HOMELESS: Shining a Light on Lives in the Shadows

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The Documentary: A Journey Towards Humanity and Hope

HOMELESS is a powerful documentary that seeks to give a voice to those often silenced by their circumstances: people living without stable housing. The film provides a raw and compassionate look into the lives of five individuals experiencing homelessness, capturing their stories, dreams, and challenges. Created as part of the Let’s Make a Difference project, the documentary’s mission is to raise awareness and funds for solutions to homelessness, making a call for societal change and collective empathy.

Through this cinematic journey, HOMELESS invites viewers to see beyond stereotypes, challenging the ways society often ignores or misunderstands the unhoused. By focusing on personal stories, the film connects us with individuals’ hopes, setbacks, and resilience, reminding us that they are part of our shared community. The National Coalition for the Homeless has praised the film as “impactful, emotional, human,” recognizing its deep commitment to highlighting the humanity of those living without a home.

The Director: Valerio Zanoli’s Vision for Social Change

Behind HOMELESS is director Valerio Zanoli, a graduate of the prestigious USC School of Cinematic Arts, who has spent his career creating socially impactful films. Zanoli’s works, such as Not to Forget and Hopeful Notes, are well-regarded for raising awareness about societal issues and advocating for underrepresented voices. With HOMELESS, Zanoli’s aim is clear: to bring the world closer to ending homelessness by sparking conversations and raising funds.

The documentary premiered at the United Nations’ World Urban Forum, a testament to its global significance, and is now used by UN-Habitat in their World Urban Campaign to promote housing rights worldwide. Zanoli’s storytelling sheds light on the harsh realities of homelessness while infusing the narrative with a sense of hope and urgency.

Synopsis: Stories from the Streets of Las Vegas

Filmed in Las Vegas, HOMELESS explores the stark contrasts of the city—where opulent casinos and resorts exist side by side with desolate streets occupied by homeless encampments. The documentary takes us into the lives of five unhoused individuals who courageously share their journeys. Through their stories, we see the complex factors that led them to the streets, the daily hardships they face, and the resilience that keeps them going.

The voices of housing advocates, including figures like Donald Whitehead Jr. of the National Coalition for the Homeless, and Catrina Grigsby-Thedford of the Nevada Homeless Alliance, further contextualize the urgent need for policy changes. It also features segments with prominent figures like U.S. President Joe Biden, the mayors of Los Angeles and New York City, the FBI Director, and the HUD Secretary.

Las Vegas serves as a mirror reflecting a crisis faced by cities across the U.S. and beyond. According to UN-Habitat, 1.6 billion people worldwide live in inadequate housing, with over 100 million lacking housing entirely. The U.S. alone sees over half a million people without permanent shelter each night. As inflation and rent prices soar, and economic uncertainties deepen, homelessness continues to grow—a crisis Zanoli hopes to shed light on through this documentary.

Critically Acclaimed 

The documentary has received widespread acclaim, described as “a cinematic portrait of everyday life on the streets” by The Flash List, “an exploration of the causes and effects of homelessness” by NY Weekly, and “an honest look at what it’s like to be homeless” by The Good Men Project. Renowned singer Andrea Bocelli expressed his support, stating:

“Home is dignity, it is life, it is the warmth, the comfort, the joy of being able to count on shelter and to offer it to one’s family. […] I believe that each of us has a moral obligation to strive for the well-being of the less fortunate.”  

A Call to Action

HOMELESS doesn’t just tell a story—it advocates for change. The film invites viewers to engage with this humanitarian crisis and participate in finding solutions. Through the support of numerous homeless organizations, influential leaders, and advocates like Andrea Bocelli, who affirmed the moral obligation to “strive for the well-being of the less fortunate,” HOMELESS aims to rally communities and policymakers alike.

As audiences worldwide connect with the film’s message, HOMELESS fosters a deeper understanding and a sense of shared responsibility. Together, with compassion and conviction, we can help create a world where everyone has a place to call home.

For more on how you can help, visit National Coalition for the Homeless and Let’s Make a Difference.

Many of us were filled with the hope that our country would finally break through the glass ceiling and elect the first woman President of the United States. Unfortunately, Tuesday delivered a different outcome. Instead, voters chose a path that has been the same all but once in our country’s history.

Looking ahead, I hope that one day our country will follow the example of others and take final steps toward equality for women. Although some feel disappointment regarding gender equity, many are concerned about the election results and the reflection they provide on our society. The majority of the electorate supported a candidate who has been widely viewed as controversial. Many perceive that these results signify a tolerance for divisive social issues.

