Patrick’s Plan to Address the Homelessness Crisis in Huntington
We can’t wait any longer to address Huntington’s homelessness crisis. Over the last three years the number of people living on our streets has grown by 62%. Veteran homelessness in Huntington shot up 24% last year, and in the past decade the number of unsheltered people (those sleeping outside or in abandoned houses) has more than tripled. These are not just numbers; they represent real people with stories and struggles who deserve compassion, support, and a chance for a better life.
If we don’t change course the problem will continue to grow, so I propose we do the following:
Adopt a Housing First strategy: a policy that provides permanent housing as quickly as possible to people experiencing homelessness. After we’ve taken care of their basic need of shelter, we can follow up with supportive services to help get them back on their feet.
Use data-driven approaches: accurate data is essential to fully understanding and addressing the problem. We need to use data to address root causes of homelessness and identify and stop unethical practices in the recovery industry. This approach will help us prevent homelessness and prosecute bad actors who are profiting from our community's suffering.
Practice deep collaboration: communities that have successfully reduced homelessness almost always do it through tight knit collaboration. We need to unite all stakeholders, including the City of Huntington, non-profits, government agencies, Marshall University, and the healthcare community, to work toward the shared goal of ending homelessness.
Imagine a Huntington where comprehensive and coordinated services are provided in an accessible location that doesn’t disrupt downtown. We can get people off the streets so police handle fewer vagrancy calls, firefighters respond to fewer emergency calls, hospitals see fewer uncompensated visits, schools have fewer students facing housing insecurity, and businesses enjoy a safer and more welcoming environment. Most importantly, our most vulnerable community members have a safe place to rebuild their lives. Now is the time to act so we can make Huntington a city where everyone has a home.
If you are interested in learning more you can find a more detailed version of my plan here.
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What do you plan to do regarding the many, many, illegal drug/recovery houses in town? Obviously these bring in persons from outside our city and place a huge burden on the legit treatment services. Not to mention hurt property values of those around them. Parkersburg seems to have done a good job curtailing this problem.
We need to help those locals who seek assistance and healing but we cannot be Americas recovery home. The 45K citizens deserve that. Thank you.
1. We have Harmony House for rapid housing. Do you plan to collaborate with their team? And how will your plan be different than theirs? After meeting housing needs, what about food insecurities? Furniture? Basic needs of toiletries?
2. Not all homeless are in active addiction. The root of most addiction is mental health and deep rooted mental health issues. You don’t need a deep data search. Spend time at the mission, speak with Marshall Health’s Project Hope.
Want to stop people like “Rocky” vet people better. Stop letting lousy rehabs pop up everywhere like a Dollar General.
3. Not only seek out our local communities outreach programs and resources but also, how other cities and states have helped their homeless populations.