Homelessness is a crisis that demands immediate, compassionate, and comprehensive action. Every Louisianan deserves a safe place to live, and it is our responsibility to ensure resources are available to those in need while also working to prevent individuals from remaining on the streets. To achieve this, I propose a multi-faceted approach focused on providing emergency housing, expanding mental health services, and addressing the root causes of homelessness.
Unused, state-owned facilities should be repurposed as priority emergency housing. These spaces can be transformed into safe, temporary shelters that connect individuals with the resources they need to transition into stable, long-term housing. Additionally, I will advocate for increasing the number of deployable mental health street team specialists to meet people where they are, providing critical support services like mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and access to housing programs. These teams will work to bring individuals off the streets and into emergency housing, ensuring they have a path toward stability.
While we want to provide resources and support, it is also essential to address homelessness in a way that minimizes the number of individuals living on the streets. This means combining outreach with accountability, ensuring that everyone has access to housing and services while discouraging long-term encampments. By investing in emergency housing, mental health services, and robust support networks, we can address this crisis head-on and ensure every Louisianan has the opportunity to build a stable, dignified life.