1. Dawn Burgess, Ed. D Helping the Homeless Unit 7 Seminar

2. Who is homeless?

3. The Federal Government’s definition of homeless: An individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence… Counting the homeless – it is difficult to get an accurate head count Why? On average, 650,000 individuals experience homelessness on any given night

4. What causes homelessness? Who is most likely to become homeless and why?

5. Recent studies conducted in the 1990s revealed a tendency to blame the poor for their poverty However, research shows that social and structural issues are the primary cause of poverty. Shortages in affordable housing Significant increase in educational requirements for employment Long-standing institutionalized discrimination Increase in the complexity of life

6. As HS workers we must be aware of the stigmas attached to poverty and homelessness Negative attitudes toward the homeless do not help The attitude of “they are just lazy” You need an address and usually a phone in order to apply for a job. How do we break they cycle?

7. History of Homelessness in the US The early church and caring for the poor (remember we talked about the “deserving poor”?) The Middle Ages and the wandering poor (mostly men who migrated for employment) The Great Depression – almost everyone affected Brought most people back to the understanding that poverty and homelessness can be caused by circumstances beyond one’s control

8. Homelessness in the 1970’s and 1980’s – rise in homeless single parent families Study done in 1999 found: Of all homeless families 80% were headed by a single parent Of those, 95% were female

9. The Contemporary Picture of Homelessness: The Rise of Single Parent Families Oversimplification of the causes of homelessness Most homeless, single mothers have never been married Only 20% of homeless people have been on public assistance, even though most would qualify. The court system not enforcing child support

10. Homeless Shelter Living for Families with Children Children are the fastest growing population of homeless More complex problems and more needs The Invisible Youth Network: Homeless children Parenting in a homeless shelter Hours of operation for families Shelter rules and policies not made for families.

11. Homeless Children: School Attendance and Academic Performance Changing schools when you change shelters 2000 report showing that only 87% of homeless children are enrolled in school and only 77% attend regularly

12. Runaway Youth Estimated 2 million adolescents are on the streets in the US Adolescents will more likely live on a street than in a homeless shelter. They run away from home or are kicked out of homes. Sexual exploitation They find each other and help one another to survive. Suspicious of adults Intervention programs

13. Single Men, the Mentally Ill and Substance Abuse Just under 50% consists of men in the homeless population Childhood history of abuse Mental illness Substance abusers Veterans

14. The Elderly Homeless Usually without shelter than the younger generations Fewer social supports Fewer family members Common age related physical issues Limited employment opportunities Increased vulnerability Financially victimized

15. Current Policies and Legislation The McKinney-Vento s Assistance Act AFDC: Aid to Families with Dependent Children TANF: Temporary Assistance to Needy Families No Child Left Behind Act

16. The Role of the Human Service Professional Empower clients Address the needs of the entire family Judgment free Intervention and prevention Advocate for the needs of the homeless

17. Common Practice Settings for Working with the Homeless Population Emergency Shelters Daytime drop in shelters Transitional housing programs Domestic violence shelters Public housing projects Case management Coordinators Volunteers to raise awareness: Invisible Youth Network