Turning Point Community Services

TPCS is proud to offer a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach tailored to individual needs that is more effective than merely providing housing alone. Our ultimate goal is to address the complex challenges that contribute to our mothers and families’ homelessness and help them achieve long-term housing stability and independence. Providing housing alone is not enough to meaningfully address homelessness. Some best-practice approaches human services organizations like TPCS are doing for the homeless include: ▪️ Providing wraparound services, such as mental health counseling, addiction treatment, job training, and financial literacy education to address the root causes of homelessness. ▪️ Offering employment assistance, healthcare access, community integration initiatives, and programs for homelessness prevention. ▪️ Providing transitional and supportive housing with case management and support to aid in the transition from homelessness to independent living. If you are interested in learning more about TPCS and you can help us help our families, please contact Dawn at dschwartz@tpcsinc.org #endfamilyhomelessness #endhomelessness

We are disappointed to share that SCOTUS ruled in favor of Grants Pass rather than the 250,000 Americans who sleep outside on a given night. A ruling like this does not end homelessness, rather it punishes people for existing in public simply because they have nowhere else to go. Studies and experience show that criminalizing homelessness is a waste of taxpayer dollars and makes it harder to connect people with housing. This ruling is a clear sign that SCOTUS, like politicians of both parties, would rather criminalize American citizens with our tax dollars instead of supporting them by ensuring people have safe, dignified housing. Homelessness is solvable, but focusing on ticketing and increasing the prison population takes resources away from all Americans—resources that could support the homeless population instead. We need to take collective action against this ruling. Please petition, call, and email your local politicians, and act together to fight this decision as we work to find better solutions in our communities. #SCOTUS #endhomelessness #GrantsPass

More than 600,000 people experience homelessness on a given night in America—nearly half of these people (250,000) sleep outside. Homelessness is increasing across the country, as more and more hardworking households struggle to make ends meet. Rent is expensive, wages are too low, and we have seen decades of failed housing policies. Instead of focusing on solutions like rental assistance and eviction prevention, cities and states are trying to arrest their way out of homelessness. We believe the solution is not court or jail. The solution is to provide people with housing with services and policies that can help reduce rates of poverty. By June 30th, SCOTUS will have made their decision. Let’s all hope Johnson wins! If not, it will give cities and states permission to punish people who are forced to sleep outside, even when they have no other safe option. A ruling like this would not only do anything to end homelessness, it would punish people for existing in public simply because they have nowhere else to go. #johnsonvgrantspass #endhomelessness

Juneteenth provides an important opportunity to raise awareness about the continued challenges facing the Black community, including housing insecurity and homelessness. Some key points on this: 🔴Systemic racism and inequities have resulted in disproportionately high rates of homelessness among Black Americans. Factors like employment discrimination, lack of access to affordable housing, and higher poverty levels all contribute to this. 🟠Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people, but the legacy of slavery and racism has persisted in the form of barriers to economic and housing stability for many Black individuals and families. 🟢Homelessness organizations, advocacy groups, and community leaders often use the Juneteenth holiday as a platform to shine a light on these ongoing disparities. They may host events, panel discussions, or campaigns to educate the public and spur action. Addressing the root causes of homelessness in the Black community, such as structural racism, requires sustained, multi-faceted efforts. This can include increasing affordable housing, providing job training and employment support, and investing in under-resourced neighborhoods. Juneteenth presents an annual opportunity to recommit to these efforts and maintain focus on the work that still needs to be done to achieve true racial equity, including in the realm of housing and homelessness. #Juneteenth #BlackHistory #CelebrateFreedom

As housing affordability and resulting workforce issues grow in severity across the country, our local governments must help public and private organizations address housing needs, and develop strategies and solutions tailored to each community. They play a key role in addressing this challenge and creating strategies to ensure adequate and affordable housing for their residents. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to the housing affordability crisis, as each community has its unique challenges and needs. This is why local governments should assess their specific circumstances and work in partnership with stakeholders to develop tailored strategies and solutions that best suit their community's housing needs. #endhomelessness #endfamilyhomelessness #communityengagement #affordablehousing

Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers and father figures out there! At Turning Point Community Services, we recognize the vital role fathers and father figures play in shaping strong, resilient families. Today, as we celebrate fatherhood, let's raise awareness about the unique challenges many fathers face, including homelessness and housing instability. Did you know that family homelessness is a significant and growing issue in the U.S. with families comprising 30-50% of the homeless population? While many of these families are headed by single mothers, we understand that many take on the roles and responsibilities of both parents. Together, we can ensure every parent has the opportunity to create a brighter future for their children. #FathersDay #SupportFamilies #EndHomelessness #TurningPointCommunityServices #FamilyStrength #TPCS [Sources: National Alliance to End Homelessness, Family Gateway]

