A Meal With Dignity

??Today, we celebrate not only a remarkable person but also the heart and soul of our nonprofit. Our co-founder Joy D'Ovidio's selfless, generosity, and unwavering commitment to helping the less fortunate inspire us every day. We invite you to honor her amazing work by donating to our cause at amealwithdignity.org. Your contribution will help us continue feeding the unhoused and advocating for those in need—carrying forward the compassion and commitment she embodies every day.

7 out of 10 people in the U.S. are just one paycheck away from homelessness. It's time to end the stigma and recognize that systemic issues, not personal failures, are often at the root. We need compassion and change, not judgement. #makeadifference #bethechange #endthestigma #homelessnessawareness #systemicchange #community #communitysupport #support

Our new paper, published in JAMA, reveals key insights on substance use among people experiencing homelessness in California. The findings challenge common perceptions and highlight critical gaps in treatment access. Key findings from the California Statewide Study of People Experiencing Homelessness (CASPEH): ?? Fewer than half (37%) of people experiencing homelessness regularly used illicit drugs in the past six months. ?? Methamphetamine, not opioids, was the most commonly used drug. ?? Among those who regularly used drugs in the past six months, 21% were actively seeking treatment but couldn’t get it due to barriers. This reflects only those trying to access care at that moment—not everyone who wanted treatment. Many have pursued it repeatedly, only to be turned away, which led some to stop trying and some to pause efforts to seek treatment until they secure housing. The study shows that while substance use increases the risk of homelessness, homelessness also increases the likelihood of drug use, often as a coping strategy. Expanding access to evidence-based treatment—alongside stable housing—remains critical. ? Next month, we’ll release a behavioral health report with recommendations for policymakers, healthcare providers, and service organizations on improving treatment access, integrating care with housing, and expanding harm reduction efforts. Stay tuned. Authored by Ryan Assaf, PhD, MPH; Meghan Morris; Elana Straus; Priest Martinez; Morgan Philbin, PhD, MHS; and Margot Kushel MD. Read the full paper here: https://lnkd.in/gyW4rx2r #Homelessness #SubstanceUse #HousingFirst #PublicHealth #JAMA JAMA, Journal of the American Medical Association

I think about the thousand paper cuts I endured to arrive here at this internal and external dark place where this was my life. So disconnected from society that I felt that I existed on an alternate universe from the society around me. Spending time with our friends this morning and every time I’m doing outreach i’m reminded of those feelings and experiences. We live in a country where 7 out of 10 people are one paycheck away from homelessness. Thats 70 percent of our population. But unfortunately too many “professionals” are offering help through gimmicks and not truly focused on helping those in need. Connection is everything and it can be no different with those experiencing homelessness. Remembering that how we treat those in crisis is an indication of who we are and not them. #ChangeTheNarrative #OneCommunity #Advocacy

Hope is on the horizon in Modesto! Construction on Dignity Village, an interim housing site in Modesto, is nearly complete. The new community will provide 42 private units for individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Each unit has a door that locks, ensuring dignity and privacy. Residents will also have access to shared community spaces and critical support services to help them transition off the streets and onto a path toward long-term housing. We’re proud to work alongside partners like Stanislaus County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services and the City of Modesto to bring this community to life. Stay tuned as we prepare to welcome new neighbors home!

It's time to end harmful homeless encampment sweeps. These actions push people deeper into crisis without offering real solutions. Instead of displacement, let's focus on providing safe, permanent housing, and the support services people need to rebuild their lives. Join the movement to end sweeps and advocate for compassionate, long-term solutions to homelessness.? #endhomelessness #housingnotsweeps #housingfirst #bethechange #socialimpact #socialjustice

Instead of spending dollars on encampment sweeps, cities should redirect those funds toward building sustainable housing solutions that truly address homelessness. It's time to invest in lasting change. #socialjustice #endhomelessness #bethechange

Austin pledged $350M to end homelessness—But they’re still sweeping encampments. ?? Sweeps traumatize, displace, and increase overdose deaths. ?? Housing, not handcuffs, ends homelessness. Full story ?? https://lnkd.in/e9TE9zCz

At A Meal With Dignity, we’re dedicated to supporting women with the resources and advocacy they need to rebuild their lives. Every woman deserves the dignity of safe housing, emotional support, and the opportunity to thrive.?#internationalwomensday?#womensday?#womensday2025?#women?#unhoused?#socialimpact?#socialjustice

Social poverty is a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of homelessness. Help show someone they're seen, valued, and not alone by visiting https://lnkd.in/e96UbFdF and following the steps to provide a meal with dignity.