Despite our despair, we cannot give up. Our mission transcends any individual or party, and this setback, though difficult, does not change our commitment. We may need time to process this unexpected development, but we have persevered through many administrations, each with differing stances on the issues we advocate. In moments of challenge, we have continued our work on behalf of people experiencing homelessness.

Over the last four years, the number of people on the street has grown, even under a friendly administration, and in the previous four years as well. This experience has shown that change relies not only on leadership within the White House or Congress but on the momentum created by our collective movement. Our work isn’t finished. The challenges ahead are complex, but we are resilient, and we remain committed.

The fight isn’t over. It just became more complicated and critical, but we are fighters, and we must never surrender.

 

Donald H. Whitehead Jr.

Executive Director | National Coalition for the Homeless

Last week, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an Executive Order to forcibly remove people experiencing homelessness from state lands. This decision brings with it severe and predictable consequences, reflecting a grave injustice. The National Coalition for the Homeless is taking a stand against this inhumane action. We urge you to read our official statement to understand our position and the critical issues at stake.
 

NCH is profoundly disappointed and troubled by this decision. Addressing homelessness is a multifaceted challenge that demands both compassion and thoughtful care.

 
Donald H. Whitehead, Jr., Executive Director of the National Coalition for the Homeless, emphasizes:
 
“The way a society treats its most vulnerable reflects its core values, priorities, and dedication to social justice. Criminalizing homelessness comes with serious repercussions—leading to increased costs, more suffering, and potentially even loss of life. This decision undermines our collective responsibility and commitment to addressing this pressing issue with the compassion it demands.”
 
Criminalizing homelessness comes with serious repercussions—leading to increased costs, more suffering, and potentially even loss of life. This decision undermines our collective responsibility and commitment to addressing this pressing issue with the compassion it demands.
 
It is essential to approach the issue of homelessness with boundless empathy, compassion, and commitment to finding sustainable solutions that prioritize the dignity and rights of all individuals, which is crucial for survival.
 
Encampment raids and forced evictions are not viable solutions; they only exacerbate the dire circumstances of those experiencing homelessness, who have nowhere else to turn.
 
Resorting to raids is a short-sighted and expensive approach that only exacerbates homelessness and increases the number of individuals forced to live on California’s streets.
 
Instead, Governor Newsom should focus on long-term solutions that tackle the systemic causes of homelessness, such as the shortage of affordable housing, unemployment, mental health challenges, structural racism, and substance abuse.
 
Providing adequate shelter, supportive services, and resources will better support people experiencing homelessness in transitioning to stable housing and improving their overall well-being.
 
NCH and its partners with lived experience are profoundly disheartened by this decision. However, this moment in history will not go unnoticed. While deeply saddened, the advocacy movement views this action as a powerful catalyst for change.

The rally at the Supreme Court impacted me in several ways. I was not unmoved by the underlying reason for being on the steps of the highest court in the nation: protesting the upholding of the right for people to sleep under a blanket if they didn’t have an alternative.

We were fighting extreme bias in a place that has had the most fatal attacks against people experiencing homelessness. Lawyers and elected officials were forcefully attempting to make the case that parks and the appearance of a community were more valuable than the lives of vulnerable and marginalized human beings. In a nation fractured by politics and individualism, there persists a misguided belief that fines, handcuffs, and imprisonment serve as deterrents to homelessness. Yet, tragically, the reality speaks to the improbability of such a notion.

There were many things so I will move on to the numerous positive takeaways.  For the first time in several years, there was this collaboration of advocates who worked on behalf of the unhoused population, those who were once in the population, and those currently working together to speak truth to power.  It wasn’t perfect, of course. We are still making the same mistakes pointed out by Ron Casanova in his book “Each One Teach One.”  We must always make space for people living the experience, not just those with lived experience. I take this critique personally because I had the opportunity to choose speakers.  Although I didn’t make this decision alone, it was a mistake not to lift the voices of those struggling. 

The rally on April 24th brought back a sense of nostalgia for me. The day brought back memories of buddy gray and the people of the Over-the-Rhine beloved community fighting to preserve a neighborhood surrounded by speculators, profiteers, and financial predators. Some people deeply rooted in the late 80s and 90s fights were there: Barb Poppe, Fred Karnas, and Bev Merrill were in the crowd. They know the power of organizing well and its effectiveness when we have had significant victories when we have organized and engaged in direct action.  

Our advocacy during that time brought us victory and stinging defeat.  We won the Cranston Gonzalez Act, The McKinney Vento Act, and the Education for Homeless Children and Youth Act. The losses are also numerous; Over-the-Rhine is no longer a beloved community if you are a gentrifier or partygoer. Every day, we lose a criminalization fight.  City after city resorts to hiding people who experienced homelessness in jails and institutions versus helping them into housing.

