#supportive housing services

[dontmeantobepoliticalbut]

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has signed a bill that is aimed at fighting homelessness.

Called “Home IL,” it will bring state agencies, nonprofit organizations and other advocates together. The bill focuses on an equity-based approach, which includes the voices and contributions of those who have experience homelessness.

It codifies the collaboration to move Illinois to “functional zero” homelessness by bolstering the safety net, targeting high-risk populations, expanding affordable housing, securing financial stability for unhoused individuals and closing the mortality gap.

“Every person deserves access to safe shelter and the dignity that comes with housing,” Pritzker said. “This is a first-of-its-kind multi-agency cooperative effort — bringing together state agencies, nonprofit organizations, advocates, and people with lived experience to prevent and end homelessness. I’m grateful for their dedication and believe that together, we can prevent and end homelessness once and for all.”

Rockford has already taken strides in this aspect. In 2017, it became the first community to reach “functional zero” levels among veterans and the chronically homeless.

Illinois’ Interagency Task Force and Community Advisory Council works across 17 state departments and agencies, as well as over 100 processes, programs and policies, to develop a comprehensive plan to combat homelessness.

The goal of the plan is to prevent shelter entry or ensure that shelter stays are limited and lead to quick transitions into stable living situations.

Pritzker has also committed about $360 million for the initiative in his FY24 budget. These investments include:

• $118 million to support unhoused populations seeking shelter and services, including $40.7 million in the Emergency and Transitional Housing Program.

• $50 million in Rapid ReHousing services for 2,000 households, including short-term rental assistance and targeted support for up to two years.

• $40 million in Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Capital funds to develop 90+ new PSH units providing long term rental assistance and case management.

• $37 million in Emergency Shelter capital funds to create more than 460 non-congregate shelter units.

• $35 million for supportive housing services, homeless youth services, street outreach, medical respite, re-entry services, access to counsel, and other shelter diversion supports.

• $21.8 million to provide homelessness prevention services to approximately 6,000 more families.

• $30 million for court-based rental assistance.

• $15 million to fund Home Illinois Innovations Pilots.

• $12.5 million to create 500 new scattered site PSH units.

“People experiencing the trauma of housing instability are our neighbors and community members who deserve to be treated with humanity and dignity. With this cooperative effort, Illinois is ensuring our state agencies can continue to collaborate, and that stakeholders are at the table with us, to support our most vulnerable in living healthy, well, and with dignity.” Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton said. “Our state is making it clear that we will continue to work together so we can all move forward, and we will focus on holistic strategies that bring us closer to ending homelessness in our state.”

[cleverclovers]

Here are resources for if you're like me, living below the poverty line, with or without disabilities

Everyone is allowed to exist, to take up space, to have and eat food, to have housing and warmth and medical care. the USA does NOT make this easy. It should, but it prioritizes companies and the wealthy over it's citizens.

There are resources you can use if you're making less than 30% of the median income in your area in most places. You can find out what it is via google, by looking up your county's social services website. Not social security, social services.

If you're relying exclusively on SSA programs like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you ARE below that income level.

If you have a disability that keeps you from working, like severe anxiety, depression, a severe mental impairment or a light sensitive/stress sensitive medical condition like a seizure disorder or a heart issue, or most kinds of movement issues that bar you from meeting requirements like being able to lift over 50 pounds, you can talk to your doctor, get documentation, and apply for that assistance. There is no shame in applying. Just remember you should think about what you can do on your *worst* days, not on a good day. Exclusively think about your worst days when you're asking your doctor or applying for assistance, because those worst days are what are keeping you from working, or losing employment opportunities.

You can apply for SSA online, but be prepared for an in person interview, and assessment by a doctor of their choosing. If you're denied, get a lawyer. They can help you appeal and they get paid only when you get approved, so they're highly motivated to get you approved.

Things that are available to you if you're under that median income, regardless of whether you're on an SSA:

Department of (vocational) Rehabilitation-- It might go by another name in your state, but they can help you get testing for neuro divergent conditions like ADHD or Autism, address physical limitations, and help you find education, therapies to allow you to work around your issues, and help you find employment that meets your needs. This is available to you if you've been out of the workforce for a long time, as well, for whatever reason. Whether you were a home maker, or you were serving time.

