The United States of America is not only the wealthiest country on earth, but most Americans
enjoy a standard of living that has never been known before in the history of all mankind.
Even with all this wealth, over three quarter of a million Americans live in homeless poverty.
It's popular to call this the land of the free, but if you can't afford your own representation you
don't have the same rights as those with money. Those who can't afford proper housing are
considered to be nothing but worthless vagrants.
Many think that doing without cable TV, the Internet, or video games is unbearable.
Would you be able to accept having to live with nothing but the clothes you have on and what
little you can carry? Hundreds of thousands of Americans live like that every day.
News articles and blogs tend to dwell on homeless people panhandling, drinking in public, or
pushing shopping carts. While some people are like that it's certainly not typical for most
homeless people. The truth doesn't sell tabloid journalism.
Over 740,000 Americans are homeless at any given time, and they're not all just hanging
around city parks or street corners. Most are trying to accomplish something. Many do
intermittent low-paying jobs, like day-labor, but usually without real progress.
With constructive assistance (not just handouts) many could achieve a productive life, and
contribute to society, rather than remain living in poverty.
enjoy a standard of living that has never been known before in the history of all mankind.
Even with all this wealth, over three quarter of a million Americans live in homeless poverty.
It's popular to call this the land of the free, but if you can't afford your own representation you
don't have the same rights as those with money. Those who can't afford proper housing are
considered to be nothing but worthless vagrants.
Many think that doing without cable TV, the Internet, or video games is unbearable.
Would you be able to accept having to live with nothing but the clothes you have on and what
little you can carry? Hundreds of thousands of Americans live like that every day.
News articles and blogs tend to dwell on homeless people panhandling, drinking in public, or
pushing shopping carts. While some people are like that it's certainly not typical for most
homeless people. The truth doesn't sell tabloid journalism.
Over 740,000 Americans are homeless at any given time, and they're not all just hanging
around city parks or street corners. Most are trying to accomplish something. Many do
intermittent low-paying jobs, like day-labor, but usually without real progress.
With constructive assistance (not just handouts) many could achieve a productive life, and
contribute to society, rather than remain living in poverty.
| 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, Pinellas Park, Largo, Dunedin, Oldsmar,
Tarpon Springs, and Clearwater. The city of Tampa is across the bay in
Hillsborough County. Over 5000 of the approximately one million residents in
Pinellas County are homeless. Shelter space is very limited and without special
problems to qualify it's nearly impossible to get a shelter bed for even a week.
includes the cities of St. Petersburg, Pinellas Park, Largo, Dunedin, Oldsmar,
Tarpon Springs, and Clearwater. The city of Tampa is across the bay in
Hillsborough County. Over 5000 of the approximately one million residents in
Pinellas County are homeless. Shelter space is very limited and without special
problems to qualify it's nearly impossible to get a shelter bed for even a week.
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? 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.
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? 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 to possibly afford any
housing. Some get disability or social security income, but it's not enough for
both housing and living expenses. Could you live on less than $600 per month?
In the county I live in a modest one bedroom apartment is at least $700, plus
utilities. A simple room in a house is at least $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 are 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 to possibly afford any
housing. Some get disability or social security income, but it's not enough for
both housing and living expenses. Could you live on less than $600 per month?
In the county I live in a modest one bedroom apartment is at least $700, plus
utilities. A simple room in a house is at least $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 are 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 to make room for expensive housing while many
residents can't afford to relocate. Just renting a lot for a cheap
mobile home can cost over $450/month. In the area where I live the
term "affordable home" means something less than $200,000.
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 to make room for expensive housing while many
residents can't afford to relocate. Just renting a lot for a cheap
mobile home can cost over $450/month. In the area where I live the
term "affordable home" means something less than $200,000.
If you have suggestions on what this site should cover, questions or
comments, or have some helpful information or links you would like
to see posted, please e-mail me and let me know.
Thanks, Clyde
email: clyde@homelessamerican.com
comments, or have some helpful information or links you would like
to see posted, please e-mail me and let me know.
