The United States of America is the wealthiest country on
earth, and yet over three quarter of a million Americans
live in homelessness. Why does this continue?
Many Americans consider doing without things like cable TV,
video games, cell phones, or central air-conditioning as
intolerable. Being without a car is out of the question.
Everyone has a car, don't they? Meanwhile hundreds of
thousands of Americans live with little more than the clothes
they wear, no permanent housing, and maybe one or two
simple meals a day.
A great deal of money is spent on "studying" the homeless
situation, but research accomplishes nothing without
meaningful action.
earth, and yet over three quarter of a million Americans
live in homelessness. Why does this continue?
Many Americans consider doing without things like cable TV,
video games, cell phones, or central air-conditioning as
intolerable. Being without a car is out of the question.
Everyone has a car, don't they? Meanwhile hundreds of
thousands of Americans live with little more than the clothes
they wear, no permanent housing, and maybe one or two
simple meals a day.
A great deal of money is spent on "studying" the homeless
situation, but research accomplishes nothing without
meaningful action.
| 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 |
I live and work in Pinellas County, in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, which
includes the cities of St. Petersburg and Clearwater. The latest count
indicates over 6000 of the one million residents in Pinellas are homeless.
includes the cities of St. Petersburg and Clearwater. The latest count
indicates over 6000 of the one million residents in Pinellas are homeless.
Are you seeking clothing, food, or housing?
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
can contact you?
Perhaps you would like to volunteer your time to help others?
Could you donate food, money or clothing to help others?
There are hundreds of websites for shelters, missions, soup
kitchens, outreach programs, advocacy groups, job listings and
legal help. While there may be help available it can be difficult to
find the right people to ask.
See the WEB LINKS page for more information.
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
can contact you?
Perhaps you would like to volunteer your time to help others?
Could you donate food, money or clothing to help others?
There are hundreds of websites for shelters, missions, soup
kitchens, outreach programs, advocacy groups, job listings and
legal help. While there may be help available it can be difficult to
find the right people to ask.
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, if at all, to possibly
afford housing. Some get disability or social security income, but it's not
enough for housing and living expenses. The maximum SSI benefit is
$637/month. Could you live on that? A modest one bedroom apartment can
cost over $700, plus utilities, and just a room in a house can be $400/month.
Many with serious disabilities apply with the Social Security Administration,
but become, or continue to be, homeless due to delays in the process.
Some live on the street for years before finally recieving any payments.
most people. It's far more difficult while being homeless.
Many homeless are not capable of working enough, if at all, to possibly
afford housing. Some get disability or social security income, but it's not
enough for housing and living expenses. The maximum SSI benefit is
$637/month. Could you live on that? A modest one bedroom apartment can
cost over $700, plus utilities, and just a room in a house can be $400/month.
Many with serious disabilities apply with the Social Security Administration,
but become, or continue to be, homeless due to delays in the process.
Some live on the street for years before finally recieving any payments.
Affordable housing?
In much of the country lower cost housing is being replaced with
homes priced far out of reach for the lower income. Mobile home
parks are bulldozed while many residents can't afford to relocate.
Just renting a small, old, mobile home can cost over $500/month.
In much of the country lower cost housing is being replaced with
homes priced far out of reach for the lower income. Mobile home
parks are bulldozed while many residents can't afford to relocate.
Just renting a small, old, mobile home can cost over $500/month.
Meet the NIMBYs
Shelters and assistance programs are often created in areas
where there are few real job opportunities, but serve to keep the
homeless out-of-sight so they don't disburb those are living in
luxury. Communities that have jobs available don't want the
reality of homelessness spoiling their world.
NIMBY: Not In My Back Yard.
After all, having homeless or lower income people living near
their homes would hurt housing values. NIMBYs don't mind hiring
illegal aliens or day-labor workers at minimum wage, or less, just
so they disappear at the end of the day.
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".
