people talk about how the homelessness crisis links back to de-institutionalization under Reagan in the 80s. there's truth in that, but living in abusive state institutions is stretching the idea of housing.
i'd guess that many have never spent time in current institutions as workers or 'guests'. but they're often places where people have little to no rights in practice and are treated much like property.
many people who are unhoused are mentally ill, but so is much of the population at-large
the homelessness crisis is at the intersection of housing, jobs, cost-of-living, and healthcare crises - and is mediated by the terror known as psychiatry
bringing institutions back just hides folks away in a abusive conditions. it doesn't meaningfully improve their lives or add real stability.
to 'fix' homelessness you abolish capitalism/Empire.
treating symptoms eternally and ignoring root causes is how the US Healthcare system and capitalist politics generally function
it's not a solution
@johnbrowntypeface I would love it if there were houses where people could check themselves in if they want to, but cannot be forced to stay for any length. Like, I'm imagining a house staffed with people who are skilled in helping people who are experiencing a variety of mental health concerns.
I think the fear of being held captive prevents a lot of people from getting help. That part has to go.
@CorvidCrone @johnbrowntypeface
That's a peer respite!
Non-coercive care, in places staffed by people who've been through it too. Working together, directing our own care, building community with folks who actually KNOW what it takes to get somebody back on their feet.
One such model is Clubhouse International. There's also the Wildflower Alliance.
This is the stuff that needs to catch on. Funding is hard, the system KNOWS this work disrupts the oppressive balance.
@violetmadder @johnbrowntypeface
There should be one of these in every neighborhood
@CorvidCrone
that sounds like an autonomous group home lol
(which is apparently called peer respite)
@HeliosPi
my experience is working at a private, acute inpatient facility more recently, but even conditions there was pretty horrible (especially in medical autonomy and dehumanization)
my understanding is that state facilities (forensic or not) tend to be much worse. in Reagan's day they were only 5-10 years from still chaining people up (switched to 'humane' restraints)
john.brown_typeface
Corvid Crone
Violet Madder
HeliosPi