Tag Page Homelessness

California Spent Billions on Homelessness—But the Crisis Persists California has spent more than $24 billion on homelessness programs in recent years under Gov. Gavin Newsom, according to state reports. Despite the investment, statewide homelessness has continued to rise, with estimates showing an increase of roughly 35,000 people over that period. The results have sparked growing debate over how the money is being allocated, which programs are effective, and whether stronger oversight and accountability are needed. State officials say funding has expanded housing, services, and prevention efforts, while critics argue outcomes have not matched the scale of spending. #California #Homelessness #PublicSpending #PolicyDebate #Accountability #StateGovernment #NewsBreak

Columbia’s Harbor House shifts to recovery hub

Big changes are coming for Columbia’s unhoused community—Harbor House is stepping up as more than just a shelter. With a new opportunity campus on the way, Harbor House will soon offer recovery programs, health screenings, cooking classes, and job skills training. The aim? To create a supportive space where people can focus on sobriety and build a path to independence. Residents will have real accountability and a chance to save money, all while getting the support they need. What do you think—will this new approach make a real difference for those struggling with homelessness and addiction in Columbia? #Safety #ColumbiaMO #Homelessness

Why ‘hidden homelessness’ matters in Cincinnati

Almost half the people staying in Cincinnati’s homeless shelters have never actually lived on the streets. This hidden side of homelessness challenges the idea that clearing encampments or banning street camping really addresses the root of the problem. With winter making things even tougher, it’s worth asking: Are current laws and policies actually helping people get off the streets, or just making homelessness less visible? Let’s talk about what real solutions could look like and how our community can better support those in need. #Safety #Cincinnati #Homelessness

Chicago’s shelter wait times leave many in limbo

People seeking shelter in Chicago are waiting months at the city’s main intake center, SPARC, only to face overcrowded, unsafe, and unsanitary conditions. Residents describe sleeping on thin mats with bedbugs, seeing rats, and witnessing frequent fights while hoping for a spot in a real shelter. Some have cycled back to SPARC after placements fell through, highlighting a system stretched far beyond its limits. With affordable housing in short supply and more people becoming unhoused, how can Chicago better support its most vulnerable? What changes would you want to see? #Safety #Chicago #Homelessness

Homelessness hits Charlotte families hard

Losing your home can happen faster than most of us realize. In Charlotte, a former school counselor and her family of five have been living in a hotel for over a year after medical emergencies and job loss derailed their lives. Even with a steady income before, one crisis pushed them into homelessness—a reality now facing millions of Americans. The daily struggle isn’t just about finding shelter, but juggling caregiving, health needs, and the constant search for stability. How do we create a safety net that truly supports families in crisis? Let’s talk about what needs to change. #Safety #Charlotte #Homelessness

How Bethany House is changing lives in Cincinnati

Nearly 12,000 Ohioans are without a home each night, and this winter, the need for family shelters is hitting hard in Cincinnati. Bethany House stands out as a true lifeline, offering not just a roof but hope to over 2,500 people every year. Residents like Nakeyah Woods, who once lived in her car with her kids, say the support here is life-changing. Even during the holidays, when being away from home stings most, families find comfort and community. It’s a reminder of how crucial these services are—and how much stronger we are when we lift each other up. What more can our city do to support families facing homelessness? #Safety #Cincinnati #Homelessness

Austin’s homeless storage crisis: What’s next?

Violet KeepSafe Storage has become a lifeline for hundreds of Austinites experiencing homelessness, offering a safe place to keep their belongings so they can work, apply for housing, or just move around town without carrying everything they own. But here’s the catch: the facility has been full for over a year, and there’s a growing waitlist. The real problem isn’t space—it’s not enough staff to help more people access their bins. For a city that’s spent over $400 million on homelessness in five years, expanding this cost-effective service could be a game-changer. How should Austin prioritize its next steps? #Safety #Austin #Homelessness

I stopped taking my kids to the downtown park. It's full of needles and tents.

I have empathy for the homeless, I really do. But when public parks become unsafe zones, and we have to step over human waste and needles on the sidewalk, where is the line? Allowing camping on sidewalks isn't "compassion"; it's a failure of public health. We are losing our city, and we aren't actually helping them. #Homelessness #PublicSafety #CityCleanup #UrbanDecay #QualityOfLife

Dallas’ $10M homeless plan: Real help or FIFA fix?

Dallas is putting $10 million toward housing 400 homeless residents downtown, but the timing has everyone talking. With the World Cup coming next year, some say this is just a quick fix to clean up the city for FIFA, not a real solution. The money comes from leftover COVID relief funds, and there’s no clear plan for what happens when it runs out. Supporters argue this is part of a bigger, ongoing effort to address homelessness, but critics worry people will end up back on the streets. What do you think—genuine progress or just a temporary patch? #Safety #Dallas #Homelessness

Somewhat of a rough Sunday morning. I went out for a walk and ran into a friend who told me his wife had thrown him out. She threw him out because he’s a slob. He’s a slob because he’s a drug addict. He gets high, makes a mess, and spends all their money. I asked him if it was worth it. He said no, not really. Then he told me drugs aren’t the problem. People are the problem. Here’s a man who’s been thrown out by his wife, is about to live on the street, and still won’t admit what the problem is. Anyone who has homeless friends or tries to help the homeless sees this all the time. I once had a man tell me he was a functioning addict. He had a job. He had a place to live. He also lived on the streets for two years. They will not blame their best friend. That’s what’s infuriating. A lot of people look at the homeless and say get a job, you bum. What they should be saying is go to mental health services. Go to rehab. That’s where most of them need to go. Not everyone out there has these problems, but the ones who don’t usually get off the streets pretty quickly. Unless the streets give them those problems, which I’ve seen happen too. I brought him something to eat and a blanket. I told him I’d talk to his wife and see what could be done. I’m going to try to get him into rehab if he wants it and see what she’s willing to do. That was my Sunday morning. #Homelessness #HomelessIssues https://sewermeetsthesea.substack.com