 Many longtime residents are long gone, moved to parts unknown, and replaced by fancy eateries and trendy nightclubs. The residents of Over-the-Rhine stopped protesting after the death of our leader, Buddy Gray. The community lost its will on that day. This pattern often happens when movements lose their charismatic leaders, from Dr. King and the civil rights movement to the loss of Mitch Snyder in the homeless movement. The beauty of this movement is that millions of leaders with lived experience can ensure that the Grants Pass demonstration is not a one-off; instead, it can be a harbinger of a new era of resistance. An organized Bring America Home Now Movement!

Written by NCH Executive Director, Donald Whitehead ; Edited by Kenia Mazariegos, Assistant Director of Communications

A Call to Unity in Johnson v. Grants Pass

In the face of ongoing challenges, the resilience of our community—particularly those with lived experience of homelessness—continues to inspire and drive change. One such pivotal moment of change is upon us, as the Supreme Court prepares to hear a case that could significantly impact the rights of homeless individuals across the nation: Johnson v. Grants Pass.

This landmark case centers on the rights of homeless individuals in Grants Pass, Oregon, challenging ordinances that penalize life-sustaining activities in public spaces. At its heart, Johnson v. Grants Pass isn’t just about one town; it’s a reflection of the broader struggle for dignity, respect, and the right to exist in public spaces without fear of harassment or punishment.

The Issue at Hand

For too long, our brothers and sisters without homes have faced legal and societal barriers that criminalize their existence. Sleeping, eating, and performing other necessary life activities in public spaces—their last resort—are met with penalties rather than support. Johnson v. Grants Pass brings these injustices to the forefront, challenging us all to reconsider how we treat the most vulnerable among us.

Your Voice is Your Power

This case is a rallying cry for all who believe in justice and human rights. It’s a reminder that together, we can challenge the status quo and advocate for policies that uplift rather than oppress. Your voice is critical in this fight.

Call to Action

Your involvement signifies more than just your support; it embodies hope, unity, and the unwavering belief that change is possible. Let’s stand together for justice, for dignity, and for the rights of all individuals to live freely and without fear.

Here’s how you can stand in solidarity:

  1. Sign the Petition: Add your name to the growing list of individuals calling for an end to the criminalization of homelessness. Each signature sends a strong message to policymakers about the public’s demand for compassionate and humane treatment of all individuals, regardless of their housing status.
  2. Join us for the Housing Not Handcuffs Rally on April 22, 2024, at the Supreme Court: Mark your calendars and make your presence felt. This rally isn’t just about making noise; it’s about showing the strength of our community and the depth of our commitment to change.
  3. Join with communities across the country in holding coordinated actions on April 22nd! Click here to let us know about your local event, or to learn more about what might be happening in your community. Check out our Organizing Skill Share guide for action inspiration and guidance. 

We know that laws are passed and enforced locally. Your City Council, Mayor, and police are the ones implementing anti-homeless policies (such as sweeps) now. So, local actions are really important, in addition to actions in front of the U.S. Supreme Court.

A small group of people can have a BIG impact! Together, we can demonstrate the collective power of individuals united for a common cause.

The Journey Ahead

The path to justice is long and fraught with challenges, but it’s a journey worth taking. Johnson v. Grants Pass is more than a legal battle; it’s a moral one. It’s about affirming the right of every individual to live with dignity and without fear. As we stand on the brink of this historic moment, let’s come together to support those who have been marginalized and to show that humanity and compassion can prevail over indifference and injustice.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

To learn more about Johnson v. Grants Pass and stay informed on the latest developments, here are several avenues you can explore:

  • Official Johnson v Grants Pass Case site
  • NCH info on Criminalization
  • National Homelessness Law Center and the Housing Not Handcuffs Campaign
  • National Alliance to End Homelessness
  • Supreme Court’s Official Website: The United States Supreme Court’s official website offers access to court documents, including briefs, oral arguments, and opinions related to the case. This is a primary source for accurate and up-to-date information.
  • Congressional leaders have unveiled the FY24 THUD spending bill, earmarking significant funding for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs focused on affordable housing and homelessness. The bill allocates $70 billion to HUD, marking an $8.3 billion increase from the FY23 levels. This funding boost is seen as a major achievement for the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC)’s national HoUSed campaign, advocates nationwide, and congressional supporters such as Senators Brian Schatz and Cindy Hyde-Smith, along with Representatives Tom Cole and Mike Quigley.

Key Highlights of the FY24 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Spending Bill (excerpted from the National Low Income Housing Coalition – Full link https://nlihc.org/resource/despite-tight-topline-funding-advocates-and-key-congressional-champions-secure-increased)

Noteworthy Funding Details:

– The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program receives a substantial increase, funded at $32.4 billion, allowing for the renewal of all existing rental assistance contracts and expanding assistance to 3,000 additional households.

