5 Reasons to Feel Hopeful in 2010

Homelessness reached crisis proportions in 2009. But there's reason to feel hopeful that things will take a turn for the better in 2010. Here are the top five reasons why:

5. Ending veteran homelessness

While many have called the VA's commitment to ending veteran homelessness in five years "bold," we say it's about time. The year 2010 will see changes in services available to veterans in an effort to prevent homelessness, including leveraging existing education and jobs programs, boosting the ability of veteran-owned businesses to compete for federal contracts, and spending an additional $3 billion on medical services and homeless programs. And the best part? Eighty-five percent of the additional funds for homeless veteran programs is being directed towards medical costs; thus finally acknowledging that untreated mental health issues and substance abuse are often the drivers of veteran homelessness. Read more here.

4. From crisis emerges opportunity for change

In 2009, $1.5 billion dollars of Recovery Act funding was directed to help homeless Americans. But rather than being directed towards band-aid solutions, such as opening more shelters, the money was used to fund proven solutions to homelessness, such as prevention and permanent housing solutions. This provided heavy financial backing for a much-needed paradigm shift in the way homelessness programs will operate in the future. Perhaps 2010 will see the "revolving door" replaced with a front door. Read more here.

3. Homeless, the web, and self-advocacy

Between twittering activists, homeless bloggers, tent city webpages, and online organizers, the web is giving homeless people a forum for making their voices heard like never before. In 2009 we saw homelessness explode across the web. And the voices were those of activists, both housed and unhoused. As the digital divide continues to be bridged, and internet and cell phone access becomes more affordable, it's likely that those experiencing homelessness will be able to share their experiences, dispel stereotypes, and weigh in on the discussion like never before. Read more here.

2. Homelessness will be discussed as a human rights issue

In 2009, the United Nations launched a special investigation of the U.S. for violating the human right to housing. The detailed findings of their probe will be released this year. Though this is likely to be an unflattering report, it's an important opportunity to re-frame homelessness as a human rights issue. Why is this so important? When homelessness is framed as a human rights issue it places a moral obligation on lawmakers and members of the community to see that all individuals are rightfully given access to something that is a basic necessity. Furthermore, it removes housing from the pool of issues fighting for priority. It elevates it to its rightful level of importance on the policy agenda. Read more here.

1. You!

For over 18 months, you have been reading and participating in the conversation about homelessness here at Change.org. Other conversations about homelessness have been going on new sites popping up across the web. All of this, well, talking has been incredibly encouraging. Understanding the complex causes and challenges in combating homelessness is critical to being an effective advocate. Indeed, the most hopeful aspect of the new year is the power you have to support local organization and federal policies that will make homelessness history.