Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness. Empowering Communities Ending Homelessness

Transcription

1 Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness Empowering Communities Ending Homelessness

2 Decriminalizing Homelessness Client Questionnaire & Testimonials

3

4 BACKGROUND MCAH's Legislative Action Committee was created as a vehicle for volunteers to help shape policy on issues of homelessness in Michigan. Together, we: Identify and work toward policy that better represents the needs of the homeless population throughout our state; Discuss and strategize with viewpoints from the field, urban and rural communities, and the state capitol; Train and educate ourselves and decision-makers about the impact of policy on individuals and families experiencing homelessness; and Engage and advocate with policymakers to enact change and improve the lives of our clients, friends, family, and fellow Michiganders.

5 LAC PRIORITY: DECRIMINALIZATION Problem Statement 2017 Progress Being homeless can make you a target and often this vulnerable population doesn t receive the protection and rights necessary to keep them safe while they seek new housing opportunities. Conducted agency survey on need (102 responses) Identified issues with regards to: Discrimination, Police Engagement and the Legal System Criminal Records and Returning Citizens Landlord Relations Conducted pilot of Client Questionnaire (roll-out state-wide February 1 - March 31) to gather client perspective on same three categories. Worked with leading state experts to identify state policies that will break down barriers that prevent individuals with criminal records from accessing safe and affordable housing Goals Launch communications campaign featuring testimonials to raise awareness Research on police engagement - including policies, trainings, and staff State legislation on access to housing for returning citizens: landlord incentivization, expungement, other

6 Agency Survey Findings Priorities: #1 - working with landlords to to increase available affordable housing for returning citizens #2 - Providing better training and resources to local police and judicial systems about how to work with the homeless population Relationships with police: Agencies reported slightly negative overall characterization of police relationships in the community. Both positive and negative comments were recorded The police don't like the clients we serve. The police support our agency in positive ways - attending community events, responding promptly to both emergency and non-emergency calls, clarifying laws/ordinances when asked

7 Agency Survey Findings Criminal Records/Returning Citizens: Drug charges were the most commonly reported charge on client records. Assault/Battery came in second with Traffic Offenses and Breaking and Entering / Burglary / Larceny tying for third. 39% of respondents reported knowing of a client that had purposely committed an imprisonable offence in order to spend a night in jail.

8 Agency Survey Findings Criminal Records and Returning Citizens: The majority of respondents reported assisting over 20 individuals with a criminal background on a monthly basis The majority of individual staff time dedicated to serving clients with a criminal record per month was 1-10 hours per month with nearly 50% of respondents falling in the 1-5 hours per month range The two primary barriers for those with a criminal record identified were access to housing and employment. Other forms of discrimination, access to transportation and government assistance such as food assistance, and treatment for mental health were also identified. Several respondents included comments that clients with old charges (20 years or more) also encountered these barriers.

9 Agency Survey Findings Landlord Relations: The survey did not appropriately capture information regarding landlord relations specific to criminal records and the committee is looking into additional data collection opportunities

10 Client Questionnaire Purpose Collect information from client perspective Create a snapshot Aggregate and quantify for policy recommendations Present findings to state legislators

11 Client Questionnaire Instructions February 1 - March 31 Staff administer in-person Complete in one sitting Administer during intake or within first week of relationship Do not lead client or provide answers. Only clarify if they don t understand question This is anonymous - do not write down the client s name. The agency name and location will be recorded with results Ask if the client has completed the questionnaire before. If so, do not repeat Submit completed surveys to MCAH via mail, , or fax

12 Client Questionnaire

13 Client Questionnaire

14 Client Questionnaire

15 Client Questionnaire

16 Client Questionnaire

17 Testimonial Purpose Provide clients additional opportunity to tell their story Build pool of individuals willing to give testimony in person

18 Testimonial Instructions February 1 - March 31 Voluntary Does not need to be administered in-person unless the client needs/asks for help Submit completed testimonials to MCAH via mail, , or fax

19 Testimonial

20 Testimonial

21 INTERESTED IN MORE? Participate in LAC and subcommittee calls. To sign up, contact Laurel Decriminalization meets every other month Get your CoC or LPB involved Subcommittee is able to present on findings and next steps Attend events Homelessness Advocacy Day - April 11 (tentative date) Building Michigan Communities Conference - April 30 - May 2 Breakfast of Champions - Public Policy Champion and new award (Legislative Action Committee Champion) - May 31

22 HOMELESSNESS ADVOCACY DAY APRIL 11, 2018 (tentative date)

23 Contact Laurel Burchfield Manager of Marketing, Growth, and Development Decriminalizing Homelessness Subcommittee Chair // bit.ly/decriminalizinghomelessness