Ticket to Work--A program available through social security. You can apply for this if you've been on social security for a while, and you feel like you're ready to reenter the work force. You will be given a list of companies that work with social security, and you're likely to work fewer hours or under the minimum wage. Your social security may be lowered based on your income with the program, so that's something to keep in mind.

Unemployment (through your social services branch), available if you've lost your job via firing, generally not if you've quit, to my knowledge. You have to prove you're actively seeking employment, and check in a few times a week or a few times a month based on your situation and location. Be prepared with printed out proof of your applications being turned in. Put it in a binder with plastic sleeves, use dividers to mark batch dates. The more professional you make it look the better.

Disability leave income-- This is dependent on your employer, in a lot of places, but it could be available to you. You can, and should, seek medical assistance if you're injured on or off the job to the point where it's severely impairing your work. If it's to a point where you're unable to work with accommodations, but it's recoverable, apply for disability. If it's not recoverable, apply for social security

Section 8 housing-- Available through HUD (Housing and urban development), usually a lottery or a waitlist. You have to make sure you pay attention to when applications open, and have proof of income available. Have your proof of income ready, wherever your income comes from.

Low income housing--Available in a case by case basis, first come first serve, and they generally prioritize disabled people, elderly, and families, especially families with young children or single incomes. The HUD.gov website has an interactive map that will show you it's locations, and the locations of housing that is taxpayer funded, or other forms of low income assisted programs. You apply for these on an individual building basis, and waitlists can be months to years long depending on your chosen location's population density (In san francisco, for instance, a waitlist for a low income place can be eight or more years long) You'll also need to have proof of income ready.

Charities for low income people are available to help you with deposits and first months rent, or rent for a month when you're in a pinch (One month per each 12 month period) in most urban locations. 211 can help you find these resources

Medicaid--Apply through your social services office, or social security if you're receiving it. Social services will require yearly renewal, social security will keep it up to date for you.

SNAP benefits-- You apply through social services, and you need to have all your documents ready. Proof of income, your rent information, formal or informal (either through a formal landlord or an agreement between you and your roommate or parents) as well as proof of bills and residency. If you have social security this is now available to you in most places. Use it

Cash aid--Not available to people who have social security, but it IS available to people on unemployment, disability leave, or who are generally under employed. You apply for this through social services when you're applying for SNAP.

Reduced public transit fare, or gas cards--Available in limited locations, usually urban. You should look up whether it's available in your area, and whether you have to apply through your medical insurance provider, through the transit authority office, or through your social services case worker. It's different everywhere. If you struggle with transportation, it's vital you apply.

Utility assistance--Either through the provider, or through your city. You should be prepared to offer your proof of income, whether it's social security, or SNAP, or sometimes even proof of public medical, as well as proof of residency (your lease and or official government mail, like the DMV, or financial mail like a bank statement or a utility bill)

Phone or internet assistance--Via the Federal Communications Act. Applications are only available until February 7, 2024, but your internet provider may put the cut off for turning in proof of acceptance as today (February 6, 2024), and this program will likely only be available until April. You can receive either internet assistance (up to 30 dollars), or a free cell phone with data up to one gig. You cannot get both.

Food banks. So many food banks. You have to google where they are in your area, and they may not have a lot of the things you would normally eat. A lot of it is the food people think is 'ugly' or is bordering on stale or about to hit it's expiration date, but food is food, and food close to it's expiration date can still be eaten up to two weeks after the date in a lot of cases. It's best to look up what can be eaten past it's expiration, but it's possible in a lot of situations. You just have to get really creative with what they give you. You can use these once a month, and be prepared to be honest about how many people you're feeding. If there are multiple unrelated adults in a household, you have to go separately. (I don't personally use them because I have allergies and cross contamination can be a real problem with this option. They may not have kosher or halal food, especially if it's through a christian church, and they're not likely to have meat) Some food banks will deliver if you have mobility or transportation issues.

Pet food banks--The ASPCA has these listed on their website. You can use them once monthly for pet food, clean up supplies, or pet toys. It's based on what they have available, it's not always going to be a lot, and they recommend you try other sources first, or have a back up plan. But if you need to cover a gap, it's an option. Some places have delivery as an option.

If there's a program I don't have listed, it's likely I don't know about it, and I encourage you to add it to the list. Enlighten me. Maybe there's something you know about that I don't, and it's something I can use.

Disclaimer: I don't know anything about programs or resources for unhoused people. I have been unhoused, but in that period I did not know to look for resources, and that was more than twelve years ago, now.

[pilindiel]

We are SLEEPING on the fact that Aoyama is constantly looking for praise and needs a loud power bottom like Kinjo to give him the reassurance he needs like COME ON...

[dontmean2bepoliticalbut]

[thoughtsofananon]

SOMEONE (I think @sergeantsporks ) SAID 'HUNTER' AND 'SERVICE DOG' IN THE SAME SENTENCE AND- AND-

INJREJSBINEORJS ill color it later ANYWAY-

Why Hunter should get a Samoyed:

1)I looked up 'types of dogs that look like wolves and Samoyeds were on there

2)"They seem to be made for therapy work"

3)"They additionally make great mobility service dogs"

4)

[hellishgayliath]

d'ya think Todd would just have portraits and framed photos of all the dogs he's got in his sanctuary? His hallways and walls just lined up to the brim with dog pics and not hesitating to show them off to guests whenever they come over lol

[caracalled]

thinking very hard about making yt videos about anti-consumerism.

like i tried to find a video on quittung streaming/subscription services and alternatives to them and there was just?? nothing? all people were making videos about was either how streaming sucks now or which services are the best value, but nothing about living without them?

it feels like the people around me (including me a little while ago?) are dependent on at least one service, whether it be spotify, adobe cc or netflix and there are so many other options out there but it seems completely ridiculous to people how you could live without streaming and that’s… silly??

i kinda get it because up until very recently i could not imagine not having spotify but now i have an old ipod and i borrow cds from friends or the library, or get them at thrift stores or buy music on bandcamp (i think people know some other ways to get music online too yarr) and genuinely. it’s nicer than spotify. I’m not overwhelmed all the time, it does the same thing, i don’t constantly get bored of music and hop to the next song because the process is a lot more slow-paced anyway and most importantly, i don’t stress about people seeing my playlists/spotify rewind/listening activity. nobody knows about my music now and now that thats the case i realise how much those things stressed me out before.

anyway. thinking big thoughts on this one. i think it could genuinely be a good video that would be fun to make? plus it’s a niche that hasn’t been filled yet?

[matt0044]

You know something that internet personalities or those with large platforms can do in light of the Writers and Actors striking?

Recommend shows. Be it from last decade or way back in the day. Especially whatever Streaming Services slept on in their Self-Fulfilling prophecy of cancellation. Movies that were slept on also count.

I get that something like that isn’t very trendy or (let’s be real here) algorithmic friendly but at the very least, it can be a direct refutation to those claiming that there will be no more stories to enjoy.

For Anime, Netflix’s Ultraman is a recently completed hype as hell reboot/sequel to the famous Tokusatsu hero. You don’t need to have seen the original to enjoy it as it’s of the son Shinjiro inheriting the mantle with all the catch-up that’s required. It may have the stereotypical CG Anime framerate but other times will have smooth as hell scene, especially for action.

The VAs are union with Steve Blum living it up as one of the villains if that’s a selling point.

Netflix’s Lupin might not have the Anime incarnation we know and love but Omar Sy’s Assane Diop lives up to the OG Gentleman Thief with heists and gambits that can and will make you drop your jaw. Think Sherlock but with a faaaaaaar better sense of story. So far. We’ll see.

Though originally in French, those who might not do well with subtitles might find the dub so good, it might trick you into thinking it was filmed in English.

