The United States witnessed a staggering surge in homelessness, reaching unprecedented levels. On any given night, over 650,000 individuals find themselves without a place to call home. Compounding this crisis is the stark reality that those experiencing homelessness disproportionately grapple with untreated mental illnesses and substance use disorders, exacerbating their struggles to secure stable housing.
To shed light on this pressing issue, a groundbreaking program ventures to the streets of New York City, offering a platform for individuals with lived experiences of homelessness to voice their needs firsthand. The program, aptly titled “The Homelessness Crisis & Mental Health,” led by Call to Mind host Kimberly Adams, serves as a beacon of awareness and advocacy.
Central to the program’s narrative are insights from experts advocating for a paradigm shift in addressing mental health care for those experiencing homelessness. These voices champion the notion that no-strings-attached housing stands as a cornerstone for effective intervention and support. By prioritizing access to stable housing, individuals can begin their journey towards recovery and stability.
In tandem with the program’s broadcast, a roster of invaluable resources stands ready to offer assistance and support to those in need:
Abode: Dedicated to combating homelessness, Abode empowers low-income and unhoused individuals by facilitating access to affordable, stable housing and fostering advocacy efforts to tackle the root causes of homelessness.
Breaking Ground: A New York-based nonprofit, Breaking Ground provides comprehensive support and resources, including affordable housing, mental and physical healthcare, and essential benefits, to bolster individuals’ pathways to stability.
Catholic Charities USA: With a century-long legacy of service, Catholic Charities USA extends aid to individuals experiencing poverty nationwide through robust advocacy initiatives and disaster relief efforts.
CUCS: Center for Urban Community Services: Operating at the intersection of housing, health, and social services, CUCS offers integrated programs tailored to the unique needs of New York City’s most vulnerable populations.
Coalition for the Homeless: Through a multifaceted approach encompassing services and resources, the Coalition for the Homeless endeavors to mitigate homelessness in NYC, supporting individuals in crisis and advocating for systemic change.
Covenant House: Committed to serving homeless youth and survivors of human trafficking, Covenant House provides round-the-clock services aimed at fostering immediate and long-term stability and empowerment.
These resources, among others listed, serve as lifelines for individuals navigating the complexities of homelessness and mental health challenges. As communities rally together to address this crisis, the program and its associated resources offer hope, support, and a collective call to action in pursuit of lasting change.
