Do you know the Answer to Resolving Homelessness?

2015-12-05T16:30:48-05:00

Do you know the Answer to Resolving Homelessness?

This not only about our veterans that are homeless, but all Americans. Let's see what Carrie Nowocin, CEO, Carry Me Productions (affordable housing) ahs to say about it

I posted the entire article here for your review and feedback.

Over the last 10 years many large cities have been promising to end homelessness, and now we have a “crisis”. Sorry but this is NOT a crisis, this is a social epidemic and anyone can fall victim to it. A crisis typically has a solution/plan within a few days. A crisis is Katrina. A crisis is the BP oil spill. Homelessness is NOT a crisis. Since we got that out of the way, we can discuss a “cure” to this epidemic.

To find a cure for anything, we must first assess the issue.

Who experiences homelessness?

People don’t always become homeless overnight.
Not everyone who is homeless is mentally ill or has a drug addiction.
The majority of those who are experiencing homelessness work.
The majority of those who are without a home are not counted in the “city” counts.

What are the causes of homelessness?

1. Lack of affordable housing.
2. Low wages.
3. Mental health takes its toll.
4. People do not have health coverage.
5. Addiction
6. Lack of support services (family, social, economic)

What do most city officials want to do about those who are homeless?

1. Decentralize services within major cities.
2. Tear down living spaces so people leave the area.
3. Shame those who feel hopeless.
4. Hide people. Out of sight, out of mind.

So then, what is needed?

1. More affordable housing.
If we do the math, a single person living off minimum wage makes an estimated $18,720 a year (without taxes). In order to be able to live alone comfortably, a 1 br needs to be $416/month.
Uh, I don’t know any major cities where anyone can find a 1br for that price. No wonder people are homeless.

2. Stop thinking of only housing those who are “chronically” homeless. If nonprofits only focus on those who are chronically homeless (3 yrs or more), then more individuals will become chronically homeless. The whole idea is counter-productive.
To find a solution to homelessness, I have listed the types of homelessness by Tiers. 6 being the least at risk of health concerns and 1 most at risk of health concerns:
(a) Tier 6 (Preventative care) – Just like we do with healthcare, preventative homelessness care would teach people how to manage their money and live within their means. If someone can only make minimum wage, they need to not try to live in a large city. I know that sounds mean, but really it’s not. When I was in college, I did an internship in Rochester, MN. My rent was $230/month. Guess how much money I saved. Oh, plus I didn’t have a car. I took the bus everywhere.
(b) Tier 5 (Intervention) – See someone on the verge of becoming homeless, help them. Move them out of their current situation and provide social services to help with money management and financial planning.
(c) Tier 4 (Transients) – Build hostels for them to stay in. There are many transients in cities like Venice Beach, CA where all they need is a room. There are some hostels, but not enough for those just “passing through”.
(d) Tier 3 (Newbies) – Emergency shelters should only be serving these people. Shelters should be segregated as such:

Sex
Families
People with pets
Veterans
Disabled (physical and mental separated)

These are the folks and families that are just out on their own. Life took a turn where they lost everything and no one was there to intervene or help to prevent it from happening. Provide social services to help these people get back on their feet. A lot of the time, these people know what happened, but just don’t know how to get back on track. Support groups and counseling would be great for this tier.

(e) Tier 2 (Hotel dwellers or couch surfers) – Once identified, this tier needs to be moved into temporary housing. The housing would consist of homes converted into a “transitional home”. The housing should also be segregated as presented in item d.

This group usually consist of families with young children. They stay in hotels at the first of the month, until their money runs out. Then they typically live in their car or crash at a friend or family member’s house for a few months.

(f) Tier 1 (Chronic) – These people have been homeless 3 or more years. Typically they have become “stuck” in this system because they were brushed aside. Most of those who are chronically homeless are struggling with multiple physical and mental health issues, which can all be helped.

3. Stop making people feel bad because something caused them to become homeless.

4. Stop handing out Band-Aids. Blankets and tents are not going to solve anything. I’m appreciative for those who help others in need, but people need to stop believing that blankets and tents are a solution to problems.

5. Stop trying to hide the homeless. If they are hiding, we can’t help them. Hire them to clean the streets they live on. Give them hope, not hate.

