What I mean is that the government mustn't substitute a housing policy for the comprehensive response homelessness requires. It needs to work on both fronts. Both are necessary and complementary. It is crucial that the federal government create programs that support the construction of social housing, housing that is truly affordable, so that the poorest members of society, those most often shut out of the rental market, have access to housing and stay housed.
However, given the current crisis, a lot of people are in need of shelter and ongoing support right now. Street outreach is still essential to help those who do not access housing, those who live in encampments. They need community-based care. It's important to connect with those who don't have access to housing, who can't find immediate housing, or who have lost their homes or are at risk of losing them.