What is an Equity Based Outcome for Homelessness?

Sofia Petrulla speaks at a lectern into a microphone
July 31, 2019
Sofia Petrulla

To be honest, I personally have never understood exactly what the term “equity” means. I have heard it used in so many different contexts, but have never been able to determine a solid definition. It seemed as if equity was just a spin-off of equality, but after some research I found this to be quite untrue. Equality is treating every individual in the same manner, no matter their circumstances, and equity is providing everyone what they need to be successful - tailoring to individual needs. I found this really great analogy on how the terms differ - equality is when “whether you are two feet tall or six, you still get a five-foot ladder to reach a 10-foot platform.” Obviously, the two foot tall person would not consider this equality to be beneficial for them. Sure, it is fair treatment, but it does not provide the means to survive, achieve, or succeed. Barriers to accessing opportunity include the theory behind the ladder situation. One can be given the same exact resources but by not taking into account the personal barriers and social struggles, they are still behind. Equity is based on where one is currently and where they want to go, but specifically accounting for where they are (current standing in society). I think equity is practiced in many of the agencies we work for, however, looking at the bigger picture outside of the world of nonprofits, practices based on equity are hard to find. 

Homeless individuals are the two foot tall person. Usually at little to no fault of their own, homeless, especially homeless youth, are given the position of disadvantaged players. There are a billion factors preventing them from achieving the same levels of education, physical and mental health, income, treatment under the law, and happiness as the rest of the population. In order for those who have experienced homelessness to reach a level playing field, we must tailor the resources and services provided to account for dealing with trauma and gaining stability. Hypothetically, an equity based outcome for homelessness would look like no apparent disparity or difference in the rate of success from past homeless and non-homeless individuals.

Getting back on one’s feet is exponentially harder when one does not have a secure place to live. This is why the Homeless Alliance of WNY provides action strategies to foster collaboration in the community to implement best-practice models ensuring everyone has a home. As per the website, “The Continuum of Care (CoC) program is designed to promote community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness; provide funding for efforts by nonprofit providers, and State and local governments to quickly rehouse homeless individuals and families while minimizing the trauma and dislocation caused to homeless individuals, families, and communities by homelessness; to promote access to and effective utilization of mainstream programs by homeless individuals and families; and optimize self-sufficiency among individuals and families experiencing homelessness.” 

My work specifically falls into that first step to individualized support which takes into account circumstances and situations. My proposed drop-in center would provide care that is understanding of the past lived experiences of homeless youth and knows that in order for them to reintegrate into mainstream society, it takes a very specific approach which includes basic needs, trauma-informed care, life skills workshops, groups and peer support, connection to agencies which provide legal services, work and employment training, and ultimately a home, among many other things. Equity, in this, looks like specialized and informed help for clients of the drop-in center which will allow them to participate and achieve their ideal lifestyle.