Family homelessness and the "Planet" SDGS: Webinar series hosted by UNANIMA international

As discussed in last week’s “Family Homelessness and the ‘Planet’” SDGs webinar hosted by UNANIMA International, a healthy planet equals health people. Around the world, there is a need for shifting political will and prioritizing the environment we all live in. Countries must enter the Paris agreement and reach the goals that they set for themselves. These goals must be approached holistically and with ecosystems in mind.

Resilience, as we have seen throughout history, is a valuable skill of those around the world who are struggling. However, as we move into 2021, resilience is not enough to alleviate all suffering. More developed countries must deliver to their promises and agreements. Governments need to listen to all parties, from farmers to legislators, to understand the role they play as we bring the planet to the forefront of our mission. For example, SDG 14 and 15 push for solidarity among countries to help those most affected by natural disasters. As climate change increases these disasters, so too must our global communities commit to one another.
 
As UNANIMA’s webinar relates to the goals of the Congregation of the Mission, the webinar discussed how Covid-19 has tremendously affected homelessness. Again, the webinar emphasized that housing should be a human right. As it relates to the planet, extreme weather exacerbates homelessness- many houses are destroyed and gardens/food produce is often destroyed. Weather patterns are changing in many countries, and the need for climate change action is imperative. The biggest driver in many African countries stems from control of natural resources. These countries are rich in many natural resources, yet many still live in poverty. Without a place to call home or a place to practice regular hygiene, many around the world are living in growingly occupied shelters. At the same time, many international disasters are getting increasingly worse. Many carbon emission targets have not been met, and in this way, we have failed globally.
 
Homelessness will not end without an emphasis on halting climate change. Housing is not just a roof, but rather a fundamental right that requires a multidisciplinary effort. People and families need to be at the center with the poorest and most vulnerable. Homelessness does not act alone- there many drivers and many consequences. We must all actively work to increase our awareness of the trauma in families, communities and the globe in order to correct and address increasing homelessness and suffering in our world. The United Nations is working actively towards this goal.

Attend the next event to get informed and listen to more speakers that are actively working to alleviate these issues. Register for the next UNANIMA webinar “Family Homelessness and the “People” SDGs (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6)”, Friday November 20th at 9am EST.
 
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QTYk5sfXRUqsWCrSu7H7bQ
 
Additional Reading:
 
Family Homelessness Through the Lens of the United Nations 2030 Agenda Volume One: 
https://unanima-international.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/WEB-SDGs-brochure.pdf
Volume Two: 
https://unanima-international.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SDGs-Part-Two-2.pdf
 
https://unanima-international.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Hidden-Faces-Part-Two-3.pdf
 
THE SHIFT recognizes housing as a human right, not a commodity or an extractive industry. The Shift restores the understanding of housing as home, challenging the ways financial actors undermine the right to housing. Using a human rights framework, The Shift provokes action to end homelessness, unaffordability, and evictions globally.
 
To learn more, visit
http://www.maketheshift.org