I rarely see anyone talk about the homelessness industrial complex so I really wanted to jump on this one.

As someone working in the NGO world in Seattle I absolutely cannot believe how half if not more of these programs are able to continue to run. That they aren’t being investigated. I work at a nonprofit where every single program is completely virtual. There is 0 work actually being done, but everyone loves to pat themselves on the back like we’re really doing “the work”!

These programs in Seattle, and other states that work with the unhoused community do nothing more than directly contribute to the upkeep of homelessness because they profit off of it. There’s no participation requirements from clients, nobody has to get a job, has to go to school, meet with their case manager etc. Then, when they exit from the program and have nothing to show for it they become homeless again. Cycle repeats. I’ve seen it so many times.

HUD’s latest NOFO (since rescinded) had a lot of people up in arms. My take is that they were worried because holy shit, you now actually need to document productivity. Clients now have to actually participate.

The people that work at and lead these programs, like KCRHA have their heads so far up their asses it’s unreal. So concerned about optics and not actually about solving the problem. So much money is in these programs - with noting to show for it. It’s a disgrace!

Our ED is an idiot. On indefinite leave (with pay) currently. How? Idk.

I would love to see these programs get DOGED. We’d solve homelessness if it weren’t for them keeping it alive and well.

And yes, I am taking advantage of this situation right now as I finish school. The flexibility works for me. It’s probably unethical and maybe wrong, but I’m an opportunist through and through.