National Coalition for the Homeless

SAN JOSE: According to a report from Mercury News, burned human remains were discovered on Monday at a homeless encampment in San Jose, after a person reported finding the remains while searching for a missing family member near Roberts Avenue and Vintage Way.

Evidence at the scene indicated murder, making the incident the city's 21st homicide of 2024. The victim’s identity will be released by the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office after confirmation and notification of next of kin.

Detectives Ivan Barragan and Catherine Van Brande can be contacted at 408-277-5283 for any information relating to the case, and crime stoppers can also be reached at 408-947-7867 or on the website siliconvalleycrimestoppers.org.

Via

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Learn about the critical developments in our nation's ongoing homelessness crisis.

MINNEAPOLIS: The Minneapolis Police Department cleared a homeless encampment at 3300 block of 3rd Ave. S. after a large fight erupted and led to the fatal shooting that took place there, according to local news station kare 11. The news report revealed that the fight that led to the shooting started inside a homeless encampment on a vacant lot and spilled out onto the street. Following this incident, police cleared and shut down the encampment. The tragic incident highlights Minneapolis's growing issue of homelessness in a context where stakeholders hope to find ways to help those in need while also addressing safety concerns. Read more: https://ow.ly/pzNC50T3eL6

VERMONT: A fire broke out in a homeless encampment in Burlington on Tuesday evening, WCAX reports. The fire department received a report of a fire in the woods on Lake Street, near the sailing center. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a 30-by-30-foot encampment ablaze. They were able to promptly extinguish the flames, containing the fire to the encampment site. Despite their efforts, no occupants were found in the area, and no injuries were reported. Follow the story: https://ow.ly/LHhy50T3eL2

CALIFORNIA:According to a report from the New York Post, a once-promising college track star has become homeless and spends her days threatening families on the streets of San Francisco. Andrews' public defender states that they are working to get her the support she needs as she experiences homelessness, emphasizing care and compassion over incarceration. The San Francisco Police Department acknowledges the challenges in providing assistance to Andrews, as she has reportedly declined offers for housing or mental health assessments. Andrews' background reveals that she was once a standout athlete and had ambitions to become a psychiatrist, but dropped out of university before completing her degree. The circumstances leading to her homelessness in San Francisco are not immediately clear, but she has family still residing in California. Read more: https://ow.ly/1BA150T3eL5

*Tragically, this is what can happen when we don't have the support systems and services in place to protect our most vulnerable. Mental health truly matters.

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Learn about the critical developments in our nation's ongoing homelessness crisis.

CHICAGO: The CBS News reports on the removal of homeless encampments in Chicago ahead of the Democratic National Convention (DNC), with some people expressing concern about the move. CBS revealed that security perimeters are being set up around the stadium for the DNC, while homeless encampments around nearby streets are being removed. The Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness is worried that the removal of the homeless could be for optics rather than a long-term solution, as there is an ongoing problem of inadequate permanent housing. Meanwhile, others like the president of the West Loop Community Organization, Julie Darling, applaud the city's efforts to control large homeless encampments for the sake of public safety. CBS News contacted the City of Chicago to ask where the homeless had been moved but did not receive a response.

Read more: https://ow.ly/BZEx50SYxGr

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NATIONAL: A recent report from USA TODAY revealed that nearly half of the households awarded housing vouchers were unable to use them, a problem that has been rapidly worsening. The study was conducted by the Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy at New York University. This failure to use the vouchers has left many families in desperate situations, including homelessness and overcrowded living conditions. It indicates that the program relies on private landlords to accept tenants with vouchers, which many refuse to do due to red tape and delays. Moreover, the timeline given to individuals to find a home is often inadequate, and vouchers do not cover costs such as security deposits and application fees. Read more: https://ow.ly/1Wc750SYxGs

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SOUTH DAKOTA: To meet the need for additional space, Union Gospel Mission is renovating an 8,000 square foot area on the third floor of its women's center, according to local news Dakota News Now. The newly-renovated facility will provide housing for up to 50 guests, specifically families with teenage boys. Previously, the women's center only allowed boys aged 11 and under, while older boys were sent elsewhere. With the new facility, boys aged 12-17 will be able to live with their mothers and siblings. Read more: https://ow.ly/5S8t50SYxGt

Sharing these stories is crucial for raising awareness of the homeless crisis. Share them with others to raise awareness and inspire action.

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A must-read.

The Supreme Court’s Grants Pass Decision Has Lit a Fire Under Homeless Advocacy Groups A wave of threats to unhoused people has pushed homeless advocacy groups to craft a menu of strategies to protect unsheltered residents, from new model legislation to calls for more federal investment.

Please support these local actions during National Solidarity Week:

📍 California
City Hall Camp Out and Community Awareness Date: 08/10/2024 | Time: 11:00 am

Event:
We are gathering as many unhoused and advocates to day camp at City hall with signs and NCH Statement on the recent Supreme Court decision

Website: https://committeeforsocial4.wixsite.com/website
Contact: Gina Quiroz
Email: [email protected]
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📍 Seattle
King County Regional Homelessness Authority
Date: 08/10/2024 | Time: 12:00 pm |

Event:
CATCH 22: Explore Empathy. Internalize compassion. Spread Understanding. Using interactive playback theater, specifically theater of the oppressed, to engage community with the experience of homelessness

Website: https://kcrha.org
Contact: Ruby Romero
[email protected]

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In light of the US Supreme Court's ruling in favor of the city of Grants Pass, we're urging everyone to contact local elected officials to protect our unhoused neighbors. The ruling has led to increased raids on encampments, which our communities see as cruel and counter-productive. Act now https://bit.ly/3Wu58P8

For decades, federal disinvestment in housing and social supports has contributed to the rise in homelessness. We need robust investment in housing options, and we must urge local officials to stop criminalizing those with nowhere to go.

Send a letter to your mayor about how they can help, not hurt, our unhoused neighbors. Join our Tweet storm and letter writing campaign to publicly call on local officials to adopt compassionate solutions to homelessness.

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There are many ways for every individual to participate in National Solidarity Week. We encourage everyone to contribute in a way that suits them best; every effort, no matter how big or small, can make a significant difference.

Check out some ways that National Coalition for the Homeless suggest getting involved and connected in the community!

Only the beginning!

Advocates for people who are homeless stage "sleep over" in Miami Beach The demonstrators are protesting against the city's law that bans camping and sleeping in public.

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21h

Tell us how lawmakers and community members can support the unhoused! Tag your lawmakers and local organizations. We’ll share all your comments!

They claim the verdict isn't harming the homeless, but we strongly disagree! Here’s what you had to say in response!

Thanks to everyone who participated!