Excerpt: “Communities across the United States are facing a crisis of unsheltered homelessness. This was made clear in 2020 when, for the first time, more individuals experiencing homelessness were unsheltered living on the streets than staying in shelters. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this ongoing emergency that takes the lives of thousands of people each year. … There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but the following principles can help communities more effectively address encampments: 1) Establish a Cross-Agency, Multi-Sector Response; 2) Engage Encampment Residents to Develop Solutions; 3) Conduct Comprehensive and Coordinated Outreach; 4) Address Basic Needs and Provide Storage; 5) Ensure Access to Shelter or Housing Options; 6) Develop Pathways to Permanent Housing and Supports; and 7) Create a Plan for What Will Happen to Encampment Sites After Closure.”
Principles
(6 pages)
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