Educate

CHANGING THE NARRATIVE

The Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness removes stigmas and raises awareness about housing insecurity and homelessness which affects tens of thousands of people throughout our state.  Only by understanding homelessness – including the factors that lead to homelessness, systems of care, and barriers to accessing safe and affordable housing – can we can hope to make the change necessary to prevent and end homelessness in Michigan.
 
The Annual Report

Each year MCAH contributes data from the Michigan Statewide Homeless Management Information System (MSHMIS) to the Campaign to End Homelessness Annual Data Report and the State Action Plan. This is the most reliable means for counting the number of individuals and families who have experienced homelessness, the services they received, and other outcome data to understand the impact our communities are having

 
Homelessness in Michigan

These numbers will be updated shortly with the release of the Michigan Campaign to End Homelessness (MCTEH) 2022 Annual Report.

 
How You Can Help
You may have met someone experiencing homelessness on your commute to work, while walking downtown, or volunteering during the holidays. You may have also met someone living in their car, on a family member’s sofa, or about to lose their home and never realized how precarious their living situation is. Homeless can happen to anyone, and there is no stereotypical image of homelessness.

We can all make a difference when it comes to helping Michigan’s homeless. We all know that we can volunteer and donate at our local shelter, but there is so much more that you can do.

We asked the members of our Michigan Homeless Speakers Bureau to share ways that you can help:

  • Be respectful to individuals experiencing homelessness in your community. Treating all members of our communities with dignity and respect can go a long way in breaking down stereotypes and stigmas associated with homelessness. If you see someone needing help, look them in the eye, shake their hand, and treat them the way you would want to be treated if you were in their shoes.
  • Volunteer and donate at your local agency and homeless service providers. While it’s great to give items or show up at the holidays, these agencies need support year round, and your financial contribution allows them to purchase necessary items or support clients in ways that your other donations can’t. Not sure what your local agencies are? Call 2-1-1 for a list of local providers.
  • When you see someone on the street, give what you can. Money can help individuals do their laundry, buy food, print a resume, and so much more that will help them get back on their feet.
  • Connect folks to services via 2-1-1. While you can’t call on someone’s behalf, you can make sure that friends and strangers alike are aware of this resource.
  • Advocate at the local, state, and federal level. We invite you to participate in our annual Homelessness Advocacy Day to talk about state solutions, but there are so many ways that you can make a difference in your community. Work with local businesses to find ways to hire employees who are homeless or encourage practices that don’t criminalize those living on the street. Talk to your city and county elected officials about millages to support more housing and services. Find out your local service providers are advocating for, and join them.
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