Housing Affordability HUD UPDATES: "Warehousing the Homeless"
- RDW
- Aug 9
- 3 min read
The federal funding carousel for the Department of Housing & Urban Development is going strong. HUD continues to seek federal modifications to the Continuum of Care program, an initiative aimed at helping those with severe housing insecurity. What stands out most is not that they are seeking to revise the current terms, but the manner in which they press the issue. For starters, they are attempting to introduce significant changes in the midst of a funding cycle. Such changes would eliminate permanent supportive housing for the homeless and instead attempt to offer short-term solutions that are neither effective nor practical.
Viewing the Homeless as "less than human"
According to a recent article in Politico, HUD Secretary Scott Turner seeks a dramatic shift in HUD funding and policy.
We will fund projects based on merit and outcomes, not warehousing the homeless... `- HUD Secretary
Keeping the Focus on Alignment, Faith, and Humanity
According to Webster's dictionary and AI searches related to the definition of "warehouse," it is defined as follows:
A large building where raw materials or goods
are manufactured or stored.
In essence, a homeless person should not be regarded as an object.
This is highlighted by the way authorities attempt to conceal this grim issue, swiftly moving homeless individuals off the streets and into hotels temporarily whenever a significant event occurs in most towns. This sinister and misguided perspective from both the administration and the general public on homelessness or homeless individuals is ridiculous. It is frequently claimed that most homeless people are addicts, mentally ill, lazy, or not seen as human beings at all, as the secretary clearly illustrated in his comments.
Why You Need More than Letters or Popularity
In this world, society seems to award strength, power, economic support, and social credence to the most active or credentialed person in line. Only two percent of elected officials come from the working class, however, generations have passed with qualified folks across the political spectrum, cultural backgrounds, economic and educational success, and yet ....
we continue to have a mass epidemic of homelessness and housing insecurity in every community across every state in
America and beyond.
This fact alone should tell you that it takes more than a degree and clout to make a difference. For starters, let's not disillusion ourselves into believing that those who do not even view the homeless as "human" can have any positive impact on the issue. Having a desire to respect and help humanity is not rooted in one's personal success; those roots take deeper meaning when it comes from a place of raw experience and pure intentions.
What They Don't Tell You
The standardized intake form emphasizes individual challenges rather than needs. Essentially, the questions are crafted to highlight the most negative aspects of those experiencing homelessness. Each question on the forms for single adults and youth is scored using a point-based system, triggered by "yes" answers to some of the most intrusive and trauma-inducing inquiries. In other words, assistance is contingent upon being in a dire situation. These "misleading" statistics are then utilized to maintain a particular narrative about homelessness and those who experience it.
The reality is that homeless individuals often struggle with addiction, trauma, mental illness, and other difficulties. Naturally, because they are HOMELESS. It is unreasonable to expect people in distress to be at their peak. Furthermore, it is crucial to note that three-quarters of the population experience TRAUMA. Others deal with addictions, anxiety, fear, and bad habits, yet they are NOT HOMELESS. Moreover, the stark truth is that many of us are just one mistake away from severe housing insecurity.
Thanks to the support of God, our families, friends, and any additional help we receive, we manage to stay off the streets.
Sample Homeless Intake Adult Questionnaire
Learning How to Build and Advocate
Speak up for yourselves and for those who do not have a VOICE, or those who are afraid to use it! You don't have to have an official title, degree, or position to make an impact. More often than not, there is someone who needs help or inspiration with a housing, homeless, or healthcare challenge right in your personal circle. Current reality and HISTORY should shake you into recognizing that the only real help we have is what we create for ourselves!
!!! Join us ... let's build together !!!
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And don't forget to share with a friend!
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