Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) on November 18 convened policymakers, nonprofit leaders, local practitioners, philanthropists and engaged advocates for a national summit on homelessness. Hosted in Washington, D.C., the day-long gathering allowed panelists and observers, attending both in-person and virtually, to explore legislative and practical solutions to the country’s alarmingly high rates of homelessness and the related housing affordability crisis.
“This summit was centered on the belief that all of us deserve a safe, decent place to call home,” CCUSA Vice President of Government Relations Luz Tavarez said. “It was inspiring to witness advocates from all around the country reflect on lessons learned and brainstorm realistic, actionable steps we can take to help our neighbors most in need.”
During the day’s first panel, Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins was joined by city government representatives from Washington, D.C. and Tampa to reflect on policies that already have proven successful in reducing homelessness in American cities. Subsequent conversations explored advocacy and legislative solutions and priorities, critical lessons on housing from the philanthropic and corporate worlds and cutting-edge research and insights from academics and think tanks.
In the afternoon, one panel brought together senior leaders from five Catholic Charities agencies — Catholic Charities of Philadelphia; Catholic Charities and Social Ministry, Diocese of Providence; Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona; Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg; and Catholic Charities Twin Cities — for a robust conversation about homelessness challenges and solutions in their local communities. Over the past two years, all five agencies hosted local forums sponsored by CCUSA for local advocates and practitioners to reflect on homelessness in their areas and discuss paths to policy fixes.
Findings from the national summit, the local convenings and ongoing research efforts will inform CCUSA’s government relations efforts to encourage policymakers in Washington and around the country to seek solutions that will reduce homelessness and increase the supply of affordable housing. With the help of advocates and people of goodwill, the goal is that these recommendations will be developed into bipartisan federal legislation that will be introduced in Congress in 2026.
If you were unable to attend CCUSA’s national summit on homelessness, a video recording of the panel discussions is available.
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