How Lived Experience Influences Public Policy

May 13, 20243 min read

Do you know how laws get made? Last week, I had the opportunity to use my lived experiences to help influence public policy here in Michigan. Proposed Senate bill 801, is legislation that will give flawed tenants a chance to find another place to live. Currently here in Michigan, the majority of landlords will not rent to anyone who has an eviction on their record within the last 7 years. Simply put, if you are put out of your home, it is next to impossible to find another place to stay. This policy and so many others, help to perpetuate homelessness and housing insecurities in our state.

Our legislative body is tasked with creating laws that will ultimately affect our societal trends, and expectations. Most people do not know how the system truly works, until they find themselves, or someone they know in that predicament. Not only can someone lose their home for a miscual amount of money, but often people are put out for reasons unrelated to money. Either way, it is absurb that people literally end up out on the streets for an issue that can be resolved with a little time and patience. The reason why we say "housing is a human right" is because it literally is an essential resource to stay alive! Just like food, and water, people cannot survive without shelter. If a person has no place to stay, they cannot keep a job or pay their bills, yet this is only a tiny consequence. Eviction, homelessness and other housing insecurities have a snowball effect and are almost always detrimental to one's health and safety.

While we all appreciate the difficult work that politicians do, I think we all forget that they are also human beings; no human has all the information about everything. This is how people like me become part of the process, by using our lived experiences to help influence those who sit in seats of decision making power. I am hopeful that my testimony provided a level of real world understanding to the members of the Civil Rights and Public Safety Judiciary committee. It was truly an honor and privilege to speak before this esteemed body! I hope that my willingness to discuss these difficulties will inspire others to become involved!! Investing a little time to become more aware on these issues, and the people who face them does wonders to building community.

Here are some random FACTS about homelessness and housing insecurities:

1 in 10 people will experience homelessness in their lifetime.
Not every eviction is legal, valid or warranted.
Not every eviction is due to unpaid rent.
47 out of 50 states criminalize homelessness.
Eviction is a major contributor to housing insecurities.
85% of landlords or property owners in Detroit are non compliant- i.e. not licensed to rent or property not up to code.
There is NO rent control in Michigan. Rent can increase in any amount at any time, with or without cause.
Seniors and Singles are the fastest growing homeless groups.
Millions of CERA funding went to landlords during covid for unpaid rent... some of those tenants were still evicted.
Landlords overwhelming win landlord tenant disputes.
It can take months to find homeless shelter placement.

If you are interested in viewing the Senate hearing and/or hearing my testimony please (I am at the end) visit this link: https://cloud.castus.tv/vod/misenate/video/663bb9eafdd7310008548a5d?page=HOME

If you are interested in donating items for the homeless or needy, please reach out via email or social media chat. See details below.

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