6. Stop focusing on decentralizing services and start focusing on the gaps of the services.

7. What is and isn’t working? That’s the first assessment I would conduct if I was in a large city. If nonprofits are going to join an alliance or coalition, have a solid plan to address the needs of the people.

8. Think about converting abandoned buildings in to dorms. (We have a program for this if interested.)

9. An alliance (what we call partnership) should consist of the following and no more than one of each:

Social service provider
Financial planning assistance
Legal counsel/assistance
Housing provider
Mental health provider
Disabilities provider
Education/Job training
Liaison for all to work together
Outreach group

I don’t tell people we are experts in this sector, but to be honest, it’s not rocket science.

The solution is to forget about making a ton of money and go back to the reason your nonprofit was started, to help people.

So now the breakdown in spending.

This is how I envision it going down (if I was a big leader with 100M to spend):

1M for staff which would include all providers listed under item 10.

40M two additional emergency shelters (Tier 3 above). These shelters will include all services under item 10.

20M for Tier 5 and 6. This would be considered more community investment money. Help people move out of the expensive locations and find jobs and education options to help them become successful. (We have a plan in progress for these Tiers but what we do won't cost nearly as much because we have partnered with others who are experts.)

10M for Tier 4. Build clean places for people to stay short term. Provide police protection and get people off beaches and county parks.

15M for Tier 2. Invest in transitional and permanent living spaces which families and individuals can stay in for low cost until they get back on their feet. (We have a program in progress for this tier as well, but at a fraction of the cost.)

14M for Tier 1. This might be used for rehab for substance abuse and mental health. Offer nice places for people to recover from their illnesses. This would be an investment in the community. The cities can partner with some private centers to help those who really want the help but can’t afford it. The county could purchase distressed land to build ranches and therapy centers for those recovering from homelessness.

If you or anyone you know are interested to learn more about any of these Tiers and how I suggest they be implemented, contact me [login to see] .

I’d be happy to share. I just want to help people get OFF the streets and make some of these nonprofits get out of the housing business, including Carry Me Productions. If you’re tired of social Band-Aids, please consider donating to our cause. Invest in your community. Our passion is to carry people to safety and independence.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 5 at 2015 4:45 PM

2015-12-05T16:45:17-05:00

Well, given as how empty homes outnumber the homeless, I would think we ALL know the solution... Most just don't like it..

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2015 5:00 PM

2015-12-05T17:00:38-05:00

http://www.cracked.com/personal-experiences-1246-7-things-no-one-tells-you-about-being-homeless_p2.html

7 Things No One Tells You About Being Homeless

In a little town in Montana, I was 'lucky' enough to experience temporary homelessness.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Dec 5 at 2015 5:08 PM

2015-12-05T17:08:11-05:00

I'm going to go into a "cold logic" mode here, and I am going to sound VERY heartless for a moment.

Let's draw a parallel.

World Hunger, and Clean Water. It's not that the world doesn't have ENOUGH Food & Water to support the people, it's that we are Logistically set up to get that Food & Water to the people who need it. We have an ABUNDANCE of resource, but a LACK of Logistics.

Imagine for a moment you are on a patrol, and in a firefight, and you are 300 meters from your outpost. You are out of ammo. There is MILLIONS of rounds at your basecamp, and all the help you could possibly need to deal with the situation... but it is "just too far away," in both distance and time to help you NOW.

Now, let's look at housing in the same way. We have plenty of SPACE. The US is mostly empty space. It is. Additionally, we have plenty of available housing. We do. Conservatively speaking the number of empty BANK OWNED homes more than doubles the number of homeless families.

So this is NOT a resource problem. That makes it a "Logistics" problem (at first glance).

After we acknowledge that, we have to start looking at the where's and who's. Where are the "epicenters" of homelessness? And who are major "victims" of it?

We can assume the vast majority will be near our city centers, which helps the logistic problem somewhat, but we do have to account for "cost."

We cannot just give homes away (or we can). We need a program to marry people up to homes, and figure out why they don't have them. Is it a cost issue. Is it an employment issue (also cost). Is it another secondary issue? But we first have to get past the Logistics concept.

Were it ME in charge, I would have bailed out the Mortgage companies by "purchasing" those empty houses as "real-estate for Americans" whether as Writing off Debt (just get rid of foreclosures on predatory loans) or Homeless Housing (like Section 8). Keep in mind this is a "Swag plan" with 15 seconds of thought. I sure as hell wouldn't have given them a blank check to keep profiting off the American's investment.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2015 5:10 PM

2015-12-05T17:10:11-05:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs Is the way out of homelessness through one's self? The answer could be in changing one's own behaviors. Everyone looks at the factors of "Why are people homeless" "Causes of homelessness" "Factor's contributing to homelessness" It's been looked at in ad nauseum. Let's look at how people got out of homelessness and if we can put a model together to help other's help themselves. Responsibility doesn't belong just to society but it also lies within the individual.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Dec 5 at 2015 5:42 PM

2015-12-05T17:42:38-05:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs as somebody who has been homeless from May 1995 to November 1999 while I was fully employed and being homeless since July 2014 while being disabled unemployed I understand that homelessness is a very personal situation.
There are many reasons for being homeless some are voluntary while most are involuntary.
Some remember when the psychiatric facilities released most of those labeled insane because they mistakenly believed they would be better off outside of those facilities. We learned that many died of exposure over the years, some were beaten to death, and who knows how many very terrified. I remember encountering some of these men and a couple women in those years and I know enough of the insane personally to have compassion on them.
There are group solution which are effective in specific areas including cities and towns. Each state has some common laws as well as unique laws.
Carrie Nowocin, CEO, Carry Me Productions raises many good points and I am glad she is not advocating one solution approach fits all requirements.

Response by PV2 Scott Goodpasture made Dec 5 at 2015 6:49 PM

2015-12-05T18:49:29-05:00

Not possible, these are privileged whites

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Dec 5 at 2015 8:38 PM

2015-12-05T20:38:04-05:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs, there's a fella in California that is not talking about it, he is doing something about it! He is able to build them for about $500! What can we do - stop smacking our gums and do something as well! This helps me identify where some of my time will going once I return to the USA! Deeds, not Words!

https://gma.yahoo.com/california-man-builds-houses-homeless-shares-video-homeless-154504719--abc-news-house-and-home.html#

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2015 9:47 PM

2015-12-05T21:47:52-05:00

I don't think that this problem can ever be solved there are a lot of different factors to cause homelessness and well I don't think that It can ever be fixed. We can do better to help those in need but i don't think this is the end all be all and money will not solve this problem.

Response by 1LT Christopher Sorge made Dec 5 at 2015 9:48 PM

2015-12-05T21:48:06-05:00

Eh but what about illegals in this country lets give them jobs and shelter instead of our own people :)

Response by SSG Dwight Amey MSA, MSL, BS, AS made Dec 5 at 2015 11:08 PM

2015-12-05T23:08:24-05:00

COL Mikel Burroughs, family or friends are the first line of defense to preventing homelessness, especially kids! I know our family institution is largely dysfunctional with divorce and selfishness. Homelessness will never be totally done away. Compassion and not judgement is the first hurtle to get over before we can really begin to help. How can we help those who we think do not deserve it?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 6 at 2015 1:48 PM

2015-12-06T13:48:14-05:00

Some mothers are one child support check away from being homeless.

Response by SPC Rory J. Mattheisen made Jun 13 at 2016 2:54 PM

2016-06-13T14:54:59-04:00

Sir, I believe the correct model to ending homelessness in America is to create Community Action Centers(CAC). All existing non-profits well be pulled under this umbrella, and all funding directed toward providing the solution. Most cities/counties resources are spread out and the process is very frustrating. We have, as you have pointed out, a very fragmented funding system in which many people want to help, but when a non-profit gains a certain amount of notoriety the board begins to seize control and draw ridiculous salaries.
First: We need people with the heart to help in these positions, not people who seek recognition and fame. Pay structure @ the CAC is as follows: max salary 70K per year, salary to be adjustable to bring the employees household to 70K annually in order to make sure the home life of employees is stable and secure.
Second: All funding is directed to local offices until that areas problem has been resolved then annual overage is sent up to county, state and federal levels to be redistributed in the areas of highest need. All funding is to be used to get citizens into homes, not housing. Actual homes that they are buying, through loans backed by the CAC.
Third: Order of precedence is: Elderly, Families, Veterans, emptying the existing housing projects nationwide , & finally those in rental contracts. Temporary housing units for single people to be built in a squad bay format, families in studio style apartments. Old schools are ideal locations for temporary housing as the infrastructure is designed for large populations. The gym provides squad bay area and showers, classrooms serve as studios, and the cafeteria can serve meals.
Fourth: The people in the program with advanced labor skills, mechanical, construction, and culinary have preference in the hiring process for the CAC. Partnering with clothing companies to buy unsold clothing at cost will put clothes on their backs, staff mechanics can put donated vehicles into like new condition, partnering with our military construction groups will keep the cost of construction down and allow the SM's great training.
I believe that we could solve the homeless problem nationwide under this format in less than 10 years. People will leave temporary housing with everything they need to succeed and a home of their own, many of them for the first time in their life. The CAC can then be retooled to work towards community improvement projects funded completely by donations. The rich still get their write offs, the poor get to change their staion in life, and the governments bottomline is increased because people making more money pay more taxes.
I believe Americans could and would erase poverty under this system.

