Joe's House Foundation’s Post

I wrote this piece both to acknowledge the amazing work that has been done to date in our community, but also, to remind us that the work is not finished. "We have a tendency to make the Cares Campus and 4th Street scapegoats for complex societal issues, but this is deeply flawed. It’s like blaming the emergency room for heart disease. You do not close the emergency room; you invest in preventative care and additional treatment. We must do the same now in the social services arena. Housing is unaffordable for many. The opioid epidemic rages on in a fourth wave. Unhoused individuals have 3.5 times higher mortality rates than those who are housed. We need to catch people before they fall into homelessness. Together, we need to build mental health and substance abuse treatment infrastructure. We need affordable housing. The stakes are high. Doing nothing while we wring our hands for a perfect solution is not an option." https://lnkd.in/gC-SzdER

You're absolutely right, that adds even more challenges if this person is trying to leave an abusive situation in a rural, small town with very limited support services and programs available. In that kind of isolated environment, the obstacles they would face are immense: - Lack of domestic violence shelters, transitional housing, or other specialized services to provide refuge and assistance. - Limited access to legal aid, counseling, job training, childcare, or other critical resources needed to become self-sufficient. - Potential stigma or judgment from a tight-knit small town community that may make it harder to reach out for help. - Transportation issues if they don't have their own vehicle to get to the nearest city or larger town with more resources. - Financial difficulties if employment options are scarce and they have no family or friends to turn to for support. - Heightened safety risks if the abuser is deeply embedded in the local community. Without any infrastructure or programs specifically designed to aid victims of domestic violence and abuse, this person would be truly on their own in trying to escape. Even the most determined and resilient individual would face monumental challenges. In a situation like this, the most viable options may be: - Trying to discreetly reach out to any distant relatives, friends, or social workers who may be able to provide temporary housing and help. - Researching what limited assistance may be available through county/state social services, even if not specialized. - Finding ways to save up money and make transportation plans in secret. - Potentially relocating to a larger city, even if that means leaving children with family temporarily. But every step would be fraught with risk and difficulty. This person would require immense courage, resourcefulness and luck to successfully break free. My heart goes out to anyone in such an isolated and perilous predicament. Access to proper support services should never be this limited. GOT

We are proud to share that our CEO, Domenica Personti, was recently interviewed alongside other housing leaders in Delaware for an insightful article by Delaware Public Media. The article focuses on the critical need to build on essential support services often needed in addition to housing. The article highlights our unwavering commitment to enhancing housing solutions and support services for our community. This is a vital step in ensuring everyone has access to safe and stable housing. Read the full article below to learn more about the important work being done. #ImpactLife #SupportServices #Community #HousingForAll #ExpertInsight

"In recent years, Hamilton, like other cities, has struggled to manage the growing phenomenon of chronic homelessness spilling into urban spaces as shelters reach capacity and housing affordability erodes. "City officials also cite a disconnect between housing funds and health dollars from senior levels of government, a necessary combination for adequate supportive homes for those with challenges of mental health and addiction." The need is mounting and the issues are complex. The good news is, we already know the best solution – deeply affordable supportive housing, with the support of all levels of government. Read more: https://loom.ly/saQ2GEU

Did anyone read the article published in Inside Housing yesterday that discussed the Housemark grades given for consumer standards in #socialhousing? If you didn't, you should. This report titled 'raising the bar' is a great reference point. Seemingly there are issues with record keeping and safety compliance within the industry as well as thousands of outstanding repairs. Overall it found that only 33.8% of #tenants are satisfied with the way that their #landlord is handling complaints. What are you doing to improve tenant satisfaction ❓ Here are some ways that we are: 👉Our accommodation goes beyond just offering a physical space to live. We offer a supportive environment where individuals can access resources and services tailored to their needs. This can include access to counseling, addiction support, job training, and other community services that aim to empower individuals and assist them in making positive changes in their lives. 👉We strive to create an inclusive and compassionate community where individuals facing homelessness can find the stability and support they need to transition to a more hopeful future. Our Comprehensive Supported Accommodation Program for Those Experiencing Homelessness is designed to address the specific needs of individuals who are experiencing homelessness due to various circumstances. We understand the challenges they face and the importance of providing a nurturing environment where they can feel safe and supported. 👉Our accommodation is carefully selected to ensure that it meets high standards of quality, offering comfortable living spaces that individuals can truly call home. We believe that everyone deserves a place to live with dignity, and through our supported accommodation, we strive to make that a reality. 👉We have an Holistic Approach to Supported Accommodation In addition to providing secure housing, our supported accommodation goes beyond the physical space. We have a dedicated team of support workers who work closely with residents, offering guidance, advocacy, and access to vital support services. This may include assistance with finding employment, accessing education and training opportunities, and connecting with healthcare and mental health services. Looking for quality accommodation in the #WestMidlands area? Contact our team today ☎0121 824 1704

