“PUBLIC HEALTH IS A POWERFUL TOOL TO LEVEL THAT PLAYING FIELD, TO BEND THE ARC OF OUR COUNTRY AWAY FROM DISTRUST AND DISPARITIES AND BACK TOWARDS EQUITY AND JUSTICE.” ~ LEANA WEN
Having supported the Downtown Women’s Center (DWC) for an extended period, I hold immense respect for their mission.
The panel on “Housing is Health: Housing as a Determinant of Health Equity & Outcomes” at the Social Innovation Summit left a lasting impact with its profound insights.
It’s crucial that we acknowledge and address our biases concerning individuals experiencing homelessness. For instance:
Misconception: Homeless individuals should merely secure employment to resolve their homelessness.
Reality: A significant number of homeless individuals are employed, some even juggling two or three jobs. The National Coalition for the Homeless suggests that as many as 40%-60% of people experiencing homelessness in the United States are employed. Nonetheless, having a job doesn’t always alleviate their homelessness or other challenges.
Lastly, the presentation on June 14, 2023, in collaboration with DWC for The California Behavioral Health Planning Council (CBHPC) meeting, provided an excellent opportunity to emphasize the value of employment social enterprises and the LA:RISE program.
Were you aware that REDF collaborates with social entrepreneurs, offering them financial support, expertise, and a sense of community to enhance the success of their businesses and the individuals they employ?