Response by SSG Leo Bell made Jun 18 at 2016 8:34 AM

2016-06-18T08:34:51-04:00

COL Mikel Butroughs. This is a very good article. I would always say to help the homeless here in America that the government needs to stop giving all these other countries around the globe money to fight wars, and to rebuild city's and so on. They need to take that money and build affordable housing here in America. I had asked at the Va here in Hampton Virginia how I could get help getting my own place, cause I rent a room from a lady. They told me I didn't qualify for help with getting a place of my own because I wasn't living in a homeless shelter, I wasn't living on the street, and I'm not like Bing out of my car. When I explained that I have to be inside to be dry because of wounds and machines I have to be hooked up to, plus I need electricity daily. She told me I still didn't qualify. The his is how our government looks at some people.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jun 18 at 2016 7:52 PM

2016-06-18T19:52:36-04:00

Honestly, I don't know the answer(s) (There may be more than one) But I know someone who may know it. Although I'm not a Mormon I've read and heard plenty about their family-centered support systems. As I understand the system, when someone is homeless or jobless or penniless, the church assumes responsibility for them. The provide them with everything they need: home, work, food, etc. The products of their work help others being supported by the church. While being cared for by the church, they are counseled to educated to help them regain their independence. This system is, I believe, limited to members of the church. They provide other forms of assistance to anyone in need of it. But it is the system that they maintain for their own which might be the prototype for a US system for its citizens. To be sure, I'm offering this from second hand knowledge. I would love to see someone offer more insight.

Response by Anita Nowocin made Jun 23 at 2016 6:36 PM

2016-06-23T18:36:18-04:00

COL Mikel Burroughs, Thank you for sharing the information this information and Carry Me Productions plan. Carry Me Productions is unique in it's approach to creating affordable housing for Veterans and others. Unfortunately, housing the those who are experiencing homelessness has become a big business without our nation seeing real results. With millions of bank and government REO homes sitting empty, those homes could be used to provide shared housing for single veterans, youth aging out of the foster care system, shared housing for older adults, and individual families. It's a matter of developing a program to acquire these homes, rehabbing if needed, then housing populations in needs and providing services. Carry Me Productions CEO has developed that program and built a relationship with a REO housing lender.

Carry Me Productions is about creating collaborative efforts. While we have experienced that a lot of other nonprofit organizations are not interested in collaborating as they are competing for the same funding; have gained power in a community or state; money is power which they are not interested in sharing.

Response by SPC Kirk Gilles made Jun 23 at 2016 9:22 PM

2016-06-23T21:22:20-04:00

There are so many categories of Homeless. They differ in causation.
Short version: there are those who choose to be homeless and those who do not. Resources to those who choose it by substance abuse or criminality is money down a hole. Society still is not ready to round up people and force help on them so we get places like L.A.'s Skidrow.
Creating secure, sustainable transitional housing for those who do not choose the street life could work but it's more government and handouts. Pro homeless advocates would say that concentration camps had been made. Many homeless fear shelters as they resemble a prison environment that victimizes them further.
There is a huge potential public works program on the horizon that would rival FDR and the TVA for providing opportunity: building that Wall.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Jun 26 at 2016 12:28 PM

2016-06-26T12:28:27-04:00

The biggest answer to resolve homelessness is to crack down on the predatory housing market. I remember my first apartment. I started out paying 700 bucks a month for a 1 bedroom. By the time I left, I was paying almost 1200 a month. My pay never went up once during that period. I ended up needing to take a 2nd and a 3rd job just to be able to afford rent/utilities/food/gas. It ended up being cheaper for me to put all my personal possessions in storage and live in my car than it was to try and maintain an apartment that I was never around to enjoy.

Another thing to consider is the mental health issue which seems to be an issue that no one wants to talk about. There are some people who actually choose to be homeless, not because of some financial reason, but mentally they are uncomfortable being like everyone else. I've known 1 or 2 people who felt claustrophobic being indoors for any length of time.

I've seen some people say that we should just give them free housing. The problem is that creates a dependency issue. The homeless do need homes, this is true, but instead of just giving them homes, maybe we can work on making homes rent-to-own. Take foreclosed homes, put a family in them, maybe charge 100 bucks a month for rent to help them get back on their feet. Check in on them in 6 months to a year. If they're doing better, raise the rent to 200 bucks. Keep repeating until the payment is equal to what the standard mortgage payment would be. And instead of just going into anyone's pocket, all the rent money collected will be put in as a down payment on the house. This will not only help keep the homeless from being homeless, but this might restore some of the self-confidence that is typically lost when you find yourself living on the street or in your car.

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Jun 29 at 2016 11:52 PM

2016-06-29T23:52:33-04:00

What if they were to be able to stay on a base that has been closed and have someone monitor them and pay for there stay in which they could afford and pay electricity.
the people that are watching them it would be a Paid position

Response by James Manning made Jun 30 at 2016 8:47 PM

2016-06-30T20:47:55-04:00

There are different reasons for being without a home. What I'm about to say is directed to the hearing of all that do believe that there is a creator. The man was created to occupy the earth as a unit. He is one body with many members. We are all members of the human body. But the world that we live in is broken and no longer in line with the natural way in which things created to function. We want to eradicate the symptoms without fixing what's broken. What am I saying? We live our lives with the attitude that the things that life consists of is on the outside of who we are as a state of being. We seek self-gratification through the things that we possess. Profit has become something that is external and temporal. But the more we gain, the more we want. We no longer function as one body or unit but as single members independent of the body. We set out on our quest to evolve into something great. The things that we possess are what defines us. What I am saying is that it's no longer about the body but the individual. You see, as the rich continue to get richer, the poor will become poorer. Take a look at the ant; the ant does not have a leader, but he goes out each day working as a unit for the benefit of the body. As a people, we have become self-seekers. We seek our own and not the well-being of the body. Yes, all men are created equal, but we need to add to those words. 'and have all things in common.' It's when we have all things in common that my home is your home and when I plant for me I also plant for you. When we have all things in common, there will be no homeless nor poor. What do we need? It is not the help of some government that we need. Because that will only be like taking medicine. Most drugs cover up one problem and create other problems that are sometimes worse. But what do we need? We need to return to our creator for he's the only one that can fix the problem.

Response by PFC Stephen Eric Serati made Jul 4 at 2016 1:56 PM

2016-07-04T13:56:52-04:00

Good read Sir.A lot of what you've wrote are excellent ideas to help Citizens on the streets now,but to fix any problem you need to understand there is a problem.Sadly our leaders as a whole do not and if they do its not profitable to spend money on failure.To me you have to understand the way a capitalism system works.capitalism is an economic system based on private ownership of means of production and their operations for profit.Turbo capitalism-unregulated capitalism,will see greater problems associated with inequality,under provisions of public services and greater inequality.If you try a different approach on capitalism one that,what I like to call the trinity,Capitalism/Humanism/Socialism you can curb the problems we see now.The problem in implementing this is its not profitable to the powers that be.Therefore the homelessness numbers will continue to rise,crime will grow,the powerful will continue their retreat,building walls,excluding Citizens who are unworthy,unproductive,elderly services,mental services,single woman with kids,the list is long You get the picture.Sir respectfully you have great ideas but you must think higher.You talk of patching it,but to curb it,to stop it you must take on all out capitalism.This is what destroyed every Civilization before us.When Society is in harmony homelessness,crime and chaos are subdued,when a few are aloud to take everything "Chaos" reigns.If you really want to help the homeless and downtrodden,think Higher.Respectfully.

Response by SGT James Colwell made Dec 13 at 2016 4:14 PM

2016-12-13T16:14:50-05:00

I think the FIRST step is to stop the bleeding. If we can determine the cause of people becoming homeless, except for those who make bad choices, we can at the very least slow the numbers of new homeless to a trickle. I see three primary issues for no-fault homelessness. 1. Low paying jobs. Higher paying jobs have gone overseas, leaving qualified workers with nothing to do, except take on all the low paying jobs that are being created. 2. Technology is replacing human workers. Technology is a wonderful thing (when it works), but a consequence of automation is a loss of jobs for those who are being replaced by technology. 3. Inflated costs for housing. Housing prices are going up and down but even on the down swing, the costs exceed what can be afforded by minimum wage earners. Fix at least two of these issues, and we can begin to stop the bleeding.

There are many facets to homelessness. There is no one cookie cutter answer. Do we treat gainfully employed homeless the same as the disabled homeless or the homeless by choice?

I wish I knew the answer in its entirety. I really do.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Dec 14 at 2016 7:31 AM

2016-12-14T07:31:10-05:00

Excellent article, well worded and thought provoking.

Response by TSgt Joe C. made Dec 14 at 2016 9:48 AM

2016-12-14T09:48:56-05:00

I do not...no COL Mikel J. Burroughs. I'd to rescue everyone and all animals too but my wallet does not reach that far sadly!

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Dec 14 at 2016 11:28 AM

2016-12-14T11:28:33-05:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs My overly simple solution is to use existing infrastructure. Move the folks who are homeless into areas that are abandoned. Let them repair damage to houses, plant gardens, raise small animals, and establish self sustaining, communal, communities. As the article states, homelessness doesn't strike one type of person over another. It is an epidemic that does not care about race, gender, or skills. So I would say use the skills that these folks already have. That way it serves multiple purposes.
1) people feel good when they accomplish something. My plan would allow the folks currently subsisting on the streets to build something of their own. This will build the individuals up as they see that they have accomplished something bigger than themselves
2) It builds communities, by rebuilding run down areas of towns, or abandoned towns, these folks would be the first generation settlers of new communities.
3) Gives everyone a sense of purpose. This kind of goes with the accomplishment of number 1. By building communities, everyone must do their part. Everyone must work together. Everyone must be a productive member of the community. By giving everyone a sense of purpose, it elevates the individual through the community.
4) They would become self sufficient. It would take time, but by planting foodstuffs, and raising animals, these communities would become self sufficient. Even if the residents cannot find traditional employment, they are working. They are producing. The communities over time would become stronger, and the stronger the communities are, the more self sufficient they are.

Cities like Detroit that have huge swaths of land within the city that are completely dilapidated would be a good place to start. The city wins because the run down areas get repaired. The homeless win because they are no longer homeless. Society wins because stronger communities are built.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Dec 14 at 2016 11:49 AM

2016-12-14T11:49:59-05:00

"Homelessness" like "poverty" are pejorative labels COL Mikel J. Burroughs. The beat generation after WWII and the restless generation who came of age in the 1960's drifted from place to place. Many were "homeless" and reveled in the freedom of not being tied down.
The Okies who left the dustbowl desired to have a home. Many were dirt-poor but those who were believers in our Lord Jesus the Christ had joy even while homeless.
Homelessness is negative in its focus. Getting those who need a home into one is best accomplished locally with people who know the area and care about people.
Habitat for Humanity and Samaritan's Purse are two organizations which help people gain a home or refurbish one.
Disclaimer: I have lost my home many times over the past 22 years. By the grace of God a home opportunity appeared whenever the previous one ended. Sometimes I lived in a basement, others in a spare room.
By the grace of God we lost our home in June 2014 and have been taking care of my mother-in-law after her husband of over 60 years died that month. God knows the needs of people and HE arranges circumstances to bless others.
Look for opportunities to bless others. It is very likely there are many needs around where you live.

Response by Austin Hocutt made Dec 14 at 2016 7:21 PM

2016-12-14T19:21:14-05:00

Capitalism.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Dec 14 at 2016 9:40 PM

2016-12-14T21:40:26-05:00

This organization here in Middle Tennessee is working on it, COL Mikel J. Burroughs.

http://osdtn.org

Home - Operation Stand Down TN

Operation Stand Down Tennessee will be closed on Thursday, November 24th and Friday, November 25th. 86 cents of every $1.00 donated serves Veteransin our community. Since 1993, empowering Veterans to achieve their American Dream. 2015 Community Impact Operation Stand Down …

Response by PO2 Jerri Jackson made Dec 15 at 2016 1:30 AM

2016-12-15T01:30:45-05:00

Well thought out, I totally agree with the no shaming, and that some people just need help to get back on feet w/o having to stress on where they can stay, especially families.

Response by SFC Randy Purham made Dec 15 at 2016 9:44 AM

2016-12-15T09:44:40-05:00

Establish "colonies" of communities throughout the US and relocate the homeless to those locations. State ran, Federally funded. A bi-partisan effort to get these people squared away and productive members of society.

Response by SPC David McPherson made Dec 15 at 2016 10:42 AM

2016-12-15T10:42:37-05:00

My answer to solving the homelessness problem for ALL Americans is probably going to sound bias, and a little racist, (depending on everyone's own opinions of the subject).
But, here goes; The answer to solving the homelessness problem in America is really quiet simple in my opinion.
1). Stop spending millions of dollars on refugees, aide to foreign countries (that never actually receive the goods we send them because of corruption/theft), and aide (welfare) to people in America that are lazy, or think that everyone else owes them something.
2). Require mandatory drug testing for EVERYONE that applies for or receives ant type of welfare.
3). Limit the length of time someone can receive welfare, as well as the number of times they can renew, or reapply, for their welfare benefits.
4). Take the millions and millions of dollars that will be saved by doing the first three and use it to build (decent sized units) quality apartment complexes to house the homeless, while they are receiving education, medical treatment, or job skill training.
5). Guarantee job placement upon successful completion of job training, as well as a guarantee of financial assistance for ( 6 months to a year) utilities, rent etc.
6). And last but definitely not least; Stop providing any kind of assistance/benefits to ANY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS! Stop issuing WORK visas to foreigners and place the homeless into those job openings. Stop issuing STUDENT visas to foreign students, and place the homeless into those openings in the schools to provide them with the education and job skills they need to get off of the streets and become productive in society again.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Dec 16 at 2016 12:08 PM

2016-12-16T12:08:56-05:00

Looks like you covered it thoroughly, COL. All I would add it that there are many government facilities (Local, state and federal) that are empty and falling apart due to lack of maintenance. Why wouldn't these facilities be repurposed and set up space for those in need, using some of the criteria for separating the different classes of homeless? Most have the facilities to manage the temporary residents. Plus job opportunities for those on staff.

Response by Maj John D Benedict made Dec 25 at 2016 5:48 PM

2016-12-25T17:48:29-05:00

There is one other group that I learned of a year ago, but I am not sure if it is a separate category. At the time, I really didn't have a clue how to help them. I'm talking about people that are just released from jail, and have practically nothing to their names. Maybe a subset of Tier 4 or Tier 1. Not a lot of places are willing to employ folks like this, as I am told. I met a fella one year ago this week who just got released. He had learned what places most people in town pan handle, and knew where a couple key bus stops were and one or two churches. The homeless shelters he said were typically full (December in OKC and we had snow on the ground). He owned the clothes on his back and a tent he slept in.
My first thought was a business card with information, but phone numbers wouldn't be much help. It would need addresses of places willing to provide them some assistance (for starters). Maybe a transition course for them to attend that helps prepare them for what they are getting back into?

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made May 29 at 2017 4:27 PM

2017-05-29T16:27:07-04:00

If the minimum wage = the poverty level, there wouldn't be working poor.
There will always be poor who are unwilling or unable to work but anyone working 40hrs
should be above poverty level

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made May 29 at 2017 4:39 PM

2017-05-29T16:39:10-04:00

Clean up all of these closed military bases and open the buildings for housing!

Response by SPC Cameron Hale made May 29 at 2017 4:52 PM

2017-05-29T16:52:16-04:00

I was homeless once. Then I joined up.

Response by Joseph Lane made May 29 at 2017 6:35 PM

2017-05-29T18:35:53-04:00

Not only is this a national problem but is is a worldwide problem. My personal belief is the Earth is only so big and the population has reached a point that there's just not enough to go around. I personally really believe that the United Nations should Implement something especially in third world countries concerning birth control. There simply isn't enough of everything for the population and its continued growth. I don't know the answers don't claim to know the answers but I know overpopulation is a real problem. Not enough jobs, not enough food, not enough shelter, not enough Medical Care. From my perspective it's only going to get worse and not better. We simply can't take care of our own what alone take care of all the illegals and the rest of the world.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2017 8:24 PM

2017-05-29T20:24:19-04:00

This sounds good ! Under lbj, 'our' government began issuing 'band aids' which exacerbated the problems instead of focusing on Solutions. Now America spends $$Billions on 'band aids' EVERY year instead of investing in Solutions which would help Solve the Problems !

