Tell Me More: Substance Use and Homelessness

Deep Dive, From GFW, Tell Me More

1,537 words, 8 minutes read time.
We start this series with one of the most pervasive myths about people experiencing homelessness. We hope this post provides some much needed clarity on the subjects of substance use disorder (SUD) and addiction. If you or someone you love is struggling with a substance use disorder or addiction, you can call the National Helpline (USA) at 1-800-622-HELP (4357), or our local information desk at 211.

What the “Silver Tsunami” means for people experiencing homelessness

From GFW, FYI, Public Education

1,105 words, 6 minutes read time.
The term “Silver Tsunami” is a metaphor for the increasing number of older adults reaching retirement age. First used in the 2010s, it usually refers to the potential challenges that could be faced by employers, healthcare providers, and the housing markets as record numbers of people begin retiring, needing increasingly complex healthcare, and downsizing their homes. It is now, unfortunately, also an apt metaphor for the changing landscape of those experiencing homelessness.

What is “Homelessness”?

From GFW, FYI, Public Education

1,170 words, 6 minutes read time.
Whether you’ve been working in homeless services for years or are new to the realities faced by this community, you’ve likely got a lot of questions about the information you’re finding. Why does every service provider have a different number of homeless individuals? Why are the numbers so different from each other? How can the Coalition of Homeless Service Providers say there are 2,500 individuals experiencing homelessness, but the school says over 12,000 children are homeless? None of it makes sense!