Fight for Housing for All
If you’re reading this, you (hopefully) agree that housing is a human right. The Democratic Socialists of America support Housing for All as a main tenet of the national platform, ultimately demanding public housing for all, housing relief and rental protections for all, and abolishment of homelessness (DSA, 2024). While rising housing costs dig deeper and deeper into our pockets, many of our community members continue to find themselves experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness. Colorado Springs shamefully attempts to combat homelessness with their four shelters, known for their ever changing rules, poor food supplies and abhorrent shelter conditions, thousands of unhoused folks go without a place to sleep each night (Pikes Peak Continuum of Care, 2024). With this unforgiving system, too many people are left to fend for themselves while being forced to live on the streets. So, how do we move towards making housing equitable and accessible to all? The Housing First Model may provide some guidance towards eliminating homelessness, along with insight as to the external catalysts and systems that create the circumstances for homelessness to occur.
The Housing First approach provides no-questions-asked housing to those in need, while also offering (yet not requiring) practical support such as guidance in applying for state benefits, financial planning education, substance use cessation assistance, mental health counseling, and job training. A Housing First approach to homelessness and homelessness prevention is based on the idea that housing is a human right. The Housing First Model eliminates any requirements or stipulations that many conventional renters and landlords impose before someone is granted access to housing. By providing housing or rental assistance absent of prerequisites, people are able to focus on things that can help them maintain stable and permanent housing, such as: finding employment, pursuing education, tending to mental and physical health, exploring sobriety and engaging with community. The Housing First model is thought to be beneficial as several studies show that supportive services are more effective when the person offered services willingly participates (Housing first, 2022). In turn, folks in Housing First programs have reported significant personal benefits such as an increased sense of autonomy, choice, and control (Housing first, 2022). This humanistic approach to housing can allow those experiencing homelessness the space and support to thrive in life on their own terms, rather than focusing all of their energy and capacity into surviving.
Housing first is not only a compassionate approach to preventing and eliminating homelessness in our community, but it provides economic and social benefits as well. In Colorado Springs, it costs approximately $58,000 to provide services such as shelter, police, fire and medical emergency services to 1 chronically homeless person each year (City of Colorado Springs, n.d.). According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness (2022), cities can see a yearly savings of around $23,000 per person housed in a Housing First program. These programs also lessen the social costs of homelessness: by utilizing Housing First programs and principles, we can dismiss the city's desire to hire more police and prison personnel, lessen the strain on emergency services like hospitals and emergency rooms, and reduce tensions between housed and unhoused communities.
As we continue to fight for Housing First policies and housing for all legislation, we must organize at the local level to change the minds of our neighbors. Luckily, there are many ways to join our fight for housing for all, including talking about these issues with your neighbors and community, connecting with grassroots organizations (like DSA!), participating in your local politics and elections, showing up to city council and town hall meetings, and engaging in mutual aid with those around you. Another great opportunity to work towards Housing for All with a Housing First approach is coming up on April 1st, 2025 with Colorado Springs’ General Municipal Election. Colorado Springs’ DSA chapter has proudly endorsed fellow socialist Maryah Lauer for city council in district 3. Maryah is a steadfast candidate that we can count on to push for Housing for All policies with a Housing First approach while serving her community on city council. As a long-time community organizer herself, Maryah has built personal rapport with Colorado Springs’ unhoused community, so she understands how city council can play a larger role in eliminating and preventing homelessness through the sympathetic lens of the Housing First model. Maryah also plans to work towards DSA’s goal of Housing for All by expanding on renters protections and implementing restrictions on the purchase of housing stock by private equity and investment firms. If you’re looking for more ways to get involved and flex your socialist muscle, please visit https://maryahfordistrict3.com/ to learn more, volunteer, or donate!
References
City of Colorado Springs. (n.d.). Homelessness Prevention and Response. https://hr.coloradosprings.gov/homelessness-prevention-and-response
El Paso County Colorado. (2024, January). Housing Our Future: City of Colorado Springs Housing and Community Vitality Department. https://epc-assets.elpasoco.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/02/EPCPH-2016-Annual-Report_-Final.pdf
Housing first. National Alliance to End Homelessness. (2022, March 20). https://endhomelessness.org/resource/housing-first/
Pikes Peak Continuum of Care. (2024). PIT Totals. 2024 Point-In-Time Count. https://www.ppchp.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/PIT-Count-Summaries-1.pdf