– Homeless Assistance Grants see a $418 million increase, totaling $4.05 billion.

– The Public Housing Capital and Operating Funds receive modest increases, with the Capital Fund at $3.41 billion and the Operating Fund at $5.5 billion.

– The Native American Housing Block Grant is boosted by $324 million, reaching $1.1 billion.

– Despite some programs facing cuts, such as the HOME Investment Partnerships Program and the Choice Neighborhoods, significant resources are allocated across various housing and homelessness initiatives.

 

Analysis of Specific Programs:

– Tenant-Based Rental Assistance is set at $32.4 billion, aiming to renew all existing contracts and expand support.

– Public Housing funding includes slight increases for capital and operating funds, with a total of $3.4 billion for the capital account.

– The bill also emphasizes homelessness programs, allocating $4.05 billion for Homeless Assistance Grants, indicating a focused effort to address the homelessness crisis.

Overall Impact:

The FY24 spending bill represents a significant step towards addressing affordable housing and homelessness challenges in the U.S. While it marks progress, NLIHC and its allies continue to advocate for sustained and comprehensive investment in housing assistance to meet the growing needs of Americans facing housing insecurity.

NLIHC Budget Chart FY2024

 

Written by: NCH Policy Lead, Michele Williams ; Edited by Kenia Mazariegos

Photo by Lara Jameson

Being a member of something is like being a brick in a stone wall – a firm, solid, and supportive piece to the overall structure and integrity. At the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH), we believe in the strength of unity. We understand the intimate and severely damaging effects homelessness can have on individuals and families struggling to provide basic needs for themselves, all while being marginalized, criticized, and discriminated against.

The lingering aftermath of the global pandemic continues to cast its shadow, with its relentless onslaught having unleashed a surge of homelessness that swept across our communities, stretching the limits of our resources to their breaking point. This strain has left our communities grappling with unprecedented challenges in addressing the escalating needs of the homeless. Every day, individuals experiencing homelessness confront a multitude of battles, where survival is both a blessing for having endured the day and a punishment as they anticipate the trials of the next.

Who is advocating on their behalf? You can! Join us in this fight to protect the lives of those society has cast aside and help us raise awareness of this ongoing issue. We can no longer ignore the cry for help pouring out of every corner of the Nation. It is our duty to protect the unprotected; house the unhoused, and remember those forgotten. We believe housing is a human right. No one should be forced to live outdoors and have to brave the harsh weather conditions, with no more than a blanket, a tent, or a brick wall to protect them. It is imperative that we, as people of the people, hold our elected officials accountable, and knowledgeable of the growing need for resources in their governing areas. We at NCH are dedicated to this mission and invite you to join us in supporting this vital cause.

We greatly value the voice that each of our members brings and all that they contribute. Our Membership allows everyone the opportunity to let their voice truly be heard on what needs to be done to really make effective and long-lasting change. Advocacy is never one person’s job alone. In order to make a mission a movement, there must be a strong wave of individuals and organizations pushing toward the same goal. We strongly believe that with your continued support, we can work together to make America a better country for all its inhabitants.

 

Written by: NCH Membership Coordinator, Tyler Richardson; Edited by Kenia Mazariegos

 

What is Bring America Home NOW (BAHN)? Spearheaded by the National Coalition for the Homeless, Bring America Home NOW (BAHN)  is a Comprehensive Grassroots Campaign to End Homelessness in the United States. Led by people who have lived experiences with homelessness, BAHN focuses on the passage of federal legislation aimed at addressing the interconnected solutions to the decades-long epidemic of homelessness in the U.S.

What Is The Focus? BAHN has 6 major policy pillars that focus our movement’s fight to end homelessness. Each of these pillars have short term and long term policy focuses. As our movement progresses, BAHN will be updating and adding to our political focus areas as we push legislation on a national and local level.

Housing

Housing is a basic human right that should be available to all Americans. 

Health
Health and homelessness are inextricably linked: a safe, stable home is the prerequisite of health and well-being.  Adequate income is essential to maintain housing. To end homelessness, we must ensure livable wages and basic income for all Americans and link income to the local cost of housing.  

Livable Income

Adequate income is essential to maintain housing. To end homelessness, we must ensure livable wages and basic income for all Americans and link income to the local cost of housing.  

Education/Training 

Education and training play a critical role for many children, youth, and adults towards equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed for economic stability.

Civil Rights

Homelessness is a civil rights issue. People experiencing homelessness are too often victims of hate crimes. Homelessness disproportionately impacts people of color and LGBTQ people, who face more discrimination and barriers to jobs and housing than their counterparts. 

