It is time to shift the paradigm
So we can end homelessness in NJ
The deadline for submitting written testimony is today!
Persons only wishing to provide written testimony may do so by clicking here to send an email [Email address: dhs_commissioner #AT# dhs.state.nj.us - replace #AT# with @ ]:
or by mail to:
Commissioner, Department of Human Services
PO Box 700
Trenton, NJ 08625-0700Written testimony should be received no later than Monday, November 23, 2009.
The New Jersey Advocacy Network to End Homelessness has one overriding purpose, which is contained in our name – to advocate on local, state and federal levels for adequate funding and sound policies that will end homelessness.
The New Jersey Advocacy Network is composed of member agencies that have both statewide and local missions to advocate for and/or provide housing and services to people facing homelessness.
In the pursuit of affordable, safe, sustainable and supportive housing for homeless individuals and families, the Advocacy Network has adopted five “Core Principles for Ending Homelessness.” They represent a paradigm change from current practices, which we regard as essential to any future planning undertaken by the State of New Jersey. Therefore, our testimony today is to insure that these principles are in the record of public testimony before the Interagency Council to Prevent and End Homelessness.
Click here to download a copy of the “Core Principles for Ending Homelessness.”
The five core principles are:
Develop a uniform system response to homelessness
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Individuals and families need to be uniformly assessed to assure that services are provided based on need
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The system needs to have a capacity for immediate response
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Services following the immediate response, need to be based on the needs identified in the uniform assessment
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The system needs to be sensitive to the different needs of individuals and families
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The system needs to measure results.
Prevent Homelessness whenever possible
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No one should need to become homeless to receive services
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Priority should be to support people in safe, affordable housing
Rapidly re-house people when homelessness cannot be prevented
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When people are stably housed everything else stabilizes
Provide wraparound services for as long as needed to support housing stability and self-sufficiency
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Individuals and families may need support to stabilize and maintain their housing
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Those with the highest needs should receive the most enriched services
Ensure an adequate supply of safe homes, affordable to people of different incomes, in all our communities.
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Full support of Mt. Laurel doctrine.
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Advocate for NJ to adopt a right to housing.
