How do we combat the homeless issue?

Question

I live in a city with a very high homeless population (Portland OR) and I live in downtown portland so there is a lot of homeless people living there. I have often given money , food to these people as I try to help in small ways that I can. But I wonder how to look at the bigger picture. In what ways can we combat homelessness from the beginning? Some things I would suggest would making rehab less expensive so people who are using could get clean. Apparently some programs will only help you if you are sober. I feel sad that these people are living in these conditions that are often unsafe and unsanitary. What would be other ways to help the homeless crisis go down?

Answer

literally give people homes, it’s that simple and it’s cheaper

Answer

Destigmatizing and properly treating mental health issues is the biggest thing we can do. I didn't believe addictions are a symptom of undiagnosed mentally health issues. 
Plus affordable healthcare and better working conditions (more pto, unlimited sick days, more vacation days, a humane federally paid paternal/maternal leave system) 
We need to make our government treat people like people.

Answer

I have a sister who was once very very involved in helping the homeless community. She ended up leaving the volunteer work because she said that a vast majority of the people she met loved their life style and didn’t want to change. It was a life style choice. She was really discouraged as she had this dream to help them out of homelessness but they didn’t need or want her assistance.  
Maybe the deeper question is how many of those who are homeless want homes? Want to change their lifestyle? And if they want to be homeless do we even step in and do anything?

Answer

Convert bank owned properties into duplexes/triplexes/apartments for people unable to afford housing. It does not have to be a permanent place of residence, just temporary private housing for something to safely live in until they’re on their own two feet.

Answer

There are a ton of reasons why people are homeless so the solution is not gonna fit every person or place. I am born and raised in Oregon, moved all over for awhile and have lived here again for the last 4 or 5 years most of that in Portland. I was also homeless for awhile in college amd from someone who slept for 2 years in my car while getting my degrees the amount of people you'd never think are homeless would surprise you. I met teachers, accountants, professors, chemists, ect that all had careers but couldn't afford a place to live. A big issue in Portland (which thankfully is changing some) is no rent increase control. The apartment we first lived in over in St John's area was 1100 a month,  we got a notice that our rent was being raised to to 2800 90 days later. We had the money to pay a higher rent and money saved to move but when you need 1st last, deposits, app fee it is hard to just move for people. Cities also bus homeless people to other cities to rid their cities of the issue so there is that. They have tried the tiny home transitional homes (there is one over in Kenton neighborhood for women) and they have been working great but people don't like the idea of it. But homelessness is inability to pay rent, debts, addiction, housing shortages, unexpected life changes, family kicking you out for whatever reason, mental illness, medical bill issues, gentrification, low wages/poor job market, disability, post prison inability to get a job, bigotry, have easy access to internet or clean clithes/showers for job interviews etc. There are so so many reasons people can be homeless that the issue isn't an easy one. Better wages, rent control, available transitional housing and better mental health/addiction help, and basic education or job resources  is always a good start but it is rough. And when people who have never been homeless or even talked to homeless people (west linn/lake oswego/west hills/Bethany  area residents in pdx for example) are the ones who have the influence nothing productive happens because it isn't an issue that wants to be fixed for the homeless persons betterment but rather a eyesore and annoyance to hide and get rid of. And not to say homeless people are totally innocent.. there is an issue with garbage, waste, violence, in some areas but doesn't mean it is the majority. Most homelwss people want off the streets. It is scary, dangerous, degrading, debilitatingly lonely and makes you feel less than a human all the time. The unknown/unseen homeless are common and just trying to better themselves.

Answer

Oregon gal here as well. KVAL just posted about this a few days ago. There is an article about Oregon lawmakers proposing $400 million for housing and homelessness. Project turnkey and all that. Repurposing hotels and such into housing, getting funding into the communities for shelters, hygiene, housing, other needs. Probably because the homeless issue in Oregon has gotten so bad. Portland and Eugene seem to be the highest currently. I'm hoping the proposal passes and they start getting these hotels repurposed soon. Before Summer hits and definitely before next Winter hits. It's not the full solution, but it's a decent start.

Answer

Seen that not all homeless people are addicts the problem clearly lies in not having enough housing available. At least here in the UK this is the major problem.

Answer

Raise the minimum wage to a living wage, evaluate and restructure the educational system, provide appropriate childcare at affordable rates, expand after school programs, ensure access to transportation, food, and employment, provide healthcare to all, fix the justice system, ensure access to rehab when needed on a long term, sustainable way.

Answer

They need to actually house people. 
Get in touch with local homeless programs and people who serve the homeless in your area- learn what is being done and pressure local government to help the homeless and not just kick them down the road every once in awhile. 
I have seen a few programs from Oregon to house the homeless, I knew someone who was running an initiative to give them tiny homes but I don't know how successful their efforts were. The efforts might be better with the support of local governments & more funding from the state or community. But yeah, basically society is choosing to shame them rather than actually help.

Answer

Build more shelters. 
Have a business incentive or use federal funds to build more shelters.

How do we combat the homeless issue?

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