Shelters and assistance programs are often created in areas
where there are few real job opportunities, but serve to keep the
homeless out-of-sight so they don't disburb those are living in
luxury. Communities that have jobs available don't want the
reality of homelessness spoiling their world.
NIMBY: Not In My Back Yard.
After all, having homeless or lower income people living near
their homes would hurt housing values. NIMBYs don't mind hiring
illegal aliens or day-labor workers at minimum wage, or less, just
so they disappear at the end of the day.
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".
City governments in Pinellas County FL signed to a 10 year goal on
homelessness with USICH in April 2006, and there were proposals to do
something, like a night shelter to house just 150 people (a project which was
abandoned). The latest point-in-time count of the homeless, as required by
HUD, in January 2009 indicated 6235 homeless in Pinellas (including men,
women, and children), a 20% increase from two years earlier. Without
special needs to qualify for help it's nearly impossible to even get a bed for
a week.
Meanwhile, other communities across the country are making progress. Not
just temporary night shelters, but real housing. Many programs have proven
that it can be done. When people care enough, great things can be
accomplished.
homelessness with USICH in April 2006, and there were proposals to do
something, like a night shelter to house just 150 people (a project which was
abandoned). The latest point-in-time count of the homeless, as required by
HUD, in January 2009 indicated 6235 homeless in Pinellas (including men,
women, and children), a 20% increase from two years earlier. Without
special needs to qualify for help it's nearly impossible to even get a bed for
a week.
Meanwhile, other communities across the country are making progress. Not
just temporary night shelters, but real housing. Many programs have proven
that it can be done. 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. If a person behaves like a bum it is by
their choice. No one has to act like a bum to survive. Do people
who make plenty of money but cheat on their taxes fit this
description?
Hobo, tramp, vagrant, 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,
and can only afford minimal living expenses. They are just one
part of the overall homeless population.
Homeless refers to anyone with no permanent 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. If a person spends nights at a shelter, gets a motel
room occasionally, sleeps in a tent, or sleeps on a friends sofa,
they are 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. If a person behaves like a bum it is by
their choice. No one has to act like a bum to survive. Do people
who make plenty of money but cheat on their taxes fit this
description?
Hobo, tramp, vagrant, 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,
and can only afford minimal living expenses. They are just one
part of the overall homeless population.
Homeless refers to anyone with no permanent 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. If a person spends nights at a shelter, gets a motel
room occasionally, sleeps in a tent, or sleeps on a friends sofa,
they are 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? MORE
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? MORE
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". MORE
of assaults. Gangs of teenagers will beat and sometimes kill homeless people
saying they were just "looking for something to do". MORE
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 for a living, should have
constructive assistance toward meaningful employment and permanent
housing.
Those who cannot maintain meaningful employment, due to disabilities
(physical or mental) or age, should have assistance in obtaining adequate
housing, food, medical care, and basic necessities.
Those who choose to live homeless, perhaps living in a tent, should be able to
do so without constant fear of being harassed, beaten, robbed, or even killed.
Those who are homeless, and are capable of working for a living, should have
constructive assistance toward meaningful employment and permanent
housing.
Those who cannot maintain meaningful employment, due to disabilities
(physical or mental) or age, should have assistance in obtaining adequate
housing, food, medical care, and basic necessities.
Those who choose to live homeless, perhaps living in a tent, should be able to
do so without constant fear of being harassed, beaten, robbed, or even killed.
I've been publishing this website without
grants or donations for over five years.
Thanks to all of you who write in,
providing comments and suggestions. I
welcome your emails and try to reply to
them all. email me at:
clyde homelessamerican.com
grants or donations for over five years.
Thanks to all of you who write in,
providing comments and suggestions. I
welcome your emails and try to reply to
them all. email me at:
clyde homelessamerican.com
There are huge nationwide organizations that collect billions in donations and
government grants, but much of it goes to administrative costs and
advertising instead of assisting those in need. You see their expensive TV
ads, especially around Christmas, but when do they actually do anything?
government grants, but much of it goes to administrative costs and
advertising instead of assisting those in need. You see their expensive TV
ads, especially around Christmas, but when do they actually do anything?
