Episode158: #WorldHomelessDay2021
Sunday October 10, 2021 is #WorldHomelessDay2021. The first World Homeless Day in October 2010, came about as a result of online discussions from people doing work on the issue around the world. In the United States, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, in January 2020 there were 580,466 people experiencing homelessness. To give us some perspective on living without a home, L. Joy brings Chase Archer Evans to the front of the class, and then she brings Jacquelyn Simone to the front of the class to break down the cold facts on homelessness.
Our Guests:
Chase Archer Evans is the creator of the Intentional Homeless Association. He has experienced being without a home since the age of 18 in several states, and created this organization to help people to understand the barriers that people experiencing homelessness face. To give voice to those going through the various ways that people experience homelessness, and to place pressure on officials and the like to lend their support to ensure that everyone has the freedom to choose to live how they want to in this society.
Jacquelyn Simone (she/her) is a senior policy analyst at the Coalition for the Homeless, the nation’s oldest advocacy and direct service organization helping homeless New Yorkers. Since joining the Coalition in 2014, Jacquelyn has advocated for long-term solutions to mass homelessness in New York City and has helped organize several successful campaigns, such as winning historic commitments to supportive housing by the City and the State and establishing a right to counsel in housing court for low-income tenants. She graduated summa cum laude from Ithaca College with degrees in journalism and politics, and recently completed a Master of Public Administration degree from Baruch College.
Homework:
Research organizations in your area, as well as nationally, doing work around ending homelessness. See how you can join or support their efforts
Reach out to your elected officials regarding ensuring there is substantial funding for housing in the Build Back Better Plan because housing is infrastructure