Thanks, Clyde
email: clyde@homelessamerican.com
Meet the NIMBYs
Shelters and assistance programs are usually 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 who are wallowing
in self indulgence. Communities that have jobs available don't want
the reality of homelessness spoiling their fantasy world.
NIMBYism, Not In My Back Yard.
After all, having anyone homeless or of a lower income living
anywhere near their valuable homes would destroy housing values.
NIMBYs don't mind hiring illegal aliens or day-labor workers at
minimum wage, or less, just as long as they disappear at the end of
the day. As a result of pressure on local government officials by
people like the NIMBYs, many programs that assist the homeless,
and low income people such as seniors just getting by on social
security, are forced to close as a way of "eliminating the homeless
problem".
Shelters and assistance programs are usually 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 who are wallowing
in self indulgence. Communities that have jobs available don't want
the reality of homelessness spoiling their fantasy world.
NIMBYism, Not In My Back Yard.
After all, having anyone homeless or of a lower income living
anywhere near their valuable homes would destroy housing values.
NIMBYs don't mind hiring illegal aliens or day-labor workers at
minimum wage, or less, just as long as they disappear at the end of
the day. As a result of pressure on local government officials by
people like the NIMBYs, many programs that assist the homeless,
and low income people such as seniors just getting by on social
security, are forced to close as a way of "eliminating the homeless
problem".
City governments in Pinellas County FL signed to a 10 year goal on
homelessness with USICH over a year ago, and there were finally proposals to
do something, like a night shelter to house just 150 people (which was
abandoned).
Meanwhile, other communities are making progress. Portland & Multnomah
County, Oregon, began a 10 year program in 2004, and have housed over 717
formerly homeless families and 1039 chronic homeless persons so far. Not just
night shelters, but real housing. Many programs have proven that it can be
done. When people care enough to do something, great things can be
accomplished.
homelessness with USICH over a year ago, and there were finally proposals to
do something, like a night shelter to house just 150 people (which was
abandoned).
Meanwhile, other communities are making progress. Portland & Multnomah
County, Oregon, began a 10 year program in 2004, and have housed over 717
formerly homeless families and 1039 chronic homeless persons so far. Not just
night shelters, but real housing. Many programs have proven that it can be
done. When people care enough to do something, great things can be
accomplished.
What's in a name?
There are a lot of terms that are used in reference to homeless
people. Some may describe certain individuals well, but more often
they are just used in a hateful manner by ignorant bigots.
Bum refers to those who avoid working while sponging off others.
Some people are bums all their life, and may live well at the expense
of others. If a person behaves like a bum it is by their choice No one
has to act like a bum to survive. Many steal and decieve just to get
drugs and party.
Terms like hobo, tramp, vagrant, or drifter 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 who has 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
may not be 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. Some may describe certain individuals well, but more often
they are just used in a hateful manner by ignorant bigots.
Bum refers to those who avoid working while sponging off others.
Some people are bums all their life, and may live well at the expense
of others. If a person behaves like a bum it is by their choice No one
has to act like a bum to survive. Many steal and decieve just to get
drugs and party.
Terms like hobo, tramp, vagrant, or drifter 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 who has 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
may not be 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 just go to a shelter and get all the help they need? What
can be done to help homeless people get back to meaningful work? MORE
What do homeless people face when trying to earn enough to get off the street?
Do they simply get a job? Can they just go to a shelter and get all the help they need? What
can be done to help homeless people get back to meaningful work? 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". Some
call it the "sport" of bum hunting. Attacks have risen 65% from "05 to '07. MORE
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". Some
call it the "sport" of bum hunting. Attacks have risen 65% from "05 to '07. MORE
The US Department of Veterans estimates that as many as 200,000
homeless people are veterans, and are being joined by more who
have served our country recently. Read about it at:
National Alliance to End Homelessness www.naeh.org
homeless people are veterans, and are being joined by more who
have served our country recently. Read about it at:
National Alliance to End Homelessness www.naeh.org
My viewpoint:
Those who are homeless, and are capable and willing to work for a living, should
have assistance toward getting meaningful employment and permanent housing.
