95.3 / 88.5 FM Grand Rapids and 95.3 FM Muskegon
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Data shows changes needed in MI homeless services

Unhoused man
Sri Harsha Gera
/
Wikimedia Commons : Creative Commons CC0 1.0
Unhoused man

New research shows an “urgent” need for reform in homeless services when it comes to survivors of trauma, and the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence says, it is time to change the system

The Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence released the results of its two-year, statewide research project this month. Examining homeless services, the group says it heard from people “in the trenches;” Executive Director, Sarah Rennie saying “It’s clear we have to completely change the way we serve people.”

The report found an inequity in provision of services. Black, Indigenous and People of Color as well as LGBTQ+ people are overrepresented in groups who experience trauma and need services. Yet, the same groups are underrepresented in those receiving housing services.

The report also cited an unintentional deprioritizing of people who are experiencing interpersonal violence, often placing them in unsafe living conditions.

Clients who were prioritized showed a high rate of recidivism. Findings showed a need for wrap-around resources to address systemic challenges for individuals and aid in their success.

Authors of the study have called for a number of changes, including decreasing caseloads of advocates, bridging the systems gap between victim service providers and housing programs, and ongoing trauma, implicit bias and DEI training for staff.

Related Content