USICH is marking Human Rights Day through this special edition newsletter focused on US laws and regulations that protect the human and civil rights of people who experience homelessness. While the belief in basic human rights is a primary reason many of us are committed to ending homelessness, we often focus on the "cost-effectiveness argument" to express why ending homelessness makes sense. 

Today, we challenge you to consider some facts about the rights of the men, women, youth, and children we serve. We hope this information will be useful as you work to end homelessness in your community.

Earlier this month, USICH launched a month-long blog series titled "I Believe in Human Rights" to enable a diverse group to express their personal beliefs about human rights and highlight topics that are covered by domestic and international human rights.

Please join in the dialogue on Twitter (@USICHgov) and Facebook (U.S.InteragencyCouncilonHomelessness) by commenting using #RightsEndHomelessness.

Each year on December 10th, the world celebrates the anniversary of the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights by observing Human Rights Day. While much attention is focused internationally on human rights, there are many to be recognized and celebrated here in the United States. And while many people do not think about the rights they enjoy on a regular basis, when you need them most they will be there for you. 

For people who are homelessness or close to it, the rights afforded to them can be a lifeline to pulling themselves out of a housing crisis. At USICH, we strive to promote opportunities for communities and providers to utilize a human rights approach to homelessness. Liberties, such as the right to keep your family together, be protected under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), go to school, obtain Supplemental and Nutritional Food Assistance (SNAP), vote, and receive mail go a long way towards ending or preventing homelessness. Guaranteeing these and other rights to everyone, including those at risk of or experiencing homelessness, gives people the tools they need to reach their highest potential. 

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The United States has had a long and complicated history when it comes to the right to housing. In 1944, President Franklin Roosevelt recognized the right of "a decent home" for every American family, regardless of "station, race, or creed" in what has come to be known as the Second Bill of Rights. By acknowledging that millions of Americans were not able to realize their right to housing, FDR helped to spark a national and international dialogue and future legislation.

In 1948, the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights stated that, among other things, "everyone has the right to an adequate standard of living ... including the right to housing." Soon after, The Housing Act of 1949 established the national goal of "a decent home and a suitable living environment for every American family."

Since then, many laws and regulations have passed that have been specifically designed to help every American citizen realize his or her right to housing. Perhaps most notably is the Fair Housing Act of 1968 which, as amended, "prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18), and disability."

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