A Netflix movie, The House, is a British stop motion horror anthology in which three act show the titular house being owned by three separate homeowners. Each one are challenge psychologically and supernaturally, a tone only enhanced by the stop motion’s inherent uncanny valley effect.

While the first two acts end in tragedy and morbidity, the third gives a different sort in comparison. It’s something a lot of viewers come away from with differing interpretations.

Netflix’s Cowboy Bebop... is a bad adaptation... but a good show. I’m sorry but the acting and even the wackadoo script wasn’t not entertaining.

Anybody got any show or movies that streaming slept on and deserve a look-see with the coming slow-down?

[hachikos]

it's insane to me how people in the US who supported an insurrection are living life but people who criticize israel for its occupation of palestine are losing their jobs, harrased, beaten, doxxed, etc.

[seraphim-soulmate]

how much mold is considered a mold problem in your bedroom also can mold make your heart rate fucked up thanks. Aoh also the wall which has the mold literally falls apart if I touch it so. Not really sure how to get rid of it also I assume there's more mold on the other side of the wall??? idk I think every couple of months I discover mold somewhere and panic and then clean it and forget about it.

[akkivee]

do you think jyushi’s band and kuukou and hitoya are friends lol????? like are they friendly with each other???? do they all go out to eat sometimes after a concert???? does kuukou occasionally text them???? does hitoya talk music with them?????? i hope so lol

[palestinianliberator]

Hi, a fellow Palestinian here, from diaspora , I cannot wait for the day we will reclaim Palestine but I also have to admit that I do not want any Israelis living there when that day comes, I would prefer them to leave, they drove my family out in 1948 in the most terrible ways and I want nothing to do with these people, they have no business being on our land. Have you ever thought in this way at some point in ur life? Or do you know anyone who thinks this is a solution they would want?

Any point in my life? How about all of my life [except an embarrassing two-state phase I had in my ignorant youth].

You're Palestinian. You were forced out of your home, your entire life changed & dictated by a supremacist settler-colony. There's no reason whatsoever to shape your return & liberation around their feelings or existence beyond the struggle to reclaim what's ours.

Where they go, how they go, that's all their problem to deal with. Their ongoing Nakba doesn't care what happens to us, so long as we're out of their way.

Setting foot in any Israeli city will fill you with a deep dread, juxtaposed against indigenous Palestinian towns & cities - it's like a tumor, modeled on US life, growing over our culture & history.

If we don't fight just as hard, with their same ferocity, to reclaim what's ours & live, grow, develop, & thrive as the society we are meant to be, then what's the point?

It will be our state, our laws & rules, our culture, our industries. If any former Israelis want to apply for visas to visit as any tourist would, sure, maybe. If any REALLY want to live on our land & integrate into our society, they can apply for visas, but there will be a very high rejection rate :/.

[ineffablefool]

This connection is supposed to be symmetrical.

[thetimelordbatgirl]

How it feels to see an animator on twitter actually blaming fans not supporting shows via merch/physical releases and resorting to piracy for why shows get cancelled:

[pandoratheprocrasticreator]

huntlow shippers who cherry-pick every single frame where these two stand next to each other and TJLC it into a secret metanarrative that they’ve actually been madly in love since the moment they met, but disney forced the crew to cut the token m/f couple during The Shortening bc somehow there was no way for these two to have any meaningful conversation in the many many times they were onscreen together

vs.

huntlow dislikers who cherry-pick those same screenshots and say that because other characters blush in non-romantic contexts sometimes, it definitely means every single interaction between these two were 100% platonic on both sides and all huntlow shippers are under a collective delusion, and that dana terrace is being held at gunpoint by disney/other members of the crew to add in a romantic subplot she hates against her will. despite it also not being romantic somehow

FIGHT

[orange-cat-ace]

Me: I believe I would benefit from a psychiatric service dog

Friends and family: I believe you would benefit from a psychiatric service dog

Doctor: I believe you would benefit from a psychiatric service dog (but we don’t do it here so talk to your psychologist/therapist)

Therapist: we can discuss an emotional support animal in our next session

Me: