Social Workers: Bringing Support and Stability to the Unhoused Community

As National Social Workers Month closes out, we at Community Housing Network want to take a moment to recognize the incredible contributions of social workers, especially those who dedicate their lives to supporting the unhoused community. Driven by empathy, social workers are the backbone of our efforts to provide comprehensive care and support to those in need, and their work is more critical now than ever.

In Michigan, over 60,000 people rely on more than 20,000 licensed social workers for various forms of assistance, including mental health services, housing support, and substance use disorder counseling.

The unhoused community in Michigan faces numerous challenges, with mental health being one of the most significant barriers to stability. Studies show that approximately 30 percent of individuals experiencing homelessness suffer from severe mental health conditions, which often prevent them from seeking help or maintaining stable housing.

Social workers play a crucial role in bridging this gap by providing mental health support, connecting individuals to resources, and advocating for their needs. This includes advocating for systemic changes that can prevent homelessness in the first place.

Social workers are pushing back against racism and inequality. They help ensure equitable access to health care and address the criminalization of homelessness. They have shaped our society in a myriad of positive ways for more than a century. They pushed for Social Security, minimum wage, a 40-hour work week, Medicare, and equal rights for people who are Black, LGBTQ+, and women.

Michigan has seen a 15 percent increase in the demand for social workers over the past five years. The social work profession is projected to grow seven percent between now and 2033 – faster than the average for all occupations. By then, more than 836,000 social workers will be employed in the U.S.

But our community needs to support them in their efforts if social workers are to continue showing up for those who depend on them; the vulnerable and diverse populations – children, older persons, those struggling with mental health and substance use disorders.

Social workers often face low pay, high caseloads, and limited resources. In response, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) hosts Capitol Action Day where social work students and professionals unite once a year to advocate for the policies that will help them provide better services to our communities and better serve the profession.

During the event this month on March 19, around 200 social workers and mental health professionals came together at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing and made a powerful impact while lobbying for social work licensure modernization, social justice issues, increased pay, and paid internships.

This work is complex, and social workers are facing numerous challenges that can cause stress, fatigue, and even disillusionment, according to NASW. The organization chose the theme, “Social Work: Compassion + Action,” for Social Work Month this year to encourage social workers to take care of themselves. Social workers are trained to address complex needs through counseling, crisis intervention, and long-term support. Their work not only helps individuals manage their mental health but also empowers them to take steps toward stability and self-sufficiency. They must prioritize compassion for themselves to effectively support those in need.   

At Community Housing Network, we encourage everyone to join us in supporting social workers by participating in advocacy efforts, spreading awareness, and showing appreciation for their invaluable contributions.