Many barriers remain to ending homelessness
Many people don't really understand homelessness. For example, not all homeless people are addicts and drunks. Individuals who are homeless do have opportunities to get back on their feet.
There are many programs in the Greensboro community that are trying to eliminate homelessness altogether, but in order for that to happen the different agencies need to work together. The homeless population is a group of people with various needs, but their greatest need is housing. Finding affordable housing is probably the most difficult thing to do next to finding a job because, in order to get housing, you first must qualify.
The main two reasons homeless individuals don't qualify for conventional housing is lack of income and criminal/credit backgrounds. Luckily, there are transitional housing programs available to help homeless individuals and families transition back into mainstream society. These programs offer supportive services to these individuals. The main goal of these programs is to promote self-sufficiency and to move people into permanent housing.
As a future social worker and a member of the community, I feel it is my responsibility to provide the resources, education and training that will support the under-served in obtaining meaningful employment and housing.
Oreon Shaw
Greensboro
Comments (3)
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Oreon, your letter addresses a complicated issue: What causes homelessness? While most sources acknowledge that the lack of affordable housing is a major factor, the need for housing does not exist in a vaccum. Poverty and homelessness are directly related. Other interrelated, and no less important factors must be considered in determining the causes of homelessness. They include: mental illness, substance abuse, domestic violence, unemployment & underemployment, prison release & ex-offender status.
Our local Task Force to End Homelessness is charged with developing a Ten Year Plan for our community. Learn more here: http://chosenfast.blogspot.com/2006/04/understanding-ten-year-plan-to-end.html
Posted on May 1, 2006 11:20 AM
Our church works with the InterFaith Hospitality group. It is uplifting to see that few stay in the program on a long term basis. They are able to leave and be on their own because of a helping hand.
Those of us who are blessed with homes, health, and family should look for more ways to help those who are not.
Posted on May 2, 2006 7:21 AM
Carol, How can I reach the Interfaith Hospitality group? It sounds like a great service group.
Posted on May 3, 2006 3:29 PM