Posted on Dec 5, 2015
Do you know the Answer to Resolving Homelessness?
23.3K
274
99
53
53
0
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.
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.
Homeless
Problem Solving
What Would You Do
Fixing Things
Edited >1 y ago
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 45
1
1
0
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
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
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.
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.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
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.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
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.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Thank you for sharing Col. !! Someone is finally searching for Solutions which Will be less expensive than the 'band aids' !!!
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
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 !
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 !
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
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.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
1
1
0
Clean up all of these closed military bases and open the buildings for housing!
(1)
(0)
MCPO Roger Collins
There are many ways to manage the situation for those that want shelter. It seems, sometimes, that the issue is more useful than a solution. Similar to sexual assault in the military.
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
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
There will always be poor who are unwilling or unable to work but anyone working 40hrs
should be above poverty level
(1)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google