There had been progress in the past few years to
reduce the number of homeless, but now that progress
has apparently come to an end. While many say it costs
too much to house the homeless, there are programs
across the country that have shown that it not only can
be done, but it actually costs less to assist the homeless
in getting work and housing than to leave things as they
are. Politically motivated excuses accomplish nothing.
reduce the number of homeless, but now that progress
has apparently come to an end. While many say it costs
too much to house the homeless, there are programs
across the country that have shown that it not only can
be done, but it actually costs less to assist the homeless
in getting work and housing than to leave things as they
are. Politically motivated excuses accomplish nothing.
| For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Jesus, John 3:16-17 NIV |
Are you seeking clothing, food, or housing?
Could you volunteer or donate to help others?
Do you need medical or dental care, or glasses, but can't afford
it? Would it help to have free voicemail so employers and others
have a way to contact you? Could you volunteer or donate food,
money or clothing to help others? There are websites for
shelters, outreach programs, and advocacy groups all across the
country. See the WEB LINKS page for more information.
Could you volunteer or donate to help others?
Do you need medical or dental care, or glasses, but can't afford
it? Would it help to have free voicemail so employers and others
have a way to contact you? Could you volunteer or donate food,
money or clothing to help others? There are websites for
shelters, outreach programs, and advocacy groups all across the
country. See the WEB LINKS page for more information.
Finding and maintaining meaningful employment is hard enough for
most people. It's far more difficult while being homeless.
Many homeless are not capable of working enough to possibly afford housing.
Some get disability or social security income, but it's not enough for all living
expenses. The maximum SSI benefit is $637/month while a modest one
bedroom apartment can cost over $700, plus utilities.
Many with disabilities apply with the Social Security Administration, but
become, or continue to be, homeless for years due to delays in the process.
most people. It's far more difficult while being homeless.
Many homeless are not capable of working enough to possibly afford housing.
Some get disability or social security income, but it's not enough for all living
expenses. The maximum SSI benefit is $637/month while a modest one
bedroom apartment can cost over $700, plus utilities.
Many with disabilities apply with the Social Security Administration, but
become, or continue to be, homeless for years due to delays in the process.
Affordable housing? Lower cost housing is often replaced with
homes priced far out of reach for the lower income. Older mobile
home parks are bulldozed while many residents can't afford to
relocate. Across the country the cost of housing has gone up
faster than wages or fixed incomes.
homes priced far out of reach for the lower income. Older mobile
home parks are bulldozed while many residents can't afford to
relocate. Across the country the cost of housing has gone up
faster than wages or fixed incomes.
Meet the NIMBYs (NIMBY: Not In My Back Yard)
Homeless shelters are often created in areas where there are few
real job opportunities, but serve to just keep the homeless
out-of-sight so they don't disburb those who are living in luxury.
Some people will fight to block any type of homeless assistance
program anywhere near where they live, sometimes reacting
violently at community meetings.
Would having homeless people living anywhere near their
neighborhood actually endanger them or hurt housing values?
They don't seem capable of realizing that the homeless already
are there, and the programs would help to reduce the number of
homeless and improve the community in the long run.
NIMBYs will hire homeless people as cheap labor, at less than
minimum wage, just so they disappear when the job is done.
With pressure on local government officials by people like the
NIMBYs, many programs that assist the homeless, and also low
income people such as seniors on social security or disability, are
forced to close to "eliminate the homeless problem".
Homeless shelters are often created in areas where there are few
real job opportunities, but serve to just keep the homeless
out-of-sight so they don't disburb those who are living in luxury.
Some people will fight to block any type of homeless assistance
program anywhere near where they live, sometimes reacting
violently at community meetings.
Would having homeless people living anywhere near their
neighborhood actually endanger them or hurt housing values?
They don't seem capable of realizing that the homeless already
are there, and the programs would help to reduce the number of
homeless and improve the community in the long run.
NIMBYs will hire homeless people as cheap labor, at less than
minimum wage, just so they disappear when the job is done.
With pressure on local government officials by people like the
NIMBYs, many programs that assist the homeless, and also low
income people such as seniors on social security or disability, are
forced to close to "eliminate the homeless problem".
