Florida Coalition Homelessness Conference Highlights!
Today, I had the privilege of attending two incredible sessions at the Florida Conference on Ending Homelessness, each filled with powerful insights and calls to action.
The Criminalization of Homelessness
This plenary session shed light on the troubling rise in criminalization efforts across the nation, exploring the implications of a recent Supreme Court decision and the surge in violence against unhoused individuals. Data was shared to emphasize the gravity of the issue, and the speakers offered evidence-based solutions as alternatives to criminalization. Key takeaways included the importance of compassion-driven practices and the urgent need to move beyond punitive measures.
Let’s Talk Change: Youth Leading the Conversation on Homelessness
From 11:10 AM to 12:10 PM, I joined a transformative town hall where young leaders with lived experiences of homelessness took the stage. Members of the Youth Action Board (YAB) led an open, honest discussion about breaking free from short-term solutions and driving real, sustainable change. Their courage and vision were truly inspiring, reminding us why youth leadership is crucial to advocacy and change.
Key Lessons from Today’s Sessions:
• You have the power
• Listen to what they need
• We all need to come together
• Involve lived experience youth and young adults in leadership
• Purpose and passion matter
• Be a voice and speak for the cause
• Be radical and intentional
• Share your story—this is who we are
These sessions ignited my determination to keep advocating for real, impactful solutions to end homelessness. Together, through intentionality, passion, and listening to those with lived experience, we can create lasting change.