NY-603 Continuum of Care

At a time of a housing affordability crises, increased criminalization of homelessness, and threats of funding cuts including CoC programs, the work of Invisible People is more crucial than ever. The Keys for the Homeless Conference is proud to host founder Mark Horvath, whose powerful storytelling gives voice to the unhoused. As the conference keynote, he offers an authentic call for change to all attendees, including service providers, elected officials, and community members. Save the Date: December 11 at the Melville Marriot, Melville, NY. https://lnkd.in/eyNAcPYC https://lnkd.in/eYKDmYMZ Invisible People https://lnkd.in/ewb68qep

The Continuum of Care (CoC) — which underpins supportive housing in this country — is in jeopardy. With a government shutdown deadline looming next week, we need Congress to act and commit to a Continuing Resolution that protects our communities. Our federal elected officials must fight to #savethecoc.HousingPlus stood beside the Supportive Housing Network of New York and others today to rally in support of the COC. #supportivehousing

As our community embarks on a five-year strategic plan, a top priority is reducing unsheltered homelessness. This requires community wide education, collaboration, and also recognizing the importance of real time information about what people are experiencing on the street. Visit lihomeless.org or email coc@addressthehomeless.org to get involved with our local street outreach committee or join our January 2026 homeless count efforts.

Join this webinar to learn more about creating pet-inclusive housing policies. I’d love to see you there!

Many cities are embracing anti-camping or public sleeping bans to address homelessness, but evidence from Miami‐Dade and Florida suggests these bans don’t work — and can even make things worse. Criminalization displaces rather than solves: people are pushed from one location to another, with few pathways to stability. Fines, arrests, and bans do not create homes. They often make access to housing, work, and services harder. What does seem to help: 👉 Investing in “Housing First” approaches — permanent, affordable housing with supportive services.  👉 Building more units (permanent or transitional), navigation centers, tiny homes, and expanding shelter / low-barrier facilities. 👉 Engaging in outreach, connecting people on the street with services before penalties escalate.  👉 Treating people like human beings - and remembering we all want a safe, affordable place to call home. Laws that criminalize homelessness might feel like they’re “doing something,” but unless paired with serious investment in affordable housing, wraparound supports, and compassionate policy design, they simply move the problem around. We need solutions that solve — not punish. https://lnkd.in/e7smknVn

New case study: Jackson/West Tennessee is proving that housing-focused strategies work. By scaling up housing, partnering with landlords, and leading with data, they're reducing unsheltered homelessness across 23 counties. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e9sJGkSk

Today we’re launching #10Days10Reasons #SupportiveHousingSavesLives — a 10-day countdown to the expiration of the current federal budget deal. Supportive housing is on the line. There are thousands of reasons why permanent #supportivehousing is essential — but with just 10 days left, we’re spotlighting 10 powerful reasons why Congress must act now to protect this life-saving resource. #10Days10Reasons #SupportiveHousingSavesLives CC: Hon. Hakeem Jeffries Kirsten Gillibrand United States Senate U.S. House of Representatives