Racial Equity 

Homelessness is inextricably linked to systemic racism. Racial equity must be prioritized in our work to end and prevent homelessness.  

Our national partners are advocates from all around the country, sharing insight on state and citywide struggles that heavily influence our national political pillar focuses.  As a movement, we incorporate local struggles into the national discussion as a comprehensive grassroots movement to end homelessness.

Call To Collaborative Action:

We are reaching out to the public and partners to join us in our campaign to end homelessness through a comprehensive, multifaceted push for increased public awareness and successful legislation. We especially seek involvement from organizations led by people who have themselves experienced homelessness.   Sign On: https://p2a.co/v3r4bsh 

What Is the BAHN Campaign Doing To Advance The Mission and Vision of Ending Homelessness?

 

In addition to our six policy focus, the Bring America Home NOW Campaign is advancing its campaign goals by employing direct action and public mobilization strategies that are deep rooted in the civil rights movement. Civil disobedience (peaceful) and impactful. 

 

Bring America Home NOW:  2024-2025 Campaign Direct Actions Needing Your Involvement

Johnson V. Grants Pass (Supreme Court Of The United States Case) 

What?:  SCOTUS Case- Push the Supreme Court of the United States to uphold the right 

When?: Apr 22, 2024

Where?: Nationwide (with focus in DC at the Supreme Court)

Why?:  To push the Supreme Court of the United States to uphold the rights of people forced to live outdoors. “Communities are safer and stronger when everyone is housed.” Crimiali

Partners: National Homelessness Law Center and More 

Links: https://johnsonvgrantspass.com/ .

Take Off The Boards Campaign 

What?: Take Off The Boards 

When?: May 1, 2024(Michael Stoops Day of Action) tentatively 

Where?: Nationwide- At least 50 communities across the nation in blue and red states hold local actions. 

Why?: Get people housed by identifying and using existing vacant buildings. 

Partners: Homeless Union, Homeless Army/PPEHRC

Links: Take Over: The DocumentaryIn-Depth Action Planning Document

National Sleep-Out Campaign 

What?: National Sleep-Out

When?: Week of July 28, 2024

Where?: Nationwide- At least 50 communities across the nation in blue and red states will hold local actions (Mayor office, city hall, state parks…) 

Why?: Independence from unsheltered homelessness. We must  use all McKinney-Vento Funds for people experiencing homelessness now. Move PSH renewals to mainstream Section 8/voucher programs

Partners: BAHN Partners and NCH Members 

Links:https://www.bringamericahomenow.org/ 

National Homeless Army March On Conventions 

What?: March On RNC and DNC Conventions 

When?: RNC Rally July 15, 2024 and DNC Rally August 19, 2024

Where?: Milwaukee, WI and Chicago, IL

Why?: Rallies at Democratic and Republican National Conventions, March between Milwaukee and Chicago to put a spotlight on homelessness crisis in America. 

Partners: Poor People’s Army 

Links:https://www.poorpeoplesarmymarch.com/ 

Election Prep-Scorecard & Get Out The Vote 

What?: Ongoing actions related to 2024 Election

When?: September 2024, Week of September 23, 2024, November 5, 2024

Where?: Nationwide 

Why?: Ensure true representation of the community of people who are marginalized by poverty, race, or homelessness. Publish a scorecard on elected officials actions around ending homelessness. Hold registration events, assist  voters in casting their votes on or before election day. 

Partners: BAHN Partners and NCH Members

Links:https://www.bringamericahomenow.org/ 

National Homelessness Leadership Conference

What?: Leadership Conference 

When?: November 2024, Week between elections and Hunger & Homelessness Memorial Week

Where?: Northern CA, likely San Jose area

Why?: Opportunity to hear from people with lived experience and those experiencing homelessness.Bringing the movement together. We held a conference in DC and now we want to hold an event that will be more accessible to advocates nearer to the West coast.

Partners: Destination Home

Links:Destination Home’s Website

National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week 

What?: Fundraising Gatherings

When?: November 16-24, 2024

Where?: Nationwide

Why?: Inform community members,advocates and providers about BAHN and that BAHN provides a framework to prevent and end homelessness. 

Partners: BAHN Partners and NCH Members

Links:Hunger & Homelessness Week Website

National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day 

What?: Annual Memorial event

When?: December 21, 2024

Where?: Nationwide (Virtually) 

Why?: To remember people who lost their lives because of homelessness and to put the spotlight on the urgent need to address the broken system that leads to homelessness and death. 

