The National Alliance to End Homelessness: What You Should Know

The Mission & Purpose Of The National Alliance to End Homelessness

(DailyDig.com) – Homelessness is the state of not having a home — a safe, permanent place of residence — or the means and ability to obtain it. Homelessness is destructive and relegates people to the fringe of society. Consequently, the homeless are the most vulnerable and marginalized population.

The UN Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing, Leilani Farha, calls homelessness ‘a profound assault on dignity, social inclusion, and the right to life.’ Fortunately, numerous non-profit organizations work to prevent and end this problem.

The National Alliance to End Homelessness is one of them. Working at a federal and local level to create homelessness intervention policies, the National Alliance to End Homelessness is one of the most effective organizations working to assist the homeless.

What Is the National Alliance to End Homelessness?

The National Alliance to End Homelessness is a non-profit organization that addresses homelessness. Founded in 1983, the organization has a consistent history of supporting the homeless. With its research guiding Federal response to homelessness, the National Alliance to End Homelessness has a nationwide impact.

History of the National Alliance to End Homelessness

The National Alliance to End Homelessness was established in 1983 in response to an expanding homeless population in the United States. However, the newly founded organization didn’t start supporting permanent solutions to the vexing problem until 1987.

In 2000, the National Alliance to End Homelessness started lobbying Congress to generate plans to eliminate homelessness. At around the same time, the non-profit organization started working closely with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on programs that ensure its mission.

Over the years, we’ve seen the National Alliance to End Homelessness evolve into a national network of 10,000 service providers, government agencies, and private sector partners. Today, the National Alliance to End Homelessness is at the forefront of national efforts to support homeless lives across the United States.

How Can the National Alliance to End Homelessness Help?

The National Alliance to End Homelessness analyses policy and develops practical, cost-effective solutions to end this vexing social problem. Key among them include the Rapid Re-Housing (RRH), Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), and Crisis Response Systems.

1. Rapid Re-Housing (RRH)

Rapid Re-Housing is a time-limited rental assistance and services option for people experiencing homelessness. The goal is to help homeless persons find housing quickly, become self-sufficient, and stay housed. RRH is typically offered with preconditions (employment, sobriety, etc.) and tailored to the individual needs.

2. Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)

Permanent Supportive Housing is a highly effective solution that provides indefinite leasing or rental assistance combined with supportive services — such as health and mental health care — for the most vulnerable chronically homeless people. The permanent housing strategy is critical to eliminating chronic homelessness.

3. Crisis Response Systems

A Crisis Response System aims to identify people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, prevent homelessness when possible, swiftly connect individuals and households with permanent housing opportunities, and provide support services to those who need them.

Principle Activities

When it comes to addressing homelessness, the National Alliance to End homelessness has its method worked out. The DC-based non-profit organization aims to prevent and eliminate homelessness by applying research and data to arrive at solutions. The organization has three main activity areas:

  • Policy
  • Research
  • Capacity Building

The National Alliance to End Homelessness has a public policy department, a research arm known as the Homelessness Research Initiative, and a capacity building division referred to as the Center for Capacity Building, allowing the organization to provide research reports and public policy suggestions on homelessness.

A home provides a sense of belonging, identity, and well-being. Unfortunately, not everyone has the luxury of having a place to call home. The National Alliance to End Homelessness is one of the leading charities working to prevent and end homelessness in the United States.

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