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? MORE
income do if they can't afford conventional housing? Some move to rural areas
and make their own homes. What about cooperative housing? MORE
Having to Compete for a Job in the Real World Gaining meaningful
employment means competing for job openings. MORE
employment means competing for job openings. MORE
The Cost of Keeping People Homeless What does maintaining people in a
state of homelessness cost the American public? MORE
state of homelessness cost the American public? MORE
The Hazards of Being Homeless
What dangers do people face when having to be homeless? MORE
What dangers do people face when having to be homeless? MORE
Misconceptions About the Homeless Many popular concepts about the
homeless are no more than popular myths. MORE
homeless are no more than popular myths. MORE
Dealing with a Northern Winter While Homeless
What is it like to be homeless on the street in the winter? MORE
What is it like to be homeless on the street in the winter? MORE
Thoughts About Being Homeless Personal observations. MORE
Who Are the Homeless?
How many of the people you see every day are actually homeless? MORE
How many of the people you see every day are actually homeless? MORE
Why Don't Homeless People Go to Their Families for Help?
Sometimes people wonder why homeless don't just go to their families. MORE
Sometimes people wonder why homeless don't just go to their families. MORE
A Little About Me Why do I maintain this website at my own expense?
A HUD study, released March 2008, indicated that about
1,150,000 persons in the U.S. used emergency shelter or
transitional housing just during one six month period from
January to June of 2006.
1,150,000 persons in the U.S. used emergency shelter or
transitional housing just during one six month period from
January to June of 2006.
"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 translation
have them do to you, for this sums up the Law
and the Prophets."
Jesus, from Matthew 7:12 NIV translation
About Donating to Charities Do you wish to donate to help the homeless?
How do you find a program that is making good use of donations? MORE
How do you find a program that is making good use of donations? MORE
Do I think that assistance programs will get all of the homeless off the street?
No, and I don't think that medical treatment for cancer patients will cure
everyone either. Should we abandon trying to help cancer patients just
because it doesn't always work? Should we give up on helping homeless to
get off the street just because it doesn't help every individual?
No, and I don't think that medical treatment for cancer patients will cure
everyone either. Should we abandon trying to help cancer patients just
because it doesn't always work? Should we give up on helping homeless to
get off the street just because it doesn't help every individual?
I have personally been homeless, and realize how hard it is to get any
meaningful work in the situation. I also learned how most programs will refuse
to help you unless they see a profit in it. What I write about is based on
experiencing what it's like, not just something I read about in a textbook.
meaningful work in the situation. I also learned how most programs will refuse
to help you unless they see a profit in it. What I write about is based on
experiencing what it's like, not just something I read about in a textbook.
I applied to several programs seeking temporary housing, but was refused. I
didn't fit the profile they needed for getting grant money. Finally a small
Christian program accepted me, even if reluctantly. They did not get grants
(programs that include religious teaching can't get grants), but rather private
donations and money for expenses from the residents. I quickly started
working, not much at first but a start, and paid to be there until I could afford
to rent a place. That was almost three years ago, and have been able to
work and support myself since then.
didn't fit the profile they needed for getting grant money. Finally a small
Christian program accepted me, even if reluctantly. They did not get grants
(programs that include religious teaching can't get grants), but rather private
donations and money for expenses from the residents. I quickly started
working, not much at first but a start, and paid to be there until I could afford
to rent a place. That was almost three years ago, and have been able to
work and support myself since then.
Thousands of small organizations all across the country 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 daily without being paid anything. Groups like
these need assistance, in donations of money, food, clothing, and volunteer
help. Small organizations do make a difference, and they can efficiently put
donations to good productive use.
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 daily without being paid anything. Groups like
these need assistance, in donations of money, food, clothing, and volunteer
help. Small organizations do make a difference, and they can efficiently put
donations to good productive use.
If you want to donate to a local charity, i'ts a good idea 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.
Many groups do good work, but there are some fraudulent operations too.
Check them out and see for yourself what their accomplishments really are.
My primary objectives for this website are to increase awareness
so that some my be influenced to help, and provide some
information which may help those who are homeless. I consider
the information presented to be true and accurate to the best of
my knowledge. I do not profit from this website. If you find
anything to be inaccurate or misleading, please email me.
Constructive suggestions are always welcome.
(see top of page for email address) Clyde
so that some my be influenced to help, and provide some
information which may help those who are homeless. I consider
the information presented to be true and accurate to the best of
my knowledge. I do not profit from this website. If you find
anything to be inaccurate or misleading, please email me.
Constructive suggestions are always welcome.
(see top of page for email address) Clyde
| Interagency Council on Homelessness News about progress. Free newsletter available. |
Eight Principles to Live By A Christian alternative to the AA 12 steps.
Over the past year a program, essentially a "tent city", called Pinellas Hope,
managed by Catholic Charities, has been helping some homeless people in
Pinellas County. After an average stay of two months 371 adults were
discharged from the program and about 51% gained some type of housing
(which means they helped about 3% of the total homeless gain housing).
In their October 2008 report it was stated that "findings suggest that
previously homeless residents are capable of re-entering the broader
community to pursue a modest level of self-sufficiency through low-wage
employment and/or supportive housing arrangements." Continued funding
for the program is in doubt. The report may be found at
pinellashomeless.org under Information and Research Documents.
managed by Catholic Charities, has been helping some homeless people in
Pinellas County. After an average stay of two months 371 adults were
discharged from the program and about 51% gained some type of housing
(which means they helped about 3% of the total homeless gain housing).
In their October 2008 report it was stated that "findings suggest that
previously homeless residents are capable of re-entering the broader
community to pursue a modest level of self-sufficiency through low-wage
employment and/or supportive housing arrangements." Continued funding
for the program is in doubt. The report may be found at
pinellashomeless.org under Information and Research Documents.
| homelessamerican.com |
| UPDATED 6-28-2009 |
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| PAGES IN THIS WEBSITE (CLICK ON TITLE TO VIEW) |
Public Perceptions of the Homeless How does the media affect, or
manipulate, how the public percieves homeless people? MORE
manipulate, how the public percieves homeless people? MORE
Over 740,000 Americans are homeless at any given time, and they're not all just hanging
around panhandling. Many do low-paying jobs, such as day-labor, but without real progress.
With constuctive assistance, instead of just handouts, many of them could achieve a productive
life, and contribute to society, rather than remaining in poverty.
around panhandling. Many do low-paying jobs, such as day-labor, but without real progress.
With constuctive assistance, instead of just handouts, 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 do what they can to get back to meaningful work and
their own place to live. When asking for assistance in doing so, they are usually turned away.
drunk in public, or pushing shopping carts. Those who do that are a very small percentage of
all the homeless. Most homeless people do what they can to get back to meaningful work and
their own place to live. When asking for assistance in doing so, they are usually turned away.
IN THE NEWS 5/20/09:
President Obama has signed the Homeless Emergency
Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act,
which allocates millions more to homeless prevention, rapid
re-housing of homeless families, and permanent housing
homeless people with disabilities. Provisions include $440
million for homeless prevention and $2.2 billion for homeless
assistance grants.
President Obama has signed the Homeless Emergency
Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act,
which allocates millions more to homeless prevention, rapid
re-housing of homeless families, and permanent housing
homeless people with disabilities. Provisions include $440
million for homeless prevention and $2.2 billion for homeless
assistance grants.
How Can I Help? What can an individual or group do to help? MORE
@
A photo I took at about midnight during a recent severe
thunderstorm in Pinellas County FL. The bright light is from the
lightning. A roof was blown completely off one commercial building
and many homes were damaged. Would you want to be living
outside in weather like this?
thunderstorm in Pinellas County FL. The bright light is from the
lightning. A roof was blown completely off one commercial building
and many homes were damaged. Would you want to be living
outside in weather like this?
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