Homelessness isn’t just about lacking a roof over your head. It’s often the result of deeper, less visible struggles — many of which begin in childhood. One of the most overlooked factors is the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). These include things like abuse, neglect, family instability, and exposure to violence. They shape how people grow up, how they make decisions, manage money, build relationships, and handle stress.
For many folks who end up homeless, these early experiences were never addressed — often because they were seen as “normal” growing up. When trauma becomes part of everyday life, it’s hard to recognize how much it affects you later on. Someone raised in financial chaos or emotional neglect might struggle with trust or budgeting, making it harder to hold down housing or employment.
These kinds of barriers aren’t always obvious, but they’re real. And when you add the daily challenges of homelessness — like bad weather, untreated health issues, and ongoing trauma — it becomes even harder to get back on your feet. I know this all too well and have experienced it myself. It took years to identify the root causes and even more years to truly overcome them. But because of the community and the amazing resources we have, change was possible — and sustainable.
That’s why the Housing First model has been so important. It’s a simple idea: give people stable housing first, then help them tackle other issues like addiction, mental health, or employment. It’s been backed by years of research and adopted by agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs, which saw major reductions in veteran homelessness using this approach (National Alliance to End Homelessness).
But this model is now facing serious pushback.
In July, the Trump administration issued Executive Order 14321, titled “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets.” It shifts federal policy away from Housing First and toward a more punitive, treatment-first approach (Federal Register). The order directs federal agencies to:
- Cut funding for Housing First programs (Bipartisan Policy Center),
- Tie housing assistance to mandatory treatment programs,
- Prioritize cities that criminalize homelessness (like those with camping bans), and
- Support involuntary commitment for people with mental health or substance use issues (National Law Review).
Critics say this will make things worse. Housing First has been shown to reduce homelessness by up to 88% and improve long-term stability by 41% (National Alliance to End Homelessness). Replacing it with high-barrier systems risks pushing vulnerable people further into crisis.
At St. Benedict’s Shelter and the Daniel Pitino Shelter, we continue to stand by Housing First principles. We offer low-barrier access to housing and support services, recognizing that stability is the first step toward recovery. Our shelters don’t just provide a bed — we offer dignity, safety, and a chance to rebuild.
Homelessness isn’t just about bad choices. It’s often the result of trauma, poverty, and systems that failed people long before they ended up on the streets. If we want real solutions, we need to understand those deeper issues — and protect the programs that actually work.
Please make sure to vote when you can, educate yourself on social policies, and speak out to your local, state, and federal representatives to ensure your voice and concerns are heard. It takes all of us to make an effort to end homelessness. We are the voices that those experiencing homelessness need on their side. Remember — this could be you one day, or someone close to you. It only takes one bad decision, the loss of a job, or a change in social policy to find yourself in the same situation.
Also, please take time to learn what the needs are at local agencies that provide services and work to end homelessness. The state and federal government do very little to help agencies like St. Benedict’s and Daniel Pitino Shelter stay open and operate effectively. It costs a lot of money just to keep the doors open — much less provide the programs that truly make a difference.
