Homelessness Awareness Month in Michigan: A Call to Action

November marks Homelessness Awareness Month in Michigan, a time when the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness (MCAH) amplifies its efforts in partnership with organizations like Community Housing Network (CHN) to raise awareness and mobilize action against homelessness. For nearly 20 years, MCAH has spearheaded this initiative, bringing together communities, policymakers, and advocates to address the pressing issue of homelessness across the state.

Understanding the Scope of Homelessness in Michigan

Homelessness is often perceived as an urban issue, but recent data reveals a troubling rise in homelessness in rural areas. According to a report by MLive, homelessness increased in 10 Michigan counties, highlighting that this crisis is not confined to cities. Rural homelessness presents unique challenges, including limited access to services and resources, which can exacerbate the difficulties faced by those experiencing homelessness.

The 2024 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, a critical tool for measuring homelessness, provides a snapshot of the current situation. The latest report indicates that on a single night in January 2024, there were 8,123 individuals experiencing homelessness in Michigan. This count includes both sheltered and unsheltered individuals, offering a comprehensive view of the state’s homelessness crisis.

This year, CHN will help 21,000 Metro Detroiters to establish or maintain an affordable home, investing $9 million in the community so children, families, those with disabilities and other vulnerable populations can have a roof over their heads and stability in their lives. Our organization is also building affordable homes in cities such as Sault Ste. Marie, Petosky, and Ishpeming, as our nation’s housing crisis extends beyond our urban areas.

Key Statistics and Trends

Nationally, a record-high 653,104 people experienced homelessness on a single night in January 2023, marking a 12.1 percent increase from the previous year. This upward trend underscores the urgent need for effective interventions and sustained efforts to combat homelessness.

In Michigan, the 2024 PIT Count revealed several critical insights:

Increase in Unsheltered Homelessness: There was a notable rise in the number of unsheltered individuals, reflecting the growing challenges in securing stable housing.

Racial Disparities: Black, Indigenous, and other people of color are disproportionately affected by homelessness, highlighting systemic inequities that need to be addressed.

Michigan’s Plan to End Homelessness

Michigan’s Campaign to End Homelessness has been at the forefront of efforts to tackle this issue. The 2022 Annual Report outlines the state’s comprehensive strategy, which includes increasing access to affordable housing, enhancing the homeless service delivery system, and expanding prevention and diversion efforts. Considerable progress has been made, but there is still much work to be done.

Key achievements include:

Affordable Housing Initiatives: The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) recently approved funding for multiple affordable housing developments, which will create or preserve over 300 housing units across the state.

Legislative Advances: The introduction of the Michigan Bill of Rights for the Homeless in July 2023 represents a significant step forward. This legislation aims to protect the rights of individuals experiencing homelessness and ensure they have access to essential services without discrimination.

Community Involvement and Support

Ending homelessness requires a collective effort. Community members can play a vital role by supporting local organizations, advocating for policy changes, and participating in awareness campaigns. CHN exemplifies the impact of community support. A recent success story, “From Homelessness to Helping Others: Ronnie’s Story,” illustrates how comprehensive support services can transform lives.

Ronnie’s journey from homelessness to stability and his subsequent work in helping others is a testament to the power of community-based interventions. His story underscores the importance of providing not just housing, but also the necessary support services to ensure long-term stability and success.

What You Can Do

Here are some ways you can contribute to the fight against homelessness:

Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to local shelters and service providers.

Donate: Financial contributions to organizations like CHN can help sustain critical programs and services.

Advocate: Support policies that promote affordable housing and protect the rights of individuals experiencing homelessness.

• Urge Congress to invest in affordable homes in Fiscal Year 2025
• Tell the Michigan Legislature: “We Deserve Housing, not Hurdles!”

Educate: Raise awareness about the realities of homelessness in your community and encourage others to get involved.

Homelessness Awareness Month is a crucial time to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that remain in addressing homelessness in Michigan. By understanding the scope of the issue, supporting effective interventions, and advocating for systemic change, we can work towards a future where everyone has a safe and stable place to call home.

Together, we can make a difference. Let’s use this month to renew our commitment to ending homelessness and ensure that all Michiganders have the opportunity to thrive.