At West Valley Community Services (WVCS), we remain steadfast in supporting our unhoused neighbors, especially in light of the recent Johnson v. Grants Pass ruling, a significant legal decision that underscores the importance of our work. We believe that every person deserves the right to rest safely and with dignity, and this decision highlights the importance of continuing our efforts to create compassionate and sustainable solutions to homelessness.
Public spaces should be inclusive and safe for all, regardless of housing status. We know from experience that punitive measures do not solve homelessness. The most effective approach lies in investing in affordable housing and focusing on prevention. At WVCS, we take pride in our Haven to Home (HTH) program, which assists unhoused individuals in Cupertino, Los Gatos, Saratoga, and West San Jose. In 2022 alone, we supported 77 new households through the HTH program, underscoring our dedication to helping those in need.
In addition to providing shelter, WVCS plays a crucial role in keeping people housed, a vital aspect often under-recognized in our region. While we are grateful for the collaboration between the city, county, and nonprofits, it’s clear that we all face resource limitations. Yet, one of our most outstanding achievements at WVCS is preventing homelessness by helping people stay home.
Our advocacy team has been working tirelessly to shift the conversation about homelessness, focusing on decriminalizing homelessness and destigmatizing our unhoused neighbors. As cities and counties clear out encampments, many unhoused individuals lose their belongings. With limited shelter options in the West Valley region, our unhoused community members are forced to sleep outside or in spaces not meant for habitation.
WVCS believes in a Housing First approach, which recognizes that when people have stable housing, they can better focus on other essential needs. Housing is a critical foundation for improving the overall well-being of individuals experiencing homelessness.
We urge our community and leaders to prioritize approaches that emphasize housing, compassion, and long-term solutions. Your support is crucial. Together, we can create a future where everyone has a safe place to call home.
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