pile second hand shoes
Pile of second hand shoes on shelf at weekend market.
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Fix Homelessness How to rebuild human lives

Fix Homelessness

Understanding the Homeless Debate

This column begins year two of my weekly writing specifically about homelessness: 52 down, 52 to go, and then it’s time to turn columns into a book. People new to the homelessness debate often find the recommendations of various groups confusing. So here’s a simplified, maybe over-simplified means of understanding the big four prescriptions: Let’s unpack this. Housing First advocates in government and at the National Alliance to End Homelessness say homeless individuals should receive permanent housing with no questions asked: They cannot be required to address their alcoholism or addictions, nor should they be pushed to meet with mental health professionals or take any medications. Further, Housing First emphasizes “client choice” regarding the housing that is offered: Those who Read More ›

Two RVs Explode in Crown Hill Neighborhood

RV Explosion Update Authorities say Sunday afternoon, two RV’s parked on 8th Ave NW went up in flames in the Crown Hill hood. This is a stretch right underneath the Holman Rd NW overpass. No injuries. Neighbors say they heard propane tanks explode and possibly ammunition. They also say drug deals happen out of the RV’s on the regular. The city along with Councilmember Dan Strauss (@CMDanStrauss) are aware of the situation and have already cleared this encampment several months ago. But the Seattle Department of Transportation (@seattledot) is struggling to keep up with enforcement. Last check, there were 5 RV’s total parked here and several tents. Unclear when the city will move in to sweep. Some neighbors are now Read More ›

Stolen $150k Forklift Found in Duwamish Greenbelt Homeless Encampment

Hidden Seattle A few days ago, outreach group We Heart Seattle (@weheartseattle) found a stolen United Rentals (@UnitedRentals) forklift abandoned in a #Seattle homeless encampment along the East Duwamish Greenbelt. But there was much more. Walking further into the heavily wooded area, we discovered a constellation of tents and structures, even some set up under I-5 which is Washington State Department of Transportation (@WSDOT) property. We spoke to several people who say they are intentionally trying to live off the grid. This is a choice. Once again, this is not a housing issue. “Housing first” is not working. Yet this entire region is doubling down on this failed policy. There are people who do not want to pay rent, bills, Read More ›

City of Burien Continues to Clear Encampments Despite King County “Legal Threat”

Dismissing Dow In what may be one of the most defiant moments of the year, the #Burien business community and volunteers decided to ignore legal threats made by King County Executive Dow Constantine (@kcexec,) and proceeded to sweep a problematic homeless encampment on their own. No law enforcement showed up Thursday morning and it was completely orderly. This could be a playbook for other communities tired of being strong armed by #KingCounty. It all depends on how Martin v. Boise is interpreted and applied. Back in 2018, the landmark ruling struck down Boise’s city-wide public camping ban because it lacked adequate emergency public shelter beds. Non-profit Burien Cares (@BurienCares) officially took over the lease for this plot of land and Read More ›

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Our Mission

Discovery Institute’s Fix Homelessness initiative offers innovative research and compassionate solutions to the growing crisis of homelessness, addiction, and mental illness facing many American cities. Our mission is to serve as a resource for policy leaders, business owners, and neighborhood organizations trying to meaningfully reduce homelessness and to help those suffering realize their full human potential.

[not] anything helps

Discovery Institute’s Center on Wealth & Poverty is leading a research project on homelessness, addiction, and mental illness. Our mission is to help city leaders, business owners, and neighborhood organizations meaningfully reduce homelessness and improve lives. 

Resources

National Report

“Housing First” — and often only — has demonstrably failed. Congress and the Executive Branch need to focus more on untreated mental illness and substance abuse to reduce homelessness, drug overdoses, jail overcrowding, and misuse of emergency rooms. Herein we make policy recommendations to Congress to truly help rebuild human lives.

Legal Guide

We have created a legal guide for cities to maintain compliance with the Martin v Boise decision. The guide outlines best practices for compliance and provides models for successful ordinances that balance enforcement, housing, and legal requirements. The guide is written by Joseph Tartakovsky, attorney for the City of Boise in the Martin v Boise case.

Case Studies

We have created case studies of cities that have delivered cost-effective and rapid results on homelessness. We’ll show you how San Diego built an emergency shelter and moved 700 people off the streets, how Burien eliminated camping in public parks, and how Modesto reduced quality-of-life crimes associated with homelessness by 83 percent — all within 60 days. 

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