Did you know summer is one of the worst seasons for the homeless population?⁣⁠ ⁣⁠ We proudly support and provide a safe and secure environment for at least 24 mothers and their children during the hottest season. We offer them all of our life-changing programs and services to help get them on their path to independence and stability.⁣⁠ ⁣⁠ Here are some of the most challenging elements of being homeless in the summer:⁣⁠ ⁣⁠ 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐕𝐮𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲⁣⁠ ▪︎ In many cases, single moms and their kids find shelter among friends and family. However, once school lets out and all the kids are home, their support systems are stretched thin, and the desperate family is told to stay somewhere else.⁣⁠ ▪︎ Homeless individuals face greater exposure to the elements during the hot summer months. This can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and other heat-related illnesses.⁣⁠ ▪︎ Many lack access to cooling mechanisms like air conditioning, which puts them at heightened risk during heatwaves.⁣⁠ ▪︎ Sleeping outdoors or in hot, poorly ventilated shelters can be physically and mentally draining.⁣⁠ ⁣⁠ 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬⁣⁠ ▪︎ Homeless service providers see a spike in demand for water, cooling centers, and other summer-specific resources.⁣⁠ ▪︎ Food banks and meal programs experience greater usage as homeless individuals seek refuge from the heat.⁣⁠ ▪︎ Shelters often reach capacity as more people seek refuge from extreme temperatures.⁣⁠ ⁣⁠ 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝗪𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠⁣⁠ ▪︎ Skin conditions, foot problems, and other health issues can worsen in hot weather.⁣⁠ ▪︎ Dehydration and heat exposure can exacerbate pre-existing medical conditions.⁣⁠ ▪︎ Mental health challenges like depression may be amplified by the stress of coping with summer elements.⁣⁠ ⁠ The combination of increased health risks, service strain, and logistical challenges makes summer an especially difficult time for individuals experiencing homelessness. ⁣

Happy Pride Month! 🏳️🌈 National Pride Month is an opportunity to recognize and honor the history of the LGBTQIA+ community. As we celebrate love and diversity, it's crucial to acknowledge the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community still to this day. Did you know that LGBTQIA+ individuals are at a higher risk of homelessness? Nearly 40% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQIA+, often due to family rejection. TPCS celebrates the diversity and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community and would like to express its gratitude to the LGBTQIA+ community for helping to drive cultural and societal change that has created a more inclusive and equitable world for all. Here at TPCS, we create a safe space where individuals can connect, share experiences, and find a sense of belonging. Let's stand together to support the community and advocate for safe, inclusive housing for all. Pride is not just about celebration; it's also about fighting for equality and justice. 💪🏽🏠❤️ #LGBTQIA2S+ #nationalpridemonth #PRIDE

One of our very own Resident Advisors, Ms. A, attended Irvington’s Bilal Beasley Community Center at Irvington Park’s ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 31st. Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., dedicated the new 13,000-square-foot structure, which provides modern accommodations for residents to gather and experience the park in a new way and offers additional space for community groups that regularly utilize the park. The project is part of the County Executive’s ongoing initiative to update park facilities to meet the community's changing needs. #Irvington #NewJersey #EssexCounty

Do you know about the Supreme Court case Johnson v Grant Pass? Here are some quick facts to get you up to speed: ▪︎ Johnson v. Grants Pass is a court case originally filed in 2018 that determined it is cruel and unusual punishment to arrest or ticket people for sleeping outside when they have no other safe place to go. ▪︎ The case started in Grants Pass, Oregon when the city began issuing tickets to people sleeping in public, even when there were not enough safe, accessible shelter beds. ▪︎ At its core, this case will decide whether cities are allowed to punish people for things like sleeping outside with a pillow or blanket, even when there are no safe shelter options. ▪︎ A decision will be made by June 30th, 2024. ▪︎ What happens if Johnson wins? If SCOTUS hears the case and upholds the current decision, jurisdictions across the country will no longer be able to criminalize people for existing when they have nowhere else to go. By taking expensive, short-sighted, and unconstitutional criminalization options off the table, cities and states will have to focus on the true solution to homelessness: housing. ▪︎ What happens if Grant Pass wins? If SCOTUS rules in favor of Grants Pass, it will give cities and states permission to punish people who are forced to sleep outside, even when they have no other safe option. A ruling like this would not only do anything to end homelessness, it would punish people for existing in public simply because they have nowhere else to go. Studies and experience show that criminalizing homelessness is a waste of taxpayer money and makes it harder to connect people with housing. Such a ruling would be a clear sign that SCOTUS, like the politicians of both parties, would rather make homelessness invisible instead of ensuring people have safe, dignified housing. [Source: https://lnkd.in/e3U-MmiK] #johnsonvgrantspass #humanrights #endhomelessness