On World Day of Social Justice, we pause to reflect not only on our values as a community but on the stark reality facing millions of our neighbors here in the U.S. and across the globe. At Threshold CoC, we believe that housing is not just a need, it is a fundamental human right. Ending homelessness is not an act of charity. It is the foundation of a just and thriving society.

October 10th is World Homeless Day – a day to raise awareness about the urgent issue of homelessness, challenge misconceptions, and to support practical solutions that ensure everyone has a safe place to call home.

Across the country and right here in Omaha, more and more people are working full-time, even multiple jobs, and still cannot afford a safe, affordable place to live.

Threshold CoC’s Street Outreach team is on the ground meeting people where they are—in encampments, on sidewalks, under bridges, and in alleyways. Our team provides basic necessities such as water, snacks, and hygiene supplies while also building relationships rooted in dignity and trust.

PTSD symptoms fall into four categories: reliving or re-experiencing the event, avoiding things or places that remind you of the event, negative changes in beliefs and feelings, and hypervigilance. Especially untreated, PTSD symptoms can impact a person’s ability to remain housed.

Mental health challenges can make it difficult to hold a job, maintain relationships, or navigate social services. Once someone becomes unhoused, accessing care becomes even harder, furthering the cycle.

Every April, Fair Housing Month is observed to commemorate the passing of the Fair Housing Act of 1968. This important legislation was a critical step in ensuring that individuals and families could live in safe, affordable, and accessible homes, free from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.

Access Points are designated locations within a community where people experiencing homelessness can get immediate help. These hubs serve as a gateway to a wide array of services from local providers, including shelter, food, healthcare, as well as support for long-term self-sustainability.

During National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, we look at how hunger and homelessness are connected. More than 580,000 people experience homelessness every night in the U.S., while nearly 37 million Americans struggle with hunger.

Part of our role as the leader of the local Continuum of Care (CoC) is to facilitate applications for federal funding opportunities. Loosely speaking, NOFO is a broad “competition” for federal funding dollars between Rapid Rehousing and Permanent Supportive Housing programs that serve unhoused folx in our area.

As children head back to the classroom, we must consider unhoused students who may lack the resources needed to succeed academically.