💛 For families concerned about their loved one’s autonomy, assisted living at The Birches offers a balance of freedom and care, empowering residents to live life on their own terms. Whether it’s making personal choices, engaging in activities, or maintaining daily routines, we’re here to help foster a sense of independence while ensuring safety and support. It’s not about giving up—it’s about gaining your independence back to enhance your quality of life. 🌟 Schedule a visit today to learn more about life here: https://hubs.la/Q02Zr-xq0 #MythBuster #AssistedLiving #IndependenceWithSupport #BirchesLiving #PeaceOfMind #ElderCare #FamilyFirst #EmpoweringLives #QualityOfLife #chicagosuburbs #assistedliving #eldercare #seniorliving💛

This month's Road Home article written by Michael Braithwaite, Blue Door's CEO, speaks on the need for supportive housing solutions, especially as individuals with intellectual disabilities increasingly turn to emergency shelters. Read the full article to learn how we might bridge these gaps moving forward. Full article: https://bit.ly/3CdEjIE 🔗