Welcome to Committee on the shelterless

The Abbé Pierre Foundation (FAP) has warned that homelessness and terrible living circumstances are rising in France. The nonprofit estimates 330,000 homeless persons in France in its annual study, released on Wednesday. This is 30,000 more than the previous year and a 130% rise over 2012, the date of the most recent INSEE research on the issue. The study also addresses the government and the "inadequacy" of its efforts to address the problem. That is why discussing homelessness with children in French schools is critical.

English Language Learners account for approximately one in every seven kids enrolled in New York public schools yearly. Homeless students make up a significant proportion of this category, increasing by more than 55% in seven years. By the end of the school year 2023, one in every six English language learners, or 24,000 pupils, was homeless.

Researchers and campaigners have lately started to doubt the use of the word "homeless," mainly when it refers to a group of people ("the homeless"). Even while community members and the media still use the phrase often, and in some circumstances, even prefer it, some contend that it dehumanises those who are homeless and reduces their identity to a single, denigrated trait. Given this conversation, Dictionary.com just included "unhoused" as a distinct phrase that can replace "homeless." Kelly says that rather than characterising a significant portion of the population by a single transient characteristic, using more inclusive words like "unhoused" and "unsheltered" "can attend to an increasingly diverse set of experiences" and elevate the humanity of those suffering homelessness. As suitable alternatives, some supporters also favour "houseless" and "people without homes.".

In addition to his long career in police work, Chief Williams holds a Master's degree in Leadership, which we know he will put to good use in his new leadership role on the COTS Board of Directors. Chief Williams has worked in law enforcement for over 30 years. Prior to coming to the City of Petaluma, Chief Williams served as Police Chief for the City of Desert Hot Springs for many years.

Robert has spent most of his life in Sonoma County. But last year, his family was crammed into one room in a family member’s apartment. Robert made an important decision to put his children first, and address his substance abuse issues. After finishing the program, he and his family moved into the Kids First Family Shelter.