Poughkeepsie, like many other cities across the nation, grapples with a growing homelessness crisis. Despite the enormity of this issue, our elected officials have yet to implement substantive and compassionate solutions. It is our view, shared by many, that the City Council's current policies do not sufficiently address the complexities of this problem. The National Alliance to End Homelessness reports that approximately 17 of every 10,000 people in the United States were experiencing homelessness on any given night in 2019. Using such data, we can infer that Poughkeepsie is not immune from this national crisis. Their approach must change and it must embody compassion, understanding, and a commitment to the humanity of our fellow citizens. We beseech you, Poughkeepsie City Council, to revamp your current strategies and move towards policies that comprehensively address homelessness in our city. It’s time to promote partnerships with local service providers, prioritize permanent housing solutions, and dedicate more city resources to this cause. Sign this petition to demand a compassionate approach to homelessness from the Poughkeepsie City Council.