Bill of Rights for the Homeless Act : a policy analysis

In Michigan, thousands of individuals experience homelessness each year. The issue of homelessness is multidimensional, consisting of poverty, mental health disorders, and systemic inequalities impacting individuals and their surrounding communities. Michigan H.B. 4919, titled The Bill of Rights for the Homeless Act, seeks to address homelessness in Michigan by establishing a legal framework to safeguard the rights of homeless individuals. This policy analysis highlights the public health implications of homelessness and the necessity for an updated homelessness management approach in Michigan to promote social justice. This policy analysis utilizes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Policy Analytical Framework. A literature synthesis and environmental scan were conducted to determine an evidence-based solution for Michigan to adopt. A "Housing First" approach, which provides barrier-free, stable housing, was determined to be the best practice to reduce the impact of homelessness on health disparities. A rights-based approach can improve access to public services and foster a more inclusive society for homeless individuals waiting to be housed. Implementation involved poster presentations to stakeholders, including advocacy groups and local governments. Stakeholder feedback was collected to aid in formulating final recommendations for a homelessness management strategy. Smartphone polls were conducted before and after presentations with key stakeholders to gauge opinions of the recommended homelessness management policy. Polls address the policy's perceived impact on the health outcomes of homeless individuals because of the evidence-based policy solution. Results were analyzed to strengthen final policy recommendations. A "Housing First" policy alongside a Homeless Bill of Rights is an evidence-based solution to homelessness in Michigan. The enactment of this strategy will promote equity for homelessness and could improve the impact of homelessness on the individual and surrounding communities by reducing health disparities.

Author dc:creator

• Dupree, Claire B. (Claire Baker)

Contributors dc:contributor

• Goldstein, Dawn

• Homeless persons--Government policy
• Homelessness--Law and legislation
• Homeless persons--Medical care
• Homelessness--Health aspects
• Homeless persons--Civil rights

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

dnp:77
oclc:1569639888
local:R_6O1FCYShPI5vk7W

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:d.lib.msu.edu:dnp_77