Winter Walk

Winter Walk appreciates your leadership, Delphia Bizzell! 🫶

Due to an unprecedented increase in the number of applicants, Massachusetts will no longer be able to guarantee their long-standing 'right-to-shelter' policy for homeless families. The urgency to raise funds for our homeless communities is quickly rising. Please consider making a donation today. We ask you to share our posts on your own social media in hopes of reaching as many people as possible to help end homelessness once and for all. 📸: John Tlumack/The Boston Globe #endhomelessness #dontwalkby #winterwalk #righttoshelter #massachusetts #homelessness Make a difference today: https://lnkd.in/eEz2r_PK

On its own, homelessness is known to hasten the effects of physical aging on the body: continued stress, trauma, and uncertain living conditions exacerbate this. Exposure to the elements (including, in many cases, being forced to live and sleep outside in below-freezing or extremely high temperatures, and on hard surfaces like benches and sidewalks) makes people especially susceptible. In many cases, people die while homeless of entirely treatable conditions. Without access to basic needs like food, shelter, and health care — and with no way to access critical support services — many succumb to the physical pressures of homelessness and austere environments. It’s difficult to know with certainty how many people are killed by homelessness each year. What we do know is that homelessness drops one’s average life expectancy to 50 years of age, down from a non-homeless average of about 78 years. Homeless people are more likely than others to experience injury and interpersonal violence, and some estimates place annual homelessness deaths at upwards of 13,000 people. 📃 Source: Not One More: Honoring Those Who Died Homeless; National Alliance to End Homelessness #morecommonthanyouthink #endhomelessness #lifeexpectancy #winterwalk #dontwalkby

Last summer, Boston was afflicted by rain. This year, the city is baking, with Mayor Michelle Wu this week declaring a heat emergency. Wu declared the heat emergency Monday through Wednesday, with temperatures forecast to reach into the high 90s Fahrenheit (around 36 Celsius) and the heat index expected to exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius). Similar temperatures are expected across much of New England. Boston Emergency Medical Services said it experienced a 22% increase in 911 calls on Monday. The organization said it typically expects a 10-15% increase in emergency calls during heat waves. Heat is the top cause of weather-related fatalities nationwide. And this year, the U.S. is experiencing dangerous conditions across much of the country, especially in the West. Climate scientists warn the extreme weather is a harbinger of things to come as the planet warms. . . . Extreme heat is especially dangerous for our unhoused community. Please consider donating to Winter Walk today to help protect our most vulnerable neighbors. https://lnkd.in/eEz2r_PK . . . 📃 Source: boston.com "Last summer Boston was afflicted by rain. This year, there’s a heat emergency." Nick Perry and Steve LeBlanc - Associated Press

Individuals with disabilities are twice as likely to live below the poverty line and receive unstable employment due to discrimination which puts them at a higher risk to face the odds of homelessness. Around 40% of the entire homeless population qualifies for attaining SSI or SSDI due to a physical or mental disability. Despite qualification, not every person gets approved. Among these people who are often denied SSI or SSDI, they did not have enough medical records, did not have a relationship with a doctor, or were physically unable to complete the paperwork needed to go through with the process, leaving only 14% of the applicants to be approved. #morecommonthanyouthink #disability #disabled #disabilityawareness #endthestigma #winterwalk 📃 Source: The Impact of Homelessness on People with Disabilities; The Homemore Project

Criminalizing poverty… The Supreme Court decision to uphold the ban on homeless residents sleeping outdoors is deeply troubling and will have far-reaching consequences across the nation. This ban criminalizes the act of being homeless. Local laws now impose fines and potential jail time for individuals sleeping in public spaces, whether on the streets or in their cars, using as little as a blanket for warmth or a rolled-up shirt as a pillow. Such measures punish those who are already vulnerable and marginalized. This is unconstitutional and fundamentally unjust. Why This Matters Now? During the election year, the policies we advocate for will shape the future of our communities. We must unite and amplify our voices to demand humane and effective solutions to end homelessness. How can you help today? 1. Stay Informed: Understand the implications of the Supreme Court decision. 2. Advocate for Change: Urge your local representatives to oppose policies that criminalize homelessness and support bills providing housing and essential services. 3. Join Our Efforts: Participate in Winter Walk events and campaigns. Together, we can make a powerful statement that homelessness requires compassionate and effective solutions, not punitive measures. This is a moment we cannot walk by. It is in our hands to fight for justice, dignity, and the fundamental rights of every individual, regardless of their housing status. Your support and advocacy are crucial. Thank you for your continued commitment to ending homelessness. Together, we can make a difference. In hope and partnership, Paulina & the Winter Walk Team Together, hand in hand, we have the power to create a meaningful change. Let's stand united in this vital mission. Your donation today lights the way towards a brighter, fairer world where every individual finds solace and shelter. Donate today!: https://lnkd.in/eEz2r_PK

Illegal to Sleep: Grants Pass’ Cruel War on Homelessness https://lnkd.in/gvqepXgf

Neighbors in need. This summer, a bottle of water, clean undergarments, or travel-sized toiletries could save a homeless person's life in the intense heat. Want to help make a difference? Learn more here: 🚰🧴👕❤️ https://lnkd.in/eazzdhFA

A very shameful decision.

Please see the following important message from Winter Walk Executive Director, Paulina Kusiak Daigle.