Partners: National Healthcare for the Homeless Council 

Links:NCH Memorial Day Webpage 2020 Video of Names

National March In DC

What?: Mass Demonstration to Bring America Home NOW 

When?: May 2025

Where?: Washington, DC 

Why?: Create impact within the first 100 days of the new administration and Congress by demanding an end to Homelessness. Ensure equity in housing resources for people with limited incomes as homeowners. 

Partners: Homeless Union, Poor People’s Army, BAHN Partners and NCH Members 

Links:https://www.bringamericahomenow.org/ 

Join us in the transformative movement of Bring America Home NOW!

This grassroots campaign is fueled by the belief that together, we can enact real change. By becoming a partner in this vital endeavor, you’ll be joining forces with a community dedicated to making a meaningful difference. Sign up today and stand with us in our mission to Bring America Home NOW. Together, we possess the power to create a brighter future for all. Sign On: https://p2a.co/v3r4bsh 

I am entering my third year in my second tenure as Executive Director of the National Coalition for the Homeless, and I have great optimism. 

My optimism is driven by the reality that the rest of the advocacy world and the federal agencies have finally caught up with NCH’s philosophy of involving people with lived experience at all levels. We have witnessed a transformation at all levels to an imperfect inclusiveness that holds great potential for a more efficient and effective service delivery system.

I am also profoundly moved by the advocacy in local communities to push back against a well-organized and well-funded group of lobbyists traveling the country spreading harmful misinformation using hedge fund dollars. The Cicero Institute is circulating model legislation to force people experiencing homelessness into jails and institutions. Study after study and voluminous research has disproved the theory that incarceration or forced institutionalization has any benefit for people experiencing homelessness. In fact, research on homelessness indicates that incarceration has multiple negative impacts.

Conversely, and as we experience a cold snap across the country, I am confronted with the harsh realities that people experiencing homelessness face daily. The headlines are nearly surreal. 

The headlines in my news feed tell of a serial killer targeting people forced to live outdoors due to unregulated housing increases in Los Angeles. I have visited Skid Row multiple times, leaving with sadness and urgency. 

In the same news feed, a community in Phoenix applauds the raiding of an encampment of 800 people. All 800 had been removed from the community’s safety to only God knows where. In my experience, only a handful are housed at the end of the day, and most are pushed to parts unknown.  

People should be able to live in safe, stable housing, not parks, cars, or abandoned buildings.  

For decades, we have waited for the market to fix our severe lack of affordable housing to no avail. We have begged, pleaded, and educated elected officials to exhaustion. Our mission to end homelessness can sometimes appear intractable.

But homelessness in the United States is not inevitable, or intractable, or hopeless. I fundamentally believe that for a full restoration of justice for marginalized people, we must demand it.  

I believe the time is right for Direct Action. The homeless advocacy movement has been silent since the creation of McKinney Vento. People experiencing homelessness have relinquished leadership to providers, many of whom have compassion and good intentions but are beholden to funders, like HUD. People with lived experience have been exploited, tokenized, and devoid of any genuine voice in their own lives. 

We must organize a force led by people with lived experience that demands housing justice, economic justice, and civil and racial justice.

We often hear nothing for us without us. This is a clever statement but hollow without a demand for this direction. We demand to be creators and not evaluators, and our expertise will be compensated.

This kind of organizing is not new. It has changed the course of history multiple times in multiple places worldwide, from American chattel Slavery to the abolishment of apartheid in South Africa. The intractable has been possible and then invisible.  

I hope in reading this; you are overwhelmed with the fierce urgency of now that not one more person must die in the isolation of the sea of despair called homelessness. I know that many have moved on, not willing to relive the trauma of homelessness. However, we need your voice, your story, your triumph. 

We need people to understand that your situation was not your destiny and that even though life dealt you a bad hand, you were satisfied. We need you to join the Bring America Home Now Campaign. We cannot afford to wait; people are dying everywhere in the richest countries in the world.

Authored by Donald Whitehead, Executive Director of NCH (National Coalition for the Homeless).

 

The Bring America Home NOW campaign, spearheaded by the National Coalition for the Homelessn is excited to announce this forward thinking and youth inclusive partnership with Junior State of America (JSA) as they join to co- spearhead the Youths for Bring America Home NOW campaign. 

Junior State of America’s unwavering commitment to ensure active participation in democracy and learning through various activism  experiences perfectly aligns with NCH and BAHN’s unwavering dedication and commitment to ensuring that youth are on the decision making table not merely as participants; but as equal partners and contributors in our Housing movement and democracy. 

In alignment with JSA’s commitment to students “ setting the tone”, the National Coalition for the Homelessness and the Bring America Home NOW campaign believe that there is no group more powerful than organized and motivated youths standing up  for a cause that is greater than one individual and that requires all of us in unity and collaborative spirit. 

