AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — In a newly released report, House the Homeless (http://www.housethehomeless.org/) argues persuasively that the world's richest nation has the power to end homelessness within its borders; the political will to do so is the only ingredient lacking.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131204/PH26857 )
The perplexing tragedy of homelessness today is that even people working 40 hours per week often cannot afford adequate housing. In previous generations, this was never the case. Thus, one of the themes of the 92-page report is the establishment of a Universal Living Wage, guaranteeing that basic necessities—shelter, food, clothing, etc.—can be met by everyone. For those unable to work, an overhaul of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) system is in order, for it too has not kept pace with inflation.
While establishing a Universal Living Wage will take time, House the Homeless also addresses steps that will make a difference in people's lives today. The report explores the idea that society's institutions (military, school, prison, hospital, etc.) have the power and responsibility to discharge individuals into safe, appropriate environments. "Discharge No One into Homelessness" encapsulates the ethic behind this approach, which admittedly will require a fundamental (but undeniably positive) shift in how many institutions view their members. House the Homeless investigates this concept through the practical example of the nation's prison institution.
The positive impact of ending homelessness will extend well beyond those who were formerly without stable living situations. Small businesses, local governments and taxpayers will see benefits, and not in an abstract, trickle-down economics kind of way. A Universal Living Wage will ease the burden on social safety nets and charities, while restoring dignity to the lives of millions.
House the Homeless firmly believes that all people are valuable and that no one should labor under the specter of homelessness or abject poverty. The organization mailed its recent report to Barack Obama and Joe Biden, select Cabinet members, and the entire US Congress.
About House The Homeless, Inc.
House The Homeless, Inc. is an educational and advocacy group that was founded in Austin, TX in 1989. Our mission is education and advocacy surrounding all issues of homelessness.
Contact:
Richard R. Troxell
Author: Looking Up at the Bottom Line (The struggle for the Living Wage)
www.HouseTheHomeless.org
www.UniversalLivingWage.org
PO Box 2312
Austin, TX 78768-2312
(512) 796-4366
Email