Those who cannot maintain meaningful employment due to physical or mental
disabilities, or age, should have access to and recieve adequate assistance to
live a reasonable life.
Those who choose to live homeless, perhaps living in a tent, should be able to
do so without endless fear of being harassed, beaten, robbed, killed, or being
threatened with jail time for their choice.
Keeping people on the street does not benefit anyone, and actually
costs the public much more than helping them to get off the street.
Those who are homeless, and are capable and willing to work for a living, should
have assistance toward getting meaningful employment and permanent housing.
Those who cannot maintain meaningful employment due to physical or mental
disabilities, or age, should have access to and recieve adequate assistance to
live a reasonable life.
Those who choose to live homeless, perhaps living in a tent, should be able to
do so without endless fear of being harassed, beaten, robbed, killed, or being
threatened with jail time for their choice.
Keeping people on the street does not benefit anyone, and actually
costs the public much more than helping them to get off the street.
| Downhere Contemporary Christian music |
email me at: clyde@homelessamerican.com
I've been publishing this website without support from
grants or donations for over four years. Please let me
know if you find this information helpful.
Thanks to all of you who write in, providing suggestions
and moral support. I appreciate it.
Thanks also to Melissa in Nowra, NSW, Australia, for your
input! (Homelessness isn't just an American problem!)
Clyde
I've been publishing this website without support from
grants or donations for over four years. Please let me
know if you find this information helpful.
Thanks to all of you who write in, providing suggestions
and moral support. I appreciate it.
Thanks also to Melissa in Nowra, NSW, Australia, for your
input! (Homelessness isn't just an American problem!)
Clyde
There are huge organizations that collect billions in donations and government
grants, much of which goes to administrative costs and advertising instead of
assistance to those in need. Meanwhile, there are hundreds of small
organizations and churches that really do help. Some feed hundreds of people
every day without using government tax money.
grants, much of which goes to administrative costs and advertising instead of
assistance to those in need. Meanwhile, there are hundreds of small
organizations and churches that really do help. Some feed hundreds of people
every day without using government tax money.
Under the Bush Administration programs like USICH were
developed, and aid for the homeless was increased more than ever
before. What will President Obama do?
developed, and aid for the homeless was increased more than ever
before. What will President Obama do?
Alternatives to LIving on the Street
What can people with a very limited income, such as Social Security, do if they can't afford
conventional housing? There are alternatives. Some move to rural areas and make their
own homes. What about cooperative housing? MORE
What can people with a very limited income, such as Social Security, do if they can't afford
conventional housing? There are alternatives. 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
Gaining meaningful employment means competing for job openings. MORE
The Cost of Keeping People Homeless
What does maintaining people in a perpetual state of homelessness cost the American
public? It costs far less to help them get off the street. MORE
What does maintaining people in a perpetual state of homelessness cost the American
public? It costs far less to help them get off the street. 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
Many popular concepts about the homeless are no more than popular myths. MORE
Dealing with a Northern Winter While Being 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
Observations and opinions about what it's like being homeless. MORE
Observations and opinions about what it's like being homeless. 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... and why I bother to maintain this website at my own expense.
A new HUD study, released March 2008, indicated that an
estimated 1,150,000 persons in the U.S. used emergency shelter or
transitional housing at some time during a six month period from
January to June of 2006. Were these one million, one hundred,
and fifty thousand people just a bunch of street bums?
estimated 1,150,000 persons in the U.S. used emergency shelter or
transitional housing at some time during a six month period from
January to June of 2006. Were these one million, one hundred,
and fifty thousand people just a bunch of street bums?
"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 Bible
do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."
