Government Presents Strategic Plan to Deal with Homelessness

Our communities are daily experiencing this fact: The way we have been addressing homelessness in America is not working. To effectively serve our homeless neighbors, real change needs to happen. Modifying definitions or re-classifying temporary improvements is ineffective and provides false hope. Real reforms and fundamental changes are critical if we want to see a major difference going forward.

The US Interagency Council on Homelessness takes a fresh and honest approach in this new 30-plus page document. Calling it a “Whole-of-Government Response to Homelessness,” the plan confirms that homelessness is a multifaceted problem that needs a multifaceted solution. Several national faith-based groups—which represent the lion’s share of providers in this space—spoke into the plan’s development, adding much needed insights gained from experience. Called Expanding the Toolbox, you can download the plan here.

In life-transformation ministry, we recognize the importance of reducing our guests' dependence on federal homeless assistance while, at the same time, increasing accountability, as appropriate. This plan envisions an approach that dramatically reduces homelessness by engaging and assessing families and individuals with trauma-informed care and addressing homelessness' root causes.

This plan focuses on:

• The Importance and Power of The Dignity of Work
• Mental Health and Trauma Informed Care Are Critical
• Affordable Construction Leads to Affordable Housing
• Prevention Will Save Money While Reducing Trauma
• The Need for Population Specific Programming
• Renewed Focus on Racial Disparities
• Promotion of Alternatives to Criminalizing People Experiencing Homelessness
• Importance of National Emergency Readiness

Together we can make the necessary changes to dramatically reduce homelessness in North America, and most importantly, improve the lives of the families and individuals who are experiencing it.

Read Dissenting Opinion »