Posted on Dec 5, 2015
Do you know the Answer to Resolving Homelessness?
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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
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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?
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?
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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.
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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.
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.
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SPC David McPherson
PO2 Mickelson, I will have to say No to your comment. It would only apply to those that apply for or receive welfare benefits. Veterans benefits, retirement benefits, etc. would not be, because those are benefits that were earned and are deserved.
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SSG Edward Tilton
Too many times the "solution" is a housing development away from the support they depend on. They don't have transportation and are isolated. soon they move back to downtown
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SPC David McPherson
SSG Tilton you are absolutely correct. They will need to be close to the support and assistance they need, medical, financial, counseling, rehab (if that is needed also), and educational. If none of these are available, no amount of housing will benefit them.
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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.
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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.
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"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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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!
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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.
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.
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