If you choose to write about this editorial from the Cape Cod Times August 20th, 2016 edition, I'd like you to identify in complete sentences five major points in the essay, including the thesis, supporting evidence, concession/refutation and conclusion.
After your identification work, list and define 5 challenging words or key phrases (e.g. consensus, "permanent supportive housing").
Permanent supportive housing: A plan for the homeless
The homeless issue in downtown Hyannis is a wrenching challenge, one that needs to be addressed but with solutions that are caring, competent, and meet the needs of all segments of the community.
On June 12, the Cape Cod Times published a thoughtful editorial "Clear Conscience," regarding what the community can do to resolve the issues of homelessness. The editorial correctly points out that "there are a limited number of resources for the homeless on Cape Cod, and most of these are located, for better or worse, in Hyannis." We agree.
We have listened to business people, social service providers, politicians, and our neighbors, all seeking a long-term solution – relieving downtown Hyannis of homelessness. We have observed the frustration (and anger) vented at the Housing Assistance Corp., owners of the NOAH Shelter, the town's only homeless shelter, for continuing to house homeless persons in need of emergency shelter. We have monitored the town's Transitional Living Center Steering Committee in the search for consensus, support, and locations. We have watched our public safety personnel use a variety of resources and tactics to assist.
We know from our investigation of the homeless issue that communities attempt to manage solutions by first providing emergency shelters, and when this no longer appears effective, move to transitional living centers. But transition to what? Is the transitional living center another way to "kick the can down the road?" The Times editorial notes "that a certain percentage of homeless individuals include people who suffer from mental illnesses, drug addiction, or a combination of the two." Will the transitional living center resolve the issue of homelessness? We believe it will not.
We believe that the community can more effectively address the housing and rehabilitation needs of the chronically homeless in Barnstable by proposing a permanent supportive housing facility as a long-term and better alternative to emergency shelters and transitional living centers. Indeed, the federal government's HEARTH Act, passed in 2009, amended and reauthorized the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, and placed a greater emphasis on permanent supportive housing and rapid re-housing as permanent housing solutions to homelessness. The shift away from transitional housing as a response to homelessness began in 2013 and continues into 2016 and beyond.
Thus, we are proposing a two-phase approach, which first provides temporary relief to our downtown Hyannis business and residential community, and secondly provides a permanent supportive housing facility in our community, where all social service organizations can coordinate and provide, in one location, the support and health services the chronically homeless population so sorely needs.
Our plan and approach is simple and achievable. We are actively discussing with state officials the potential of using Joint Base Cape Cod for a temporary one- to two-year supportive housing facility while we, as a community, come together to achieve consensus, financial support, and a location with all stakeholders to construct and manage a permanent supportive housing facility in the town. Our proposal seeks to develop a solution for up to 50 chronically homeless persons and veterans.
Why permanent supportive housing? Our investigation indicates that people experiencing chronic homelessness, who are directed to permanent supportive housing, save taxpayers' money, and that permanent supportive housing is more effective and less costly than emergency shelters and transitional housing solutions. We do not want to "erase the reality or humanity of these individuals," as noted in the Times editorial, and we believe that with the community, commonwealth, and stakeholders working together we can achieve a longer-term and workable solution. We invite and look forward to the community's participation.
Will Crocker is a Barnstable town councilor and GOP candidate for state representative in the 2nd Barnstable District. Anthony Schiavi is former executive director of Joint Base Cape Cod, and a GOP candidate for the Cape and Islands State Senate District.
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