In 2023, we continued to see a troubling surge in homelessness supported by HUD’s recent Point-in-Time count, which showed a double-digit increase among families, unaccompanied youth, and older Americans. At the same time, there has been an alarming rise of anti-homeless legislation championed by groups like the Cicero Institute. This distressing narrative blames and punishes homeless people, worsening their plight rather than solving it.
Amid this adversity, Invisible People has steadfastly worked since 2008 to reshape perceptions of homelessness. While supporters of criminalization push for anti-homeless laws, painting homeless people as the perpetrators rather than the victims, our mission stands strong, driven by supporters like you.
Our impactful efforts, reaching over 240 million individuals, aim to dispel harmful beliefs about homelessness. In 2023, we showcased our commitment through a multi-media approach that included:
- a documentary on How to Prevent Overdose Deaths
- an educational animated series
- the launch of our weekly news show
- Our groundbreaking documentary, “Finland Solved Homelessness: Here’s How“
We also won more than 50 film awards including The Elevate Prize Get Loud Award for Social Good at the 2023 Streamy Awards – see Mark’s acceptance speech here!
We are five years into our journalism initiative. This year, we have published 318 news articles syndicated on Apple News and Google News, that provide insightful reporting on homelessness. Here are the highlights from 2023:
How Criminalization Is Contributing to Homeless Deaths
Violence and death plague the lives of homeless individuals due to the criminalization of homelessness. Approximately 20 homeless people die each day, but probably not for the reasons you’d expect. Many of these deaths are gruesome, violent, and, perhaps even more tragically, encouraged. A growing trend of criminalizing homeless people creates an unfathomably hostile environment for our neighbors without walls. In extreme cases, it is costing them their lives.
Millions of People Endure Homelessness Every Year
The PIT Count at best guesses there are 582,000 individuals facing homelessness. But the shocking truth is that MILLIONS of Americans experience homelessness annually. Learn more about the real numbers.
Homeless Sweeps on the Rise: More Politicians Opt to Criminalize Homelessness
In part one of our series on homeless sweeps, we look at the definition of homeless encampment sweeps, the rising criminalization, and the financial interests many politicians and influential organizations have in the sanctioned encampment business.
Working Homeless: More Than Half of Unhoused People Have Jobs
Breaking stereotypes: Over half of the homeless population are hardworking individuals with jobs, yet they still experience homelessness. Let’s examine their stories and shed light on this often-overlooked issue.
Affordably Built Housing Turned into Unaffordable Apartment Complexes
The housing crisis is growing, and one thing is crystal clear: we’re short on housing, especially affordable units. Dive into our article on how builders are innovating for affordability, but rental rates remain out of reach for most residents.
How Domestic Violence Fuels Homelessness for Women
Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women. Struggling with lower wages and often caring for children, escaping one perilous situation can lead them into another – homelessness. It’s time to break this cycle.
We Asked ChatGPT How to Solve Homelessness in the Voice of Dr. Seuss
Invisible People recognizes the power of technology in bringing the issue of homelessness to wider audiences. While we understand the concerns about job displacement due to automation, we believe that the homeless sector should explore the potential of artificial intelligence to address the many challenges that homelessness presents. As a lighthearted exercise, we asked ChatGPT to offer a Dr. Seuss-style guide on solving homelessness. Here are the results.
Credit Image: © Michael Ho Wai Lee/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire
How Powerful California Storms Impact Homeless People
Torrential rainstorms have killed dozens of people in California including numerous homeless people who have been found in drainage overflow areas and on the banks of creeks and in rivers.
Facing Eviction? Take These Actions to Prevent Homelessness
Check out our expert-backed tips to prevent eviction.
When Multiple Social Systems Go Down at Once, Homelessness Prevails
We often fixate on the flaws of individual systems without realizing that our entire social safety net is strained and unraveling. Explore how these failures contribute to homelessness.
Additional Notable News Posts from 2023
San Francisco Mayor London Breed Joins Calls to Punish Homeless People, Overturn Martin v. Boise
Criminalizing homelessness via sweeps makes it harder for homeless people to secure permanent housing. We need to prioritize addressing the root causes of homelessness, not punish those in need.
New York City Faces Significant Rise in Homelessness
NYC is experiencing an increase in homelessness primarily due to skyrocketing housing costs.
The Unsurprising Aftermath of Clearing the McPherson Square Encampment
Homeless people that were “offered assistance” during the McPherson Square sweep were back living on the streets within weeks.
Canada Approves Assisted Suicide for Healthy People
Canada’s approach to organ donations from euthanasia sets a controversial precedent. Find out more about this alarming trend and its potential implications.
Sudden Homelessness is Years in the Making
Homelessness is an event that can happen suddenly. One minute a person is housed. The next minute they are not. But that’s not the entire picture.
Input from Homeless People When Studying Homelessness Is Essential
Check out this insightful interview with Dr. Margot Kushel on the significance of representative samples in understanding homelessness.