PS: ronnie reagan, DEFUNDED EVERY mental facility in America to save a few $$$, BUT with NO Solution these mentally ill people became 'homeless' &/or Mass Murderers!! Thanks ronnie !

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2017 8:25 PM

2017-05-29T20:25:59-04:00

Thank you for sharing Col. !! Someone is finally searching for Solutions which Will be less expensive than the 'band aids' !!!

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made May 29 at 2017 8:43 PM

2017-05-29T20:43:37-04:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs: I was homeless for three summers; in between my university quarters.
Homeless people do not want to feel invisible. One can offer them: assistance, money, conversation, advice, directions, employment, etc.
Homeless people, as all of us on Rally Point know: are human beings- with the very same needs and desires as we.
May GOD eternally bless you and yours, Mikel.
-Good Evening, Sir-
Margaret

Response by PO3 John Mcdaniel made May 29 at 2017 11:33 PM

2017-05-29T23:33:09-04:00

Yeah, it's called instead of sending money over seas to help 3rd world countries, and pay more attention to Americans that could use the help first and foremost. If America is strong and supports our citizens, then and only then will America be a country where we can all be proud of and actually worthy of the sacrifices my brothers and sisters, and myself included have made.

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made May 29 at 2017 11:33 PM

2017-05-29T23:33:23-04:00

Excellent article, food for thought for sure. Forwarded to a person in the process of forming a group to help those in the area who want to be helped. We're looking at all areas from basic haircuts, better clothing, food, etc to mentoring, vocational training, housing ... hoping to coordinate with local churches and other faith based organizations.

Response by SP5 Jeannie Carle made May 30 at 2017 9:01 PM

2017-05-30T21:01:48-04:00

WELL stated! where I live in rural Missouri, I see SO many empty, abandoned houses! Even a few closed motels! I've always thought that these could be remade into homes for families! These farmers in this area aren't about to sell, because they'd have to survey to take that half acre off their acreage. BUT - would they rent for $50? Yes - some would, because I lived in one for 2 years during a realllly bad spot in my life. It had a roof, floors, kitchen, bedroom, living room, running water and electricity. It was allll good for me!
Now I agree with some of the other posters - if you GIVE it to "some" people, it will NOT be respected - but to MANY it most certainly WILL.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Oct 9 at 2018 2:04 PM

2018-10-09T14:04:37-04:00

OK. I'm going to be the resident cynic on this one. I've been around the local homeless shelters in various capacities and I would have to see the research that shows 44 percent of the homeless are employed because that certainly isn't my experience. What I've seen and what the research points to is that the great majority of the chronically homeless are homeless because of serious mental problems and/or chronic alcohol and drug abuse. The casual homeless are easy to deal with, provide them the means to stabilize their situation, be it job lose, divorce, etc, and they can function, and there are a number of organizations from Salvation Army on down that focus on those people. The largest part of the homeless population, even giving them a house wouldn't matter since most are simply incapable of functioning as normal humans in a regulated society. One of the local shelters the staff say that at least 40 percent of their clients should be institutionalized, and many do end up there, but just in prison instead of in a Mental Hospital. The largest population is those alcohol and drug addicts that have destroyed every human and family relationship, and I think we all have at least one relative that falls into that category, and the success rate of drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs scarcely deserve to use the word success. I've seen more than one that would rather live on the street than not get high or drunk.
In the short term, the biggest step we could take toward the homeless is to be able to provide resident mental care for those that aren't capable of dealing with mainstream society.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2019 11:18 PM

2019-05-23T23:18:18-04:00

Yes, if I can get the Financial Support my 501(c)3 nonprofit will be providing Housing for the Homeless Veterans and aid in some payment for Medical, Financial, Food, Mortgage etc. Website: ctveteranfamilycrisis.org

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 21 at 2020 8:59 PM

2020-12-21T20:59:10-05:00

I don't know the solution nor will I pretend to know. What I do know is that many people are at the cusp homelessness. Let's talk about single mothers. Many of them are one child support payment or one car accident away from homelessness. I know this because I have seen this.