I have decided to depart from my regular format of rehashing the focus of this newsletter, which is, by the way, about Transitional Housing. Transitional Housing is a vital part of any community’s Continuum of Care...but we all know that. Enough said.

If homelessness is something that matters, then, as providers of services to and for people experiencing homelessness, we must not remain silent about the changes that need to made, not only for the benefit of homeless persons, but our society as a whole. What affects one part of our society affects every other part of our society. How can we call ourselves a civilization when some of us are without a place to call home, have no health care, and often go without meals and clothing?

How can we pass laws or ordinances that forbid people to sleep in “places not meant for human habitation,” when there is not enough truly affordable housing for everyone? How can we pass laws that make it more difficult for people to get assistance from mainstream resources when we are told by the same lawmakers that we must use mainstream resources to help homeless persons achieve greater self-sufficiency?

How can we stand by and listen when friends, neighbors and loved ones disparage persons experiencing homelessness? How can we watch the cruelty that is often inflicted upon homeless persons everyday? How can we sit by and watch homelessness being ignored?

What can we do? Speak up.