How are homelessness programs adapting to new realities?

For years, the homeless services system in Michigan has been transforming to gain a deeper insight into the numerous challenges faced by individuals. Today, these services do more than provide temporary shelter, they also try to focus on addressing the root causes, such as mental illness, substance abuse, and lack of job training. Such an approach includes services to clients to assist them in moving toward greater independence. Local community groups and government agencies are working together to ensure that emergency resources are delivered on a large scale. One successful approach has involved combining healthcare services with housing support. This holistic model recognizes that stable housing isn’t always sufficient in and of itself — people often need continued support to help them stay there. By tackling both health and social needs, homeless services in Michigan are establishing a strong safety framework for individuals facing homelessness by addressing both h...