Funding New Solutions to Houselessness

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We have heard solutions to homelessness… food banks, donating clothing, giving food, volunteering at houseless shelters, but to what end? Homelessness still occurs and people die on the street. Oregon is frigid, with cold winters, and stifling heat, the struggles never end. 


This almost feels like human trials, testing a new solution because it seems plausible but little to no research has been done to back up the claims… but what if there was just one more attempt? 


We know that transitional housing is currently being attempted, and new legislation is presented to pass laws to increase transitional housing, but what about the time from now until those bills pass? How many more people will suffer? 


We need a solution now!


A solution could look like this, providing monthly financial assistance to homeless individuals for housing, commonly referred to as a "housing-first" approach, is a pragmatic and effective solution. What will this achieve? 


Immediate Shelter with monthly financial support enables individuals to secure immediate shelter, ensuring they have a safe and stable place to stay. This increases dignity and empowerment with financial autonomy, this approach respects their dignity and empowers them to make housing choices that suit their preferences and needs. With this model, there is an increase in stability which creates a conducive environment for rehabilitation, allowing individuals to work on their physical and mental health, substance abuse issues, and employment prospects. 


Currently, a proposed Senate Bill 603 indicates that the state of Oregon will provide houseless individuals with $1,000 per month with no strings attached. The bill aims to address the homelessness crisis by offering direct financial assistance to the homeless, allowing them to use the funds as they see fit to secure housing and address their immediate needs. The program is part of a housing-first approach that respects the autonomy of homeless individuals and seeks to reduce houselessness and associated challenges.


Advocating for bills such as described above does not mean, abandoning all efforts to increase transitional housing or to decrease housing costs. This means we need a solution now that can take us to the future where these other solutions are accessible!


To seek more information locally, you can find information on Transition Projects, which aim to provide support, stability, and housing or other resources that focus on health care. 


On a global scale, you can learn more about resources on housing-first approaches, 

Or programs that are aimed at addressing homelessness through housing affordability.  




Written By:

Madison Fahlman-Katler


Resources: 


https://www.tprojects.org/


https://centralcityconcern.org/



https://endhomelessness.org/


https://www.hud.gov/


https://www.nationalreview.com/news/oregon-bill-would-give-homeless-1000-per-month-with-no-strings-attached/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqP2pBhDMARIsAJQ0CzpAB03nW4lyFPHTKL69bl16C6IiCjtb3X6rvs_BwbgaiL1il7-TeBUaAtikEALw_wcB


https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2023R1/Measures/Overview/SB603#:~:text=Establishes%20People's%20Housing%20Assistance%20Fund,percent%20of%20area%20median%20income.

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