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How have other countries addressed homelessness, and what can the U.S. learn from their approaches?

Tawnya Tallet

When it comes to addressing homelessness, different countries have taken different approaches. From my research, I have noticed that there are some approaches that have been quite successful, while others have not been as effective. In this post, I will be sharing some of the approaches that have been taken by some countries, and what the US can learn from them.

One country that has taken an interesting approach to addressing homelessness is Finland. This country has adopted a housing-first approach, where the government provides permanent housing to individuals experiencing homelessness, without requiring them to go through programs or meet certain criteria. This approach has been quite successful, and has reduced homelessness in Finland by more than 35% over the past decade. One thing that the US can learn from Finland is the importance of prioritizing housing as a basic human right, and the need to provide permanent housing as a solution to homelessness, rather than temporary options like shelters.

Another country that has taken a unique approach to addressing homelessness is Portugal. This country has decriminalized drug use, and has established harm reduction practices as a key component of their homelessness strategy. This includes providing clean needles, opioid-substitution therapy, and other harm reduction services to people experiencing homelessness who struggle with substance use. This approach has been effective in reducing overdoses, and providing support to individuals living with addiction. The US could benefit from adopting harm reduction practices, as the current approach of criminalizing drug use has not been effective in addressing homelessness, and has resulted in high rates of overdose deaths.

In Japan, community-based solutions have been effective in addressing homelessness. The government has partnered with local communities and non-profits to provide outreach, support services, and employment opportunities to people experiencing homelessness. This approach has been effective in reducing homelessness in urban areas, and has provided a sense of community and belonging for individuals who may have felt isolated and marginalized. The US can learn from Japan by emphasizing the importance of community-based solutions in addressing homelessness, and by partnering with local organizations to provide support and resources to people experiencing homelessness.

In Australia, the government has developed a national strategy to address homelessness, with a focus on prevention and early intervention. This involves providing support to individuals and families at risk of becoming homeless, before they reach a crisis point. This approach has been effective in reducing the number of people who experience homelessness, and has saved the government money by reducing the need for emergency services and temporary shelters. The US can learn from Australia by adopting a prevention-focused approach to addressing homelessness, and by investing in support services that can help people before they become homeless.

Overall, there are many approaches that different countries have taken to address homelessness, and the US can learn from all of them. Some of the key takeaways include the need to prioritize permanent housing as a human right, the importance of harm reduction practices, the value of community-based solutions, and the need to focus on prevention and early intervention. By learning from these approaches, the US can develop a more effective strategy for addressing homelessness, and can work towards creating a more equitable and just society for all.