November 16, 2023
Housing provides a foundation for health, well-being, and prosperity for children, families, and communities. However, many families experiencing having a child separated from their family into foster care experiencing high rates of housing instability. These hurdles, such as limited affordable housing, absentee landlords, eviction, economic and racial divides, and barriers to housing equity further strain families already overloaded by stress.
Metropolitan Milwaukee is enduring a housing crisis, underscored by high eviction rates and a dearth of affordable housing. Over 50% of Milwaukee’s renters are burdened by rent, spending more than 30% of their income on it. The city also reveals a glaring shortfall in affordable rentals, with only 29 homes available for every 100 low-income renters. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that unstable housing situations heighten the risk of child removal due to maltreatment. Furthermore, such instability can plunge parents into economic distress, stress, and mental health issues, heightening family separation risks.
Join MCAPS for a virtual conversation, as we discuss:
- how housing instability impacts families who have contact with child protective services (CPS),
- the implications of the current housing context in Milwaukee on child protective services
- current systemic challenges around housing in Milwaukee
- lessons learned from a CPS housing voucher program in Kenosha
Our goal is to promote housing solutions that support families overloaded by stress and prevent involvement in the child protective services system. Your involvement can help champion stable, secure, and affordable housing as a community priority, making a positive difference in family lives.
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