Statement on Homelessness
At Homeward, we believe that all people deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, especially individuals and families experiencing homelessness. They are our neighbors and members of our community. We all face varying levels of crisis and hardship throughout our lives, some of us more than others.
Individuals and families pushed into homelessness are trying their best to navigate trauma and a housing crisis. Our response as a community should be to support and empower them. As human beings, everyone has inherent value and dignity.
Homelessness is traumatic, and we should acknowledge and respect the resilience needed to transition from experiencing homelessness to a safe, stable, and permanent home.
Building pathways to permanent homes can be challenging. Fortunately, there are a great many homeless service providers, social workers, and others who make an impact every day. These dedicated professionals work tirelessly to support the individuals and families experiencing homelessness and housing instability. These frontline workers provide comfort, guidance, and support.
We know how to solve homelessness in our region. There are a number of programs with proven track records of success in moving people from homelessness to safe and stable homes. These programs work, but we need additional investments in these solutions, including more housing and supports, such as job training and housing or financial counseling.
You can help by supporting local nonprofits that serve individuals and families experiencing homelessness in our region: https://www.homewardva.org/our-partners.
