Houselessness

Person with "seeking human kindness" sign

California passes bill blocking cities from punishing people who help the homeless

By / / Good News For Humankind

California has passed Senate Bill 634, a crucial new law designed to rapidly expand the workforce dedicated to solving homelessness. Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, the legislation removes bureaucratic barriers to hiring, allowing service providers to recruit qualified staff and peer support workers more easily. This practical reform addresses critical labor shortages, ensuring that housing and mental health services can be delivered faster and more effectively to unhoused residents across the state.

Homeless person laying down

Finland has lowered their homelessness rates by 75% since 2008

By / / Good news links

Finland estimates that 3,806 citizens are currently experiencing homelessness (about 0.06% of the population). In comparison, over 771,480 Americans were counted as unhoused in January 2025 (about 0.2% of the population). The feat is even more remarkable when noting that Finland’s method of counting homelessness is much more inclusive than other leading countries. In Finland, homelessness statistics include individuals temporarily living with friends and relatives, living in an institution, staying in hostels, congregate shelters, and “rough sleeping” outside on the streets.

Man giving a helping hand to woman in need sitting on dark street

Baltimore finalizes $18 million deal to acquire hotels for long-term homeless housing

By / / Good news links

Once the city takes over operations of the hotels at the end of this year, it intends to convert the units for “permanent supportive housing,” a form of affordable housing that provides subsidized rent and social services, health care, counseling and other supports. The city plans to partner with a nonprofit provider to offer services to residents in the two buildings.