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The problem of homelessness and the challenges faced by homeless individuals have recently garnered unprecedented attention. In Los Angeles, a city where the issue of homeless families has long been a silent, looming crisis, both the city and county authorities have released reports and are actively addressing the necessary actions.
However, putting an end to chronic homelessness demands a concerted effort, including political determination, effective leadership, collaboration, and coordination among various state and local programs to pool resources for housing and supportive services.
The National Association of Counties (NACo) has highlighted a critical insight gained from efforts to end veteran homelessness: the importance of strong commitments and coordinated efforts among state and local elected officials. This collaborative approach is crucial for generating the momentum to effectively address chronic homelessness.
According to NACo, governors, mayors, and county leaders have a crucial role in bringing together relevant partners, ensuring accountability, and coordinating strategic planning effectively to take on this urgent issue. These leaders should also be responsible for aligning health, behavioral health, reentry and housing policies, and resources to support the expansion and delivery of supportive housing, which can aid in ending homelessness.
“I hate to say it’s not rocket science, but in many ways it’s not,” said Breanne Schuster, a staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union. “It’s just a choice of whether or not we want to dedicate funds and resources and make changes in that way.”
Carolyn Perez, a program counsel at the Legal Services Corporation and former senior counsel at the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless (WLCH), recently shared her insights on Talk Justice regarding her experience providing civil legal services to individuals facing homelessness.
In the interview, Perez emphasized the prevalence of misconceptions surrounding homelessness, stressing that those visible on the streets represent just a fraction of the issue, while many homeless families remain unseen. She also sheds light on the impact of legal challenges such as medical debt, domestic violence, and natural disaster recovery, all of which contribute significantly to the loss of housing.
Perez also explained her specific views on how to combat this problem by reiterating that homelessness is not a personal failure but a policy choice that individuals can change with the appropriate resources, political will, and commitment to equity.
To listen to this episode in full, click on the link below.
Expanding on California’s persistent endeavors and substantial financial commitments to combat homelessness, Governor Gavin Newsom took a significant step on July 25, 2024, by issuing an executive order. This order mandated that state agencies and departments implement explicit policies aimed at swiftly addressing homeless encampments, all while supporting and assisting those living there. This decision was prompted by a recent Supreme Court ruling in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, which empowered cities to enforce prohibitions on sleeping in public spaces.
According to the 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR) submitted to Congress by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, California is facing a daunting challenge. It is home to the largest homeless population in the country, with over 180,000 individuals living on California’s streets. In an episode of Lawyer 2 Lawyer, J. Craig Williams and guest Gary Blasi, Professor of Law Emeritus at the UCLA School of Law, engage in a discussion about Governor Newsom’s executive order to remove homeless encampments in California. They explore the implications of this order, the recent Supreme Court decision in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, and the impact that this decision may have on the homeless community.
To listen to the full episode, click on the link below:
Legal Talk Network is a podcast network tailored for legal professionals. The network boasts a diverse lineup of hosts from esteemed organizations and brands within the legal industry and offers over 20 active podcasts. More importantly, these podcasts explore topics such as access to justice, law school, industry events, legal technology, and the evolving landscape of law.
To learn more about combatting homelessness in the United States or other pertinent legal issues, listen to Legal Talk Network’s podcasts today.
Legal Talk Network is a podcast network for legal professionals with hosts from well-known organizations and brands in legal. Over 20 active podcasts cover important legal news and developments, including access to justice, law school, industry events, legal technology, and the future of law.
