Lore Baker on Supportive Housing: A Key to Harm Reduction
I think we kind of quickly worked through the folks that just had a brief bout with homelessness, that had perhaps lost a job or gotten divorced, or had a medical emergency that didn't allow them to work for a while and that were quote unquote, a little bit easier to house right. So we still kind of have persons experiencing chronic homelessness on our streets today because we have cut a lot of mental health programs, substance abuse programs
Ever wondered how supportive housing can play a crucial role in harm reduction? In this episode of Harm Reduction Radio, Kenneth Anderson sits down with Lore Baker, the Executive Director of the Illinois Supportive Housing Providers Association, to discuss just that. They dive into the Housing First model, a revolutionary approach that prioritizes providing stable housing to individuals before addressing other issues like addiction or mental health.
Baker highlights how this model treats people as individuals with unique needs, offering a flexible and compassionate solution to homelessness and substance abuse. She doesn't shy away from the tough topics either, tackling the challenges of securing funding and the dire consequences of budget cuts on essential programs. With Illinois making strides in reducing chronic homelessness, Baker points out that financial setbacks have caused some regression, underscoring the importance of continued support and advocacy.
The episode wraps up with a powerful call to action: educate yourself about the proven benefits of supportive housing and its role in harm reduction. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in innovative solutions to addiction and homelessness.