I live in Pinellas County FL, in the Tampa Bay area. The rate of homelessness
here is high, as is unemployment and the overall cost of living.
Cities in Pinellas County signed to a 10 year goal on homelessness with
USICH in 2006. There were proposals to do something, like a night shelter to
house just 150 people (which was abandoned). The latest point-in-time count
of the homeless in January 2009 indicated 6235 homeless (men, women, and
children), a 20% increase from two years earlier.
Many other communities across the country have been making substantial
progress in providing real housing, not just temporary night shelters or tents.
When people care enough, great things can be accomplished.
here is high, as is unemployment and the overall cost of living.
Cities in Pinellas County signed to a 10 year goal on homelessness with
USICH in 2006. There were proposals to do something, like a night shelter to
house just 150 people (which was abandoned). The latest point-in-time count
of the homeless in January 2009 indicated 6235 homeless (men, women, and
children), a 20% increase from two years earlier.
Many other communities across the country have been making substantial
progress in providing real housing, not just temporary night shelters or tents.
When people care enough, great things can be accomplished.
What's in a name?
There are a lot of terms that are used in reference to homeless
people, often just in a hateful manner by ignorant bigots. What
about the real meaning of the words?
Bum refers to people who avoid working, even though capable,
while sponging off others. Some panhandle even though they
have good housing. If a person behaves like a bum it is usually a
matter of choice.
Hobo, tramp, and drifter are terms that usually refer to those
wandering without any home or regular job. Some work part time
labor jobs, or recieve social security or disability checks, but can
only afford minimal living expenses.
Homeless refers to anyone with no reliable and appropriate
residence of their own. They may be working, or have social
security or disability income, but don't have enough to afford their
own housing. Many are not capable of working but yet cannot get
assistance for housing. Some may spend nights in a supervised
shelter, while many sleep in places not intended for human
occupation (living rough) such as under bridges. Some families
double or triple occupy single-family housing, or live in vehicles.
They are all still homeless.
There are a lot of terms that are used in reference to homeless
people, often just in a hateful manner by ignorant bigots. What
about the real meaning of the words?
Bum refers to people who avoid working, even though capable,
while sponging off others. Some panhandle even though they
have good housing. If a person behaves like a bum it is usually a
matter of choice.
Hobo, tramp, and drifter are terms that usually refer to those
wandering without any home or regular job. Some work part time
labor jobs, or recieve social security or disability checks, but can
only afford minimal living expenses.
Homeless refers to anyone with no reliable and appropriate
residence of their own. They may be working, or have social
security or disability income, but don't have enough to afford their
own housing. Many are not capable of working but yet cannot get
assistance for housing. Some may spend nights in a supervised
shelter, while many sleep in places not intended for human
occupation (living rough) such as under bridges. Some families
double or triple occupy single-family housing, or live in vehicles.
They are all still homeless.
Attempting to Work While Homeless What do homeless people face
when trying to earn enough to get off the street? Do they simply get a job?
Can they go to a shelter and get the help they need?
when trying to earn enough to get off the street? Do they simply get a job?
Can they go to a shelter and get the help they need?
Violence Against the Homeless Homeless people are constantly the
victims of assaults. Gangs of teenagers will beat and sometimes kill homeless
people saying they were just "looking for something to do".
victims of assaults. Gangs of teenagers will beat and sometimes kill homeless
people saying they were just "looking for something to do".
The US Department of Veterans estimates that as many as
200,000 homeless people are veterans. Read about it at:
National Alliance to End Homelessness www.naeh.org
200,000 homeless people are veterans. Read about it at:
National Alliance to End Homelessness www.naeh.org
My viewpoint:
Those who are homeless, and are capable of working, should have
constructive assistance toward meaningful employment and housing.
Those who cannot maintain meaningful employment, due to disabilities or age,
should have assistance in obtaining adequate housing, food, medical care,
and basic necessities.
Those few who choose to be homeless should not have to live in constant fear
of being harassed, beaten, robbed, or even killed.
