At ISPS-US, we strongly advocate for evidence-based, compassionate approaches to mental health and homelessness, including Housing First paired with person-centered, voluntary support. Check out the message below from our friends at Seattle Downtown Emergency Service Center, Pathways Housing First, and The National Alliance to End Homelessness, on how you can help defend these crucial strategies by submitting a public comment to HUD before the October 13 deadline.
HUD continues to pursue a major shift away from Housing First. On September 11, HUD published a formal notice presenting research it claims supports this shift. It’s crucial that we help set the record straight by submitting public comments before the October 13 deadline.
Please consider joining us and submit a public comment responding to HUD’s recent claims about Housing First and the strategies it is proposing to incentivize through the Continuum of Care program.
Comments are due Tuesday, Oct. 13.
The National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH) has prepared guidance and talking points to make it easier to submit an effective comment. Your letter would be more effective if you add a little information about the work of your agency or a story about one of the clients you’ve housed.
SEE NAEH’S GUIDANCE AND TALKING POINTS
We know the comment process may not persuade HUD to change direction. But it’s critical we build a strong public record grounded in research and the firsthand experience of providers, advocates, and people with lived experience. HUD needs to hear clearly from those of us doing this work: Housing First, paired with voluntary and person-centered services, is the evidence-based and compassionate response to chronic homelessness.
Please submit a comment by Oct. 13 and share this request with others who can speak credibly about what works.
Thank you for standing with us and continuing to advocate for solutions that end homelessness for hundreds of thousands of Americans every year.