Jesus, from Matthew 7:12 NIV Bible
About Donating to Charities
How do you know if your donated money is actually being spent properly? MORE
How do you know if your donated money is actually being spent properly? MORE
Do I think that assistance programs will get all the homeless off the street? No,
and I don't think that medical treatment for cancer patients will cure everyone
either. Does this mean that we should abandon trying to help cancer patients just
because they are not all cured overnight? Should we give up on helping
homeless to get off the street just because it doesn't work all the time?
and I don't think that medical treatment for cancer patients will cure everyone
either. Does this mean that we should abandon trying to help cancer patients just
because they are not all cured overnight? Should we give up on helping
homeless to get off the street just because it doesn't work all the time?
I have experienced being homeless, camping outside in the cold and snow of
upper-midwest winters, and the heat and storms of Florida summers. I know what
it's like to be repeatedly turned away from shelters. I realize how hard it is to get
any meaningful work when you can't even take a shower or get clean clothes.
upper-midwest winters, and the heat and storms of Florida summers. I know what
it's like to be repeatedly turned away from shelters. I realize how hard it is to get
any meaningful work when you can't even take a shower or get clean clothes.
While I applied to several programs, seeking housing, I was refused. I didn't fit
the profile they needed for getting more grant money. Finally a small Christian
program accepted me, and I was then able to get back to meaningful work. They
did not get government grants, but rather private donations. Programs that
include any kind of religous teaching cannot recieve government grants. I
quickly started working again and paid to be there until I could afford a place of
my own.
the profile they needed for getting more grant money. Finally a small Christian
program accepted me, and I was then able to get back to meaningful work. They
did not get government grants, but rather private donations. Programs that
include any kind of religous teaching cannot recieve government grants. I
quickly started working again and paid to be there until I could afford a place of
my own.
There are organizations all across the country that actually 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 being paid anything for it. Groups like
these need assistance, in donations of money, food, clothing, and volunteer
help. Small organizations do make a difference, and without depending on
government grant money. These are the ones that can efficiently put donations
to good 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 every day without being paid anything for it. Groups like
these need assistance, in donations of money, food, clothing, and volunteer
help. Small organizations do make a difference, and without depending on
government grant money. These are the ones that can efficiently put donations
to good use.
Be careful who you are donating to and, better yet, participate with them and get
to know them. While many groups do good work, there are fraudulent operations
too. Check them out and see for yourself what their accomplishments really are.
to know them. While many groups do good work, there are fraudulent operations
too. Check them out and see for yourself what their accomplishments really are.
www.homelessamerican.com This is a website about homelessness, poverty, lack of housing, unemployment and how to find employment, shelter, homeless programs, food and soup kitchens, volunteering,
donating, philanthropy, assisting those in need, finding assistance, and law enforcement regarding the homeless, in the United States of America. This website is produced without any donations or federal,
state, or local grants. I consider all 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, misleading, or
offensive, please email me. Constructive suggestions are always welcome. Clyde clyde@homelessamerican.com
donating, philanthropy, assisting those in need, finding assistance, and law enforcement regarding the homeless, in the United States of America. This website is produced without any donations or federal,
state, or local grants. I consider all 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, misleading, or
offensive, please email me. Constructive suggestions are always welcome. Clyde clyde@homelessamerican.com
| Interagency Council on Homelessness News about progress. Free newsletter available. |
Eight Principles to Live By A Christian alternative to the 12 steps.
| Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity will begin construction of it's 300,000th house in Naples, FL, on November 13. |
Over the past year a program called Pinellas Hope has been helping some
homeless people in Pinellas County. It amounts to essentially a "tent city",
managed and partly funded by Catholic Charities. A total of 371 adults were
discharged from the program after an average stay of two months with about
51% gaining some type of 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 questionable. The report may be found at
pinellashomeless.org under Information and Research Documents.
homeless people in Pinellas County. It amounts to essentially a "tent city",
managed and partly funded by Catholic Charities. A total of 371 adults were
discharged from the program after an average stay of two months with about
51% gaining some type of 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 questionable. The report may be found at
pinellashomeless.org under Information and Research Documents.
| homelessamerican.com |
| UPDATED 12-31-2008 |
| homelessamerican.com |
| I find refdesk.com to be a great resource for finding information and use it all the time. Just click on the logo. |
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