The Prince, in coordination with the EJP “Housing Is A Right” (HIAR) caucus, has announced new initiatives to build transitional housing for houseless individuals, new affordable housing, and the renovation and construction of new, and secular, homeless shelters.
HIAR cites discrimination against certain vulnerable populations, such as addicts and the LGBTQ community, and how burdens, such as strict curfews and prayer/service attendance requirements deter individuals from seeking shelter.
Prince Alsheer delivered a brief, but moving address:
“A nation must be judged not by its wealth, but how it treats it’s least fortunate. It’s most vulnerable. By those standards, the Constitutional Monarchy of Doatia is a failed state. We fail to ensure we treat each and every resident of this nation with the basic rights, liberties, and dignity every human deserves. It’s an affront to humanity. It’s an affront to morality. For these reasons, it gives me great pleasure to announce the Crown’s endorsement of a 32nd amendment to the Doatian constitution securing Housing as a human right.”
HIAR has been gathering cosponsors in the People’s Chamber for their amendment, but it’s passage remains unlikely in a minority government.
The Prince concluded by announcing investments using Royal and HIAR funds in registering low-income people to vote and run for office, constructing emergency shelters and renovating the largest homeless shelter in Dao City, a feat which the Prince says can “eradicate homelessness in the Capitol”.
The CP has issued a strong rebuke of the Prince, with CP Chair Loaz stating “the Queen’s unilateral diplomatic and military initiatives and the Prince unilaterally setting socialist Doatian policies, despite their unpopularity among Doatian voters is dangerous. Perhaps it is time to reconsider reeling back the authorities, influence, annual stipend, and reach of the Monarchy, since the remain so out of touch with everyday Doatians.”
Roughly 6% of Doatians are homeless, and an additional 8% could lose shelter soon. The poverty has risen by roughly .5% annually for the last decades, to a historical 18%.
Demetrius Johnson, Doatian Journal Senior Correspondent