Those who are homeless, and are capable of working, should have
constructive assistance toward meaningful employment and housing.
Those who cannot maintain meaningful employment, due to disabilities or age,
should have assistance in obtaining adequate housing, food, medical care,
and basic necessities.
Those few who choose to be homeless should not have to live in constant fear
of being harassed, beaten, robbed, or even killed.
I welcome your email comments
and questions, and try to reply
to all of them. The railroad tracks
picture? I've camped there before.
Clyde
email me at:
clyde@ homelessamerican.com
and questions, and try to reply
to all of them. The railroad tracks
picture? I've camped there before.
Clyde
email me at:
clyde@ homelessamerican.com
Alternatives to Living on the Street What can people with a very limited
income do if they can't afford conventional housing? Some move to rural
areas and make their own homes. What about cooperative housing?
income do if they can't afford conventional housing? Some move to rural
areas and make their own homes. What about cooperative housing?
Having to Compete for a Job in the Real World Gaining meaningful
employment means having to compete for job openings.
employment means having to compete for job openings.
The Cost of Keeping People Homeless What does maintaining people
in a state of perpetual homelessness cost the American public?
in a state of perpetual homelessness cost the American public?
The Hazards of Being Homeless What dangers do people face when
having to be homeless?
having to be homeless?
Web Links Links to websites for information and assistance.
Misconceptions About the Homeless Many popular concepts about the
homeless are no more than popular myths.
homeless are no more than popular myths.
Dealing with a Northern Winter While Homeless What is it like to be
homeless on the street in the winter?
homeless on the street in the winter?
Thoughts About Being Homeless Some personal observations.
Who Are the Homeless? How many of the people you see every day are
actually homeless, but don't make it look like they are?
actually homeless, but don't make it look like they are?
A Little About Me Why do I maintain this website at my own expense?
| "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Jesus, from Matthew 7:12 NIV About Matthew 7:12 |
Donating to Charities Do you want to help the homeless? How do you find
a program that's making good use of donations?
a program that's making good use of donations?
Do I think that assistance programs will get all of the homeless off the street?
No, I think there will always be some homeless. Do we abandon helping cancer
patients just because the treatments don't always work? Why then should we
give up on assisting the homeless just because it doesn't always help.
No, I think there will always be some homeless. Do we abandon helping cancer
patients just because the treatments don't always work? Why then should we
give up on assisting the homeless just because it doesn't always help.
I have actually been homeless and realize how hard it is to get any
significant work, or productive assistance, while in the situation. What I write
about here is based on experiencing what it's really like, not just something
that I read about.
significant work, or productive assistance, while in the situation. What I write
about here is based on experiencing what it's really like, not just something
that I read about.
There are huge nationwide organizations that collect billions in donations and
government money, but spend much of it on administrative costs instead of
assisting those in need. Meanwhile there are thousands of small organizations
all across the country that provide much needed assistance to the homeless
and low-income. They may be run by churches, non-profit coalitions, or
concerned individuals. I've met many people who volunteer their time every
day without any compensation. Groups like these need assistance, in
donations of money, food, clothing, and volunteer help. Small organizations
really do make a difference, and can efficiently put donations to good use.
government money, but spend much of it on administrative costs instead of
assisting those in need. Meanwhile there are thousands of small organizations
all across the country that provide much needed assistance to the homeless
and low-income. They may be run by churches, non-profit coalitions, or
concerned individuals. I've met many people who volunteer their time every
day without any compensation. Groups like these need assistance, in
donations of money, food, clothing, and volunteer help. Small organizations
really do make a difference, and can efficiently put donations to good use.
If you decide to donate to a local charity it's a good idea to get to know them
first. Many groups do good work, but there are some fraudulent operations too.
Check them out and see for yourself what their accomplishments really are.
Better yet, get involved with them and volunteer some of your time.
first. Many groups do good work, but there are some fraudulent operations too.
Check them out and see for yourself what their accomplishments really are.
Better yet, get involved with them and volunteer some of your time.
My primary objectives for this website are to increase public
awareness of what homelessness is really like, and to provide
information which may be of help, both to those who are
homeless and also those who wish to help the homeless.
