Obama wages war on homelessness

Last week, President Obama released his new plan to prevent and end homelessness.  Titled “Opening Doors,” the plan consists of four major goals: to end chronic homelessness in five years, to end homelessness among veterans in five years, to end homelessness among families and youths in ten years, and to create a path that ends all types of homelessness.  The main strategy to achieve these goals is permanent supportive housing.  Obama feels that by increasing access to stable and affordable housing, there will be subsequent improvement in economic stability and health across the country.  

While the plan has evoked mixed reactions, it is a courageous move by President Obama.  Never before has America had a national strategy to combat homelessness, so Obama should be commended for his ambitious plan.  

Critics argue that federal strategies to end poverty and homelessness rarely succeed, but Obama’s plan calls upon private industry and the religious community for help in this endeavor, attempting to generate a national effort as opposed to an isolated government initiative.   

The plan was designed by the Inter-agency Council on Homelessness.  The Council consists of representatives from a number of key departments who have been meeting since January to construct the plan and will continue to meet in order see that it is carried out effectively.  

To view the “Opening Doors” strategic plan, visit the website below. 

http://www.usich.gov/PDF/OpeningDoors_2010_FSPPreventEndHomeless.pdf

“It is simply unacceptable for 

individuals, children, families 

and our nation’s Veterans to 

be faced with homelessness 

in this country.”