Simply the Basics was founded in the philosophy that every man, woman, and child has a right to their most basic human needs.  A most basic human need is safety. We have an obligation to understand how we can create space for all members of the community to feel safe.

Black men and women experience disproportionate rates of poverty and homelessness because of long-standing discrimination against them. Black people account for 40% of people experiencing homelessness, but just 13% of the general United States population. Systemic and interpersonal racism in health care, housing, employment, financial equity, education, and criminal justice leads to disparate outcomes for people of color. 

We cannot end homelessness without also addressing systemic racism. 

As a nonprofit organization that serves people experiencing homelessness, we recognize that we have a part to play in the work to end racism. We must be willing to ask ourselves the difficult questions, including those that make us uncomfortable, so that we can be a part of the solution and not a part of the problem. We may make mistakes, and we will learn.

Our Promise to You: 

We vow to collaborate and partner with organizations that are leading equity efforts. We vow to invest in learning and in educating ourselves so that we can make the necessary changes in our own organization. We vow to actively and compassionately listen to your anger, your fears, and your pain.  

Simply the Basics’ Mission is to provide for people and communities their most basic human needs so that they can focus on greater goals. We have work to do. 

Simply the Basics vows to speak up against injustices, be an anti-racist organization, and stand with our Black neighbors.