Homelessness in America Webinar

Homelessness in America: Addressing Increasing Rates, Marginalization of Minority Groups and Structural Issues

In the United States, housing is about “five million units short” of providing shelter for its population and “seven million” short in affordable housing for lower-income households. Rising homelessness per capita is seen throughout America, with New York, California, and other thought of states at the top. However, one surprising state facing a homelessness epidemic right now is Hawai’i. Native Hawaiians experience the most amount of homelessness in the American population by race/ethnicity (National Alliance to End Homelessness). The second minority group that is often overlooked is American Indian/Alaska Native. American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian people are all at high risk for conditions that lead to and/or sustain homelessness, including disproportionately high rates of poverty, domestic and other violence, and behavioral health disorders”. On top of that, about “one in five” people living on tribal lands is considered to be in an overcrowded area, also known as “near homelessness”. Many struggling families in America can reach out to other family members for help, but among the American Indian, Alaskan Natives, and Native Hawaiians, they are often reaching out to other struggling family members that may also be facing these conditions.

In response, the government and Lt. Governor Josh Green are working on different projects and initiatives such as Kauhale, Hawaii homeless healthcare Hui (H4), joint outreach centers, permanent supportive housing, and assisted community treatment. Looking into these projects and initiatives can help examine what the underlying structural issues of racial inequality and homelessness are and point out different areas for discussion in public policy.

On a wider level, statistics show that homelessness levels have increased due to the economic, social and health implications of the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. The National Low Income Housing Coalition started #RentReliefNow due to rental issues that worsened as a result of COVID. This pushed for the creation and passing of the American Rescue Plan Act, which has now “secured nearly $85 billion in emergency housing and homelessness assistance since the start of the pandemic through the American Rescue Plan Act, the December COVID-19 relief bill, and the CARES Act.” Emergency rental assistance and strong enforcement of the federal eviction moratorium are also called for and still being worked through by those involved in homelessness efforts as well as working through the best usage of money given through these acts.

This timely symposium provides an invaluable opportunity for case managers, social workers, community outreach specialists, veterans and housing advocates and other key stakeholders to discuss latest developments, assess progress, challenges and consider next steps in tackling homelessness across the USA. In the absence a one-size fits all solution, it is vitally important to promote commitment and collaboration to ensure that all individuals experiencing homelessness in the country receive the support they need.

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