A brief introduction to one of the most complex social issues. Homelessness A brief introduction to one of the most complex social issues.

Definition of Homelessness A homeless person is an individual without permanent housing who may live on the streets; stay in a shelter, mission, single room occupancy facilities, abandoned building or vehicle; or any other non- permanent situation. An individual may also be considered homeless if that person is “double up”, meaning they are forced to stay with a series of friends or family members.

Why do people become homeless? Lack of affordable housing and a limited scale of housing assistance programs The Federal minimum wage is $7.25. The wage needed to affording housing without paying more than 30% of your income is $18.93. In no state can a full-time minimum wage worker afford a one or two bedroom rental unit at Fair Market Rent. Poverty People in poverty are frequently unable to pay for housing, food, childcare, health care and education. Difficult choices must be made when limited resources cover only some necessities, often it’s housing.

Why do people become homeless? 3. Domestic Violence Battered women who live in poverty are often forced to choose between abusive relationships and homelessness. 4. Mental Illness Approximately 16% of the single adult homeless population suffers from some sort of severe mental illness including PTSD and/or depression. 5. Addiction Many people who are addicts never become homeless, but people who are poor and addicted are at an increased risk . .

Types of Homelessness Chronic Homelessness - someone who has experience homelessness for a year or longer, has experience at least 4 episodes of homelessness in the last three years and has a disability. Transitional Homelessness – someone enters a shelter or other type of transitional housing for a short period of time before returning to stable housing. Episodic Homelessness – someone who frequently shuttles in and out of homelessness typically due to unemployment, medical, mental health or substance abuse problems.

Understanding homelessness Begins with the recognition that each individual has his or her own unique story to tell. Homelessness takes as many forms as there are people who are homeless. By talking about multiple dimensions of homelessness we can begin to understand that issues of affordable housing and homelessness affect us all.

What are the solutions? Because the causes of homelessness are complex and wide-ranging, solutions to the problems exist at a variety of levels. Our actions as individuals, community members and citizens can make a difference. Here are a few suggested activities to help get you started in addressing homelessness. Develop understanding. Many people turn a cold shoulder when they see a homeless person on a street. Others find it difficult to see other people suffering and aren’t sure how to respond. Cultivate compassion and caring. People who are homeless have stressed that tolerance, compassion and empathy are important in their lives and that a nurturing environment helps create a community where homeless people feel a sense of belonging. Lend a hand. Your compassion can take many forms. You might give them spare change, a hot meal or just start a conversation.

Real stories. Real People.

Project Street Outreach What do we do? We provide homeless members of our community with essentials for basic living such as clothes, blankets, toiletries and assistance regarding referrals for additional services. We also canvas encampment sites to form a relationship with community members and offer services to those unable to travel to our outreach events and locations listed below. · Every Monday 5:30p.m.—6:30 p.m. 2025 Reynolds Avenue, North Charleston, SC Hot meal provided by Brenda Hair’s SALT Team   · Every Wednesday 5:00 p.m.— 6:00p.m. Meeting and Jackson Street, Charleston, SC · Every Thursday (times vary) Drop in Barbering Plus 1750 Remount Rd. Encampment Outreach · Coming Soon– Monthly Saturday Outreach 1750 Remount Rd, North Charleston, SC

In South Carolina today… Mental illness accounts for only 16% of S.C.’s homeless population Substance abuse accounts for only 10% of S.C.’s homeless population Lets move beyond the stereotypes and serve those experiencing less fortunate circumstances.