The Issues of Becoming
HOMELESS
Teaching a Man to Fish Becoming Homeless
how it all
BEGAN When studying homelessness there were distinct periods of time in which one could track down homelessness. The five main periods of homelessness are the colonial, urbanization, industrialization, Great Depression, and contemporary period (Carlson). Homelessness has been documented in America since 1640. In that time, it was seen merely as a moral deficiency, a character flaw.
Homelessness is a problem. It always has been,
and it always will be. Over 7% of persons living in the United States have been homeless at some point in their lives. (Donohoe, 2004). Although defined differently by many, J. Wade in the Urban History Review in 2004 defined homelessness as “the absence of a continuing or permanent home over which individuals and families have personal control and which provides the essential needs of shelter, privacy and security at an affordable cost, together with ready access to social, economic, and cultural public services.” Homelessness is caused by both societal and constitutional reasons. Natural Disasters also play a part in the problem of homelessness. For example, The Great Chicago Fire, The San Francisco earthquake, the massive flooding of the Mississippi in the 1920s from Ohio through New Orleans displaced over 1.3 million people. The Drought of the 30s in Oklahoma and Texas, Hurricane Katrina, are just a few examples of disasters that affected millions of people’s households. (Fischer, 2011)
The Industrial Revolution started in the 1820s-‘30s when people began migrating from the farm to the city in search of jobs. Philadelphia and New York had many people walking the streets causing the country’s first pan-handling ordinances. City jails became de facto shelter systems. Poor safety regulation caused a lot of physical disability and death. Those disabled and widows, many with dependent children had no means to provide for themselves and nowhere to turn. The 1850’s then brought the first documented cases of homeless youth, many of whom were kicked out of their homes because their providers could no longer afford to raise them. (Fischer, 2011)
Unless we want this crisis to continue in the manner and state that it is now, we need to make a change. Merely a “troublesome nuisance between 1945 and 1975,” homelessness has emerged as a “major social problem in recent decades”. (Abelson,
History and Nature
2002) The number of homeless grew in the 1980s, as housing and social service cuts increased. This was in part a consequence of the transfer of federal dollars to a huge military buildup and consequent large budget deficits. (Donohoe, 2004). The problem of the instability of having a permanent home has been a problem for decades. From the first documented cases in 1640, to the streets of New York City today, this is nothing new. Unless we want this crisis to continue in the manner and state that it is now, we need to make a change. Homelessness has a past that has endured from before our nation became a reality. Not only has it existed since the 1640’s it has had the same stigmas attached to it. According to Robert Fisher, “It was generally believed a good Christian, under God’s grace, would naturally have their needs met. People outside of that grace somehow were deserving of their plight as God rendered justice accordingly and fairly. If one found themselves homeless in the 1600’s, a person or family would come upon
Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing, and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his own control.
a town and would have to prove their ‘worth’ to the community’s fathers. If not, they would be on the not so merry way to the next town or hamlet.” He also points out that although homelessness has nothing to do with a person’s fundamental value the shame, humiliation, and degradation still exist today. (Fischer) There is much more to it that these stigmas do not address. Generally people living in generational poverty don’t have means or livelihood to become educated and obtain better occupations that will afford for all of the essentials of life. In addition so many things can contribute to the state of living without shelter overhead. Just step back and think of all that could go wrong that would lead to someone having no place to live. The list is long and the act of being homeless could happen to anyone. It wasn’t until 1948 that The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, passed at the UN General Assembly in 1948, which stated that “everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing, and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his own control.” (Fisher) Since this declaration passed and 155 nations ratified it there is still much to be done because of the stigma still involved, the shame attached, lack of funding to address this issue and people being not sure of where to go to get help or lead someone to meaningful assistance. Awareness of what help is available and the mere fact that people are in need and must be assisted needs to come to the forefront of every citizen’s mind. Those of us fortunate enough to be sheltered and fed must learn to reach out, care and do our part to stop this national tragedy.
the simple
TRUTH
Homelessness – exactly how large could this issue be in the United States of America, land of opportunity. In this place where dreams can come true and if you work hard you can achieve anything – could homelessness really be much of an issue in this land of unlimited possibilities? To answer this question let’s look at the statistics according to Project Home, based on a one night “point in time” count January of 2014 the following facts on homelessness were documented: • 578,424 people were experiencing homelessness in the United States. • 69% of these homeless people were in sheltered facilities.
• 31% were found on the streets, in cars or abandoned buildings.
What a re t heir ages ? • 24% were children under the age of 18. • 10% were 18 to 24 years of age. • 66% were over 25 years old. Of these numbers 84,291 individuals and 15,143 people in families were chronically homeless; meaning they had been homeless for a year or have had four episodes of homelessness longer than one week in three years. A “point in time count” is a count done once
a year. According to Google, “The Point-in-Time (PIT) count is a count of sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons on a single night in January. HUD requires that Continuums of Care conduct an annual count of homeless persons who are sheltered in emergency shelter, transitional housing, and Safe Havens on a single night.” The point in time count done in January of each year does not take into account how many people rotate through the system. Kevin Corinth of “Economic Intelligence” points out that 1.5 million people are homeless at some time during a year. If you count people who double up in housing with family and friends, the number of homeless people jumps dramatically.
Better education creates better employment opportunities. In addition, educated people are schooled in subjects such as budgeting, and finance and may have a better understanding of how to prepare for and live through emergencies. Education allows individuals to look for job opportunities that enable them to better themselves.
Also interesting is the fact that the Census Bureau statistics on poverty do not include the homeless. If they are not included how will we will ever win the war on poverty to the extent that it brings victory against homelessness? (Corinth)
Addicts who are unable to take care of themselves or their families. They are constantly striving to feed the addiction and lose everything else.
What k ind of pe opl e a re affe c te d b y h ome l e s sn e s s ? • 35% are employed. Part of the problem is under employment which means low wages and part time hours. Other factors are emergencies that occur when living from pay check to pay check with no safety net for emergencies. Lack of insurance to pay for medical emergencies is also a problem. When wages are extremely low and part-time workers do not have insurance they are living on the edge. This edge is an un-safe place that can cause instability. So often needs are met by spending more than these people have causing them to get behind on house payments or rent. Sometimes money is spent on doctor’s visits or medicine which is not budgeted for. Undereducated, people without a high school diploma have fewer employment opportunities leading to underemployment.
Better education creates better employment opportunities.
All types of addictions cause individuals to make decisions that are not rational. Decisions that are based only on feeding the addiction, without regard to basic needs such as housing. Smoking, alcohol, legal and illegal drugs, pornography, sexual addictions can all cause ties to be severed with employment, relationships and other stable influences, leading to a life on the streets and loss of everything. Addictions can cause people to turn to illegal activities to support their habit, leading them into the prison system, and may be a cause for future situations that make it difficult to maintain a stable home.
S c ope
Many are families, and single parents with children. The homeless are not just individuