Collaboration – It’s Working in Rural Areas!

What is rural? Communities less than 100,000 people Located 100 miles from a major urban area Large geographic areas with many small towns or communities Large areas which are dependent on one industry such as agriculture, timber, mining, tourism, etc. Higher poverty rates Lower levels of educational attainment An area that is described as “country”

Rural Homelessness: Do we have homeless people HERE???? Homelessness is assumed to be an urban problem –More geographically concentrated –More visible –Media depictions Understanding rural homelessness requires an open mind –Fewer shelters –Fewer people “on the street” –More families, fewer single adults

Difficulties Rural America often lacks the resources required to identify individuals and families who are homeless. Isolation Distance Insufficient local resources (housing, transportation, social services, shelter, etc.) Local attitude (denial or blame)

Rural Communities Strengths Multi-service mainstream agencies Good access to local political leaders Involved and supportive church communities Rural culture of community Extended family support

Challenges for Service Providers in Rural Communities Lack of transportation infrastructure (Public transportation) Single agencies providing many services Individuals wear several different “hats” Sense of isolation Fewer dollars when funding decisions are based on population Difficult for staff to attend “state-wide” meetings/trainings/workshops Less public awareness due to “invisibility” of homeless Less existing research about what works in rural areas

Where Do They Go For Help? Small towns have both formal and informal resources available –BUT Rural Homeless prefer to seek assistance from: –Relatives –Friends –Neighbors –Churches –Schools –Shelters

Building Connections What is working ? Working individually with school districts: Liaisons Principals Guidance Superintendents Getting to know the school and the community Helping with school supplies and other items when needed Hang posters throughout each school

Connections Meeting with all of the shelters: Visiting each shelter and get to know the staff Talking about what services are provided How to work with the school districts Regional and Site Coordinators helping to set up services with the schools When needed, taking supplies such as: hygiene products, bedding, school supplies, when feasible, paying for items that they to help with education Hang posters

Projects No Sew Blankets –Various schools have participated in making blankets that have been donated to homeless shelters and to students in their districts.

Projects Talking with students about Homelessness and Poverty Senior Class Projects School fund drives: school supplies, hygiene kits

Community Get involved in community activities Serve on boards Visit the Food Banks, Soup Kitchens, Clothing Shops, other Local Charities Hang posters in Community Agencies

For Assistance Contact: Andrea Sheesley Regional Coordinator, Region #6 Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness ARIN IU W Pike Indiana, PA X 1235 Fax: Maureen Bourke Site Coordinator, Region # 6 Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness ARIN IU W Pike Indiana, PA X 1208 Fax:

For Assistance Contact: Bobbi Mack Coordinator of Special Programs Indiana Area School District Indiana, PA Billie Jo Weyant Executive Director C.A.P.S.E.A., Inc. PO Box 464 Ridgway, PA FAX: