Social Problem: Homelessness

Population Impacted: Individuals and families of all ages, races, and ethnicities, but disproportionately affecting people of color, veterans, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ people.

Critical Reasons for Advocacy:

• Homelessness is a public health crisis. People experiencing homelessness are more likely to suffer from chronic health conditions, mental illness, and substance abuse disorders. They are also more likely to be victims of violence and crime.
• Homelessness is a costly problem for society. The cost of homelessness to the United States economy is estimated to be over $20 billion per year. This includes the cost of healthcare, emergency services, law enforcement, and lost productivity.
• Homelessness is a moral issue. Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to live. Homelessness is a violation of human dignity.

What Happens if the Goal to Alleviate Homelessness is Realized:

• Communities would be healthier and safer. People experiencing homelessness would have access to the healthcare and other services they need to live healthy and productive lives.
• Crime rates would decrease. People experiencing homelessness are more likely to be victims of crime, and they are also more likely to commit crimes as a means of survival.
• Families would be more stable. Homelessness is a major factor in family separation. When families have a safe and affordable place to live, they are more likely to stay together.
• The economy would improve. Homelessness is a drain on the economy. When people experiencing homelessness are able to find housing, they are more likely to be employed and contribute to their communities.

Policy Review:

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is the primary federal legislation addressing homelessness. The Act provides funding for a variety of programs and services for people experiencing homelessness, including emergency shelters, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing.

The McKinney-Vento Act has been successful in reducing homelessness, but more needs to be done. The Act is underfunded, and it does not provide enough resources to meet the needs of all people experiencing homelessness.

Is the McKinney-Vento Act Dictated by Local or State Statute—or a Combination Thereof?

The McKinney-Vento Act is a federal law, but it is implemented by state and local governments. States and localities have some flexibility in how they implement the Act, but they must meet certain federal requirements.

How Does the McKinney-Vento Act Address the Issue Statement? Or What is Missing?

The McKinney-Vento Act addresses the issue statement by providing funding for a variety of programs and services for people experiencing homelessness. However, the Act is underfunded, and it does not provide enough resources to meet the needs of all people experiencing homelessness.

Recommendations:

• Increase funding for the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
• Expand access to permanent supportive housing. Permanent supportive housing is a proven way to end homelessness for people with disabilities and other chronic needs.
• Create more affordable housing. The lack of affordable housing is a major driver of homelessness. By increasing the supply of affordable housing, we can help to prevent homelessness in the first place.

Conclusion:

Homelessness is a complex social problem, but it is one that we can solve. By working together, we can create a society where everyone has a safe and affordable place to live.