A bit of a departure from my normal content... Homelessness isn't just a policy issue for me – it's deeply personal. From my early career at Bruce House, to seven years shaping federal homelessness policy, to watching a family member cycle through shelters and prison, I've seen this crisis from multiple angles. But I am sharing this op-ed because I believe that we all need to engage in if we care about the health and future of our communities. Canada's housing crisis runs deep, but what seems to get missed is that homelessness is a solvable problem. We've seen communities successfully end homelessness through proven strategies and sustained commitment. What is missing isn't knowledge – it's our collective will to see people experiencing homelessness as human beings worthy of dignity and connection. When I stop to chat with someone asking for change or roll down my window at traffic lights, people often question my judgment. But I'll never forget what I once heard from a youth experiencing homelessness: sometimes a stranger's simple acknowledgment of your humanity can be the lifeline you need that day. As Ottawa Councillor Ariel Troster recently challenged residents: "to my neighbours who are frustrated and angry about the social disorder that comes with unmet human needs, I ask you to direct your anger at the systems that are failing — not at the people experiencing homelessness or those trying to help them." She's right. We must stop blaming individuals trapped by systemic failure. We need to see people experiencing homelessness as being worthy of the investment because they are human. Solving homelessness isn't just morally right – it makes economic sense and improves public safety for everyone. This isn't about politics. It is about listening to people like Stephen and supporting the efforts of organizations on the ground like the Shepherds of Good Hope doing vital work daily, and recognizing that each of us has a role in creating change. The solution starts with seeing people as people. Everything else follows from there.

✨ 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ✨ In 2024, Foundations For Living, Waupaca opened the county’s first transitional housing program specifically for women, The Middleton House. The Middleton House provides a place where women can stay, participate in Foundations for Living programming, and receive assistance in finding permanent housing and employment. The disconnect between the rising cost of housing, employment opportunities, and other personal hardships are just a few factors that have contributed to the homeless epidemic throughout the nation and within our communities. With a focused concern on the challenges faced by women, such as domestic violence, divorce, job loss, mental wellness, and substance use, the issue is further exacerbated by increased isolation, a lack of awareness, and insufficient resources. These factors collectively hinder efforts to break the cycle of addiction and homelessness, particularly in rural areas where support systems may be less accessible or absent. Recognizing the service gaps for those in rural settings, Foundations for Living is dedicated to expanding our outreach to these areas through the following programs and services.

Hey, heard your the G.O.A.T of recovery… Said, no one I’ve ever worked with..🤫 But when we do this, we risk losing sight of the core mission: the act of serving itself. In the fields of recovery, anti-trafficking, homelessness advocacy, and rehabilitation services, the focus should always be on the people we are helping, not on the accolades we can receive for our efforts. It's crucial to recognize that many of us come from backgrounds that are far from perfect. We may be addicts, former convicts, or individuals who have faced significant challenges. It’s this shared struggle that often fuels our passion to help others. We understand, perhaps more intimately than anyone, the fragility of life and the thin line between success and failure. The weight of our pasts is a reminder that we are not invincible; we’re just trying to make a difference, one small act at a time. Idolizing one person over another in this field creates an unhealthy dynamic. It fosters competition rather than collaboration, and it runs the risk of diminishing the contributions of countless others who quietly work behind the scenes. The truth is, the most impactful service often comes from those who do it without the desire for recognition. They show up day after day, driven by empathy and a genuine desire to help others heal. When we label someone as the "top dawg" or the "Michael Jordan of service work," we inadvertently promote a culture of comparison. This not only undermines the collective effort but also distracts us from the essential truth: every act of service, no matter how small, has value. Whether it’s a comforting word to someone in distress or a helping hand to someone in need, each act contributes to the greater good. Moreover, we must remain grounded. The minute we believe our own hype, we risk falling prey to our vulnerabilities. The pride that comes from accolades can be intoxicating, but it can also lead to complacency and a disconnect from the very people we aim to serve. Staying humble is vital; it ensures we remain focused on our purpose and maintain our empathy for those facing their struggles. In the end, what makes someone truly great in this field is not their number of awards or the accolades they’ve accumulated, but their unwavering commitment to showing up, to listening, and to making a difference in the lives of others. It’s about recognizing that we’re all in this together, that every voice matters, and that the collective effort is what truly moves the needle. So, let’s celebrate each other’s contributions without the need for comparison or competition. Let’s recognize that while some may shine brightly in the spotlight, the countless others working in the shadows are equally deserving of acknowledgement. After all, it’s not about being the G.O.A.T.; it’s about being part of a community that cares and strives for better, TOGETHER.. “Clean time is a priveledge, not a rank.” -Cindy- Humble ♥️

The Status Quo is Broken At least that is the case when it comes to housing, shelter operations, and mental health/addictions support. If you saw the news the first week of July, you may have seen some stories about a motion I made on a transition strategy. Here is the wording of the motion that was approved unanimously by City Council: “That Administration work with the province on a transition strategy for all services, programs, and infrastructure related to housing and houselessness, shelter operations, mental health supports, and addictions treatment that are being funded by the City of Edmonton but are the jurisdiction of the Government of Alberta.” Too many people are losing their lives unnecessarily and so it’s time to hit the reset button and go down a new path that first and foremost, helps save the lives of people experiencing homelessness. On top of that, we need to ensure each order of government is working together on a coordinated plan that guarantees each government is only funding what is within their jurisdiction. This can be done. Other countries are having success so there is no reason we can do the same thing here in Alberta. Please check out the link below for my full blog on how every order of government needs to stay in their lane to ensure the well-being of all Edmontonians.

Housing First principles just make sense. 1. Access to secure housing (unconditional) 2. Choice and self-determination (agency) 3. Focus on recovery (supports) 4. Human-centred approach (meet people where they are at) 5. Social inclusion and community (connection) Thanks Deirdre Freiheit for always sharing important reminders.