I consider the information presented to be true and accurate to
the best of my knowledge.
Listings here do not imply endorsement of any individual,
organization or church. I do not profit from this website. If you find
anything to be inaccurate or misleading, or if you would like some
additonal information presented, please email me. Constructive
suggestions are always welcome.
clyde@homelessamerican.com
awareness of what homelessness is really like, and to provide
information which may be of help, both to those who are
homeless and also those who wish to help the homeless.
I consider the information presented to be true and accurate to
the best of my knowledge.
Listings here do not imply endorsement of any individual,
organization or church. I do not profit from this website. If you find
anything to be inaccurate or misleading, or if you would like some
additonal information presented, please email me. Constructive
suggestions are always welcome.
clyde@homelessamerican.com
| Interagency Council on Homelessness News about progress. Free newsletter available. |
Over the past couple years a program called Pinellas Hope pinellashope.org,
managed by Catholic Charities, has been helping some homeless people in
Pinellas County FL. Currently there is a capacity of up to 250 individuals, with
housing in tents. There was a groundbreaking 9/18/09 for 80 apartment units
to be paid by federal and state grants, and with operating expenses covered
by some area cities. About 50% of those leaving the program have been able
to get some employment and housing. It's a start in the right direction, though
it helps just a small percentage of the area's homeless.
managed by Catholic Charities, has been helping some homeless people in
Pinellas County FL. Currently there is a capacity of up to 250 individuals, with
housing in tents. There was a groundbreaking 9/18/09 for 80 apartment units
to be paid by federal and state grants, and with operating expenses covered
by some area cities. About 50% of those leaving the program have been able
to get some employment and housing. It's a start in the right direction, though
it helps just a small percentage of the area's homeless.
| homelessamerican.com |
| UPDATED 2-4-2010 |
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| PAGES IN THIS WEBSITE (CLICK ON TITLE) |
Public Perceptions of the Homeless How does the media affect, or
manipulate, how the public percieves homeless people?
manipulate, how the public percieves homeless people?
Over 664,000 people are homeless in the United States
at any given time (HUD report 7/9/09), and they're not
all just hanging around panhandling or making it
obvious. Many do low paying jobs, such as day-labor or
whatever they can find, but without real progress. With
constuctive assistance, instead of just handouts, a
great many of them could achieve a productive life, and
contribute to society, rather than remaining in poverty.
at any given time (HUD report 7/9/09), and they're not
all just hanging around panhandling or making it
obvious. Many do low paying jobs, such as day-labor or
whatever they can find, but without real progress. With
constuctive assistance, instead of just handouts, a
great many of them could achieve a productive life, and
contribute to society, rather than remaining in poverty.
The media tends to present the homeless as people who spend their time panhandling, getting
drunk in public, or pushing shopping carts. Those who do that are a very small percentage of all the
homeless. Most homeless people are trying to get meaningful work and their own place to live.
drunk in public, or pushing shopping carts. Those who do that are a very small percentage of all the
homeless. Most homeless people are trying to get meaningful work and their own place to live.
How Can I Help? What can an individual or group do to help?
| SOME LINKS OF INTEREST: |
HUD 2008 Annual Report on Homelessness
The report indicates no significant change from 2007 in overall
homelessness, while there had been a significant reduction from
2005 to 2007. See www.hud.gov for information.
The report indicates no significant change from 2007 in overall
homelessness, while there had been a significant reduction from
2005 to 2007. See www.hud.gov for information.
In an interview for Affordable Housing Finance magazine,
Philip Mangano (former director of USICH) stated:
"The cost of a person experiencing chronic homelessness randomly
ricocheting through expensive health and law enforcement systems in 65 cost
studies from around the country ranges between $35,000 and $150,000 per
person per year. The cost of housing and support services for that person in
those same cities ranges from $13,000 to $25,000 per person per year. You
don't need to be Warren Buffet, or even Suze Orman, to figure out which is
the better investment."
