Oppose ending ‘housing first’

Urge Reconsideration of Executive Order on Homelessness I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the recent executive order addressing homelessness in our community. While I understand the intention to address this critical issue, I strongly believe that the current approach will exacerbate the problem rather than solve it. The executive order, as it stands, risks increasing homelessness rates instead of reducing them. This counterproductive outcome would not only fail to address the root causes of homelessness but also place an additional burden on our already strained social services and community resources. I urge you to oppose this executive order and instead focus on evidence-based solutions that have been proven to effectively reduce homelessness in our state. These might include expanding affordable housing options, increasing funding for mental health and substance abuse treatment programs, and implementing job training and placement services for those at risk of homelessness. It's crucial that we approach this issue with compassion and a long-term perspective. Policies that may seem to offer quick fixes often lead to more significant problems down the line. By investing in preventative measures and support systems, we can create lasting change that truly helps our most vulnerable citizens while strengthening our community as a whole. I respectfully request that you oppose this executive order and engage with housing experts, social workers, and community leaders to develop a more comprehensive and effective strategy to combat homelessness. Our community deserves an approach that addresses the complexities of this issue and provides sustainable solutions for those in need. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I look forward to seeing a revised approach that truly serves the best interests of all our citizens, especially those facing housing insecurity.