This partnership enables both the National Coalition for the Homeless through the Bring America Home NOW campaign and  Junior State of America to continue providing opportunities for students and youths to collaborate , volunteer, be activist, and “ gain valuable citizenship skills and experience by organizing events, participating in and moderating thought talks and debates, activism initiatives…, ” and running campaigns actions at local,  region, state, and national levels while elevating women’s leadership. 

Junior State of America’s compelling curriculum centered on civic responsibility, media literacy, and women’s leadership, combined with the national platform provided by the Bring America Home NOW campaign is critical to ensure intergenerational working and leadership. 

As I often say, there is no real social or policy change without organized public pressure; especially young people who are the strongest force for any  social justice and structural change movement. 

Francis Kalombo Ngoy

National Director- Bring America Home NOW Campaign 

National Coalition for the Homeless 

Every night, in the United States, nearly 600,000 people live on the street. National Coalition for the Homeless considers this a severe humanitarian crisis, as people experiencing homelessness often endure unimaginable hardships, facing hunger, exposure to harsh weather conditions, violence, and health risks. Treating the issue as an emergency is not only ethically right, but also strategically beneficial: By acting decisively and promptly, communities can make substantial progress toward ending homelessness and building a more just and compassionate society.

An encouraging project headed in the right direction has been taking shape in downtown Las Vegas and is contributing positively to a state grappling with homelessness challenges. National Low Income Housing Coalition has reported that Nevada faces the most severe affordable housing shortage in the nation. With a deficit of 84,000 units for its low-income and homeless populations, this state is notably affected by the lack of accessible housing options.

For ten years, filmmaker and real estate investor Valerio Zanoli has served the underprivileged community of Southern Nevada through his project Helping Vegas and the unwavering assistance of the several non-profits he collaborates with. He has successfully provided housing for more than 700 families and, beginning in 2021, he undertook the bold venture of revitalizing and expanding two rooming houses that will soon offer safe and stable accommodation to up to 25 low-income individuals and families every night (www.roominghouses.info).

Christine Hess, Executive Director of Nevada Housing Coalition, expressed her support for the role of rooming houses to serve the most vulnerable:

A rooming house is a dwelling with multiple bedrooms rented out individually, with shared bathrooms and kitchens. They are an important part of the affordable housing patchwork and often serve as the home before an individual must face homelessness, and they may also be the first step back to stability. The renovation and expansion of these two rooming houses is one example of an alternative solution that can impact multiple lives for years to come in Las Vegas.

For many years, Zanoli has used the two rooming houses to help the underserved population of Las Vegas: All the guests were ex-homeless people who were part of programs at various charities, and most of them were senior citizens, veterans, and minorities. The residents could enjoy the privacy of their bedrooms while fostering a sense of community and being reintegrated into society. They had the chance to have a place to call “home” and, above all, to have what is necessary to change their life and get back on their feet.

After being vacated in 2021, the two buildings underwent major renovations, and now have new electrical wiring and panels, AC and heating units, plumbing and sewer systems, floors, windows, doors, bathrooms, kitchens, stairs, drywall, stucco, paint, etc.

The Salvation Army was one of the organizations that could rely on the two rooming houses for its clients:

Before being vacated, the two rooming houses at 517 and 523 North 1st Street in Las Vegas, NV were often used as our last resort, as they housed people no one else wanted, no matter their past evictions and criminal history. It was laudable that people were moved in without any credit checks or applications fees, especially considering that some of our clients are particularly vulnerable and needy. The two rooming houses ensured that our veterans were not left behind. This one-of-a-king affordable housing project is an invaluable tool that will allow a great number of extremely low-income individuals and families to be rescued from homelessness.

U.S. Vets was another organization that used the two buildings to house dozens of veterans in need:

The 2 rooming houses have been of paramount importance to our underserved community in Southern Nevada. U.S. Vets has been housing veterans in these 2 rooming houses since 2015, until they were recently vacated. The 2 buildings used to be home to 18 families at the time, and they will house up to 25 families per night after their planned expansion. It should be emphasized that the 2 rooming houses were our last – if not only – resort to house those veterans no other landlord wanted to help, because of previous evictions or criminal records.

Zanoli and his team have been determined to complete the renovations as soon as possible and, thanks to their tenaciousness, they will soon re-open both buildings and make them available for Clark County Social Service to utilize them for those people who need them the most.

Tim Burch, former Director of the Social Service Department, recognized the importance of this undertaking:

 

The recent surge in rents and the lack of options for low-income families are making it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to survive. Clark County Social Service welcomes qualified partners who are willing to house our most needy members of society. CCSS is eager to move people into these 2 rooming houses as soon as renovations are completed.

In addition, the project is supported by Michele Fuller-Hallauer, Manager of the Social Service Department; Teresa Etcheberry and Randy Reinoso, Deputy Directors of the Social Service Department; and Kevin Schiller, Manager of Clark County. The latter recently took part in Zanoli’s upcoming documentary HOMELESS, which follows the stories of five people living on the street and features interviews with prominent housing advocates, including Donald Whitehead Jr., Executive Director of National Coalition for the Homeless. In the film, Schiller emphasizes the urgency of the situation and invites everyone to be part of the solution:

Every one of us is impacted by financial loss or knows somebody that is struggling in our community. What we are really trying to do is address the needs of people at their level, so they have a level of decency: They wake up in their own bed, they have four walls, and they are able to call a home a “home.” There is still a long road ahead of us, and we need to walk it together.

While most entrepreneurs measure performance in profit and return on investment, Zanoli took a different approach and has been running a successful business in the unique field of social entrepreneurship, which generates a positive “return to society.” He is committed to making a difference through the buildings he renovates and uses to provide housing to the underserved populations in Las Vegas, and through the movies he produces and directs to raise awareness and funds for important causes: living with Alzheimer’s disease, bullying, childhood illnesses, and homelessness.

Catrina Grigsby-Thedford, Executive Director of Nevada Homeless Alliance praised Valerio Zanoli and his mission:

Valerio has helped an incredible number of veterans get back on their feet. He has always shown uncommon compassion and has never turned down a veteran in need. These veterans are people who bravely served our country, and it is extraordinary that Valerio offers them the chance and hope everyone should have. Having an ally like Valerio on our side is a precious resource and an inspiration. We share a deep desire to change the world around us and impact the future to end homelessness.

Zanoli knows the importance of establishing connections as a key factor in a project of this magnitude. By bringing together service organization from the Las Vegas community, he has truly created a support system for the men and women he houses. He modestly brushes off the success of the renovations of the two rooming houses as “being lucky to have passionate supporters,” and he recognizes that it was made possible by the gracious support of:

Las Vegas Host Lions Club and Lions Clubs International 

The Las Vegas Host Lions Club, of which Zanoli is an esteemed member, is part of Lions Clubs International. Moved to action by the motto “We Serve,” the Lions are the world’s largest service club organization with more than 1.4 million members in approximately 48,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the globe. At the beginning of every meeting, all Lions make a toast: “Not above you. Not below you. But with you.” The name Lions was chosen because of the symbolism of what a lion represents: courage, strength, activity, and fidelity. The Las Vegas Host Lions Club has at its core a mission statement that is compelling and important: to empower volunteers to serve their communities and meet humanitarian needs.

The Home Depot Foundation 

 The Home Depot Foundation donated some building material. Furthermore, Team Depot will soon work to transform the housing facilities through interior and exterior painting, hardware installation, and kitchen and bathroom upgrades. Giving back to veterans is personal to The Home Depot as more than 35,000 of the company’s associates are veterans or military spouses. Since 2011, The Home Depot Foundation has invested more than $475 million in veteran causes and improved more than 55,000 veteran homes and facilities, ensuring more of our nation’s heroes have a safe, comfortable place to call home that fits their individual needs.

Renewal by Andersen 

Renewal by Andersen donated and installed new windows. The company is the start-to-finish window replacement division of Andersen Corporation, winner of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2019 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award. Renewal by Andersen offers a replacement process that includes an in-home consultation, custom manufacturing, and installation through one of the largest nationwide networks of window replacement specialists.

Harvison House 

Harvison House donated furniture for the project. This non-profit organization serves military veterans and families by providing home furnishings and medical equipment they would be unable to acquire otherwise. Harvison House reaches into the community for gently used or repairable furniture and equipment, cleans and repairs them, and delivers them to veterans’ homes.

Every one of us is impacted by financial loss or knows somebody that is struggling in our community. What we are really trying to do is address the needs of people at their level, so they have a level of decency: They wake up in their own bed, they have four walls, and they are able to call a home a “home.” There is still a long road ahead of us, and we need to walk it together.

The renovation of these rooming houses is a great example of how businesses no longer need to be focused exclusively on making money. This project should be used as inspiration for others to include social responsibility in what defines them as successful and allow themselves to be guided by how their operations benefit solutions to social, cultural, and environmental issues.

National Coalition for the Homeless believes that, as a society, we have a collective responsibility to care for our most vulnerable members and ensure they have access to stable housing and the support they need to thrive. Every individual has the right to adequate housing and a standard of living that ensures their health and well-being.

You can find additional resources and help us eradicate homelessness by visiting the website https://nationalhomeless.org/homelessness-in-the-us/