Philip Mangano (former director of USICH) stated:
"The cost of a person experiencing chronic homelessness randomly
ricocheting through expensive health and law enforcement systems in 65 cost
studies from around the country ranges between $35,000 and $150,000 per
person per year. The cost of housing and support services for that person in
those same cities ranges from $13,000 to $25,000 per person per year. You
don't need to be Warren Buffet, or even Suze Orman, to figure out which is
the better investment."
The Predators A great many organizations really do help the homeless,
but some just use the less fortunate as a way of making money.
but some just use the less fortunate as a way of making money.
| SEARCH THIS WEBSITE |
US Dept. of Commerce report: "Income, Poverty, and Health
Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2008"
In this report they state that the percentage of Americans without
health insurance is 15.4%, or 46.3 million. Details on this and much
more information can be found in the full report at:
http://www.census.gov/prod/2009pubs/p60-236.pdf
Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2008"
In this report they state that the percentage of Americans without
health insurance is 15.4%, or 46.3 million. Details on this and much
more information can be found in the full report at:
http://www.census.gov/prod/2009pubs/p60-236.pdf
Public Transportation and Commuting to Work What is it like for those
who depend on public transportation for commuting?
who depend on public transportation for commuting?
Is this one of the "dangerous
criminals" that some people
are in fear of having live near
their community? Some say
that they are buying guns to
protect themselves from
people like him. Has he spent
most of his life working hard
and paying taxes, and served
our country in the military, only
to end up on the street and be
called a criminal for it?
criminals" that some people
are in fear of having live near
their community? Some say
that they are buying guns to
protect themselves from
people like him. Has he spent
most of his life working hard
and paying taxes, and served
our country in the military, only
to end up on the street and be
called a criminal for it?
Pinellas County FL Some information about where to find assistance or
where you could volunteer to help others in Pinellas County, Florida.
where you could volunteer to help others in Pinellas County, Florida.
Several hundred thousand Americans do not have a place to call
home, and that includes families with children. Even though the
economic situation in the United States is not good, and the
unemployment rate is the highest we have seen for a long time, it's
not a reason to quit helping the homeless. The potential for housing
the homeless is there, and helping people back into housing and
productive employment costs our country less than keeping them
homeless.
home, and that includes families with children. Even though the
economic situation in the United States is not good, and the
unemployment rate is the highest we have seen for a long time, it's
not a reason to quit helping the homeless. The potential for housing
the homeless is there, and helping people back into housing and
productive employment costs our country less than keeping them
homeless.
Housing First, also referred to as "rapid re-housing", is a concept
pioneered by Dr. Sam Tsemberis and Pathways to Housing (New York City) in
the 1990s for the chronic homeless. This involves moving the homeless
person or family directly into an apartment, rather than a shelter, and then
dealing with other issues with a case management program. This is in contrast
with typical programs where issues leading to homelessness are addressed
before even considering providing housing. Many programs have been
developed based on the fundamental concept of Housing First.
Some information about Housing First:
Housing First for Families a report from the National Alliance to
End homelessness.
HUD Homeless Assistance Programs.
CBS News video on Housing First.
Housing First, a special report NPR. Articles about programs.
USICH: Housing First - How consumer preference shapes the central
antidote to homelessness.
pioneered by Dr. Sam Tsemberis and Pathways to Housing (New York City) in
the 1990s for the chronic homeless. This involves moving the homeless
person or family directly into an apartment, rather than a shelter, and then
dealing with other issues with a case management program. This is in contrast
with typical programs where issues leading to homelessness are addressed
before even considering providing housing. Many programs have been
developed based on the fundamental concept of Housing First.
Some information about Housing First:
Housing First for Families a report from the National Alliance to
End homelessness.
HUD Homeless Assistance Programs.
CBS News video on Housing First.
Housing First, a special report NPR. Articles about programs.
USICH: Housing First - How consumer preference shapes the central
antidote to homelessness.
Toolkit for Ending Long-term Homelessness, a document by
the Corporation for Supportive Housing with examples of housing
programs. Click the title above or go to csh.org/toolkit.
the Corporation for Supportive Housing with examples of housing
programs. Click the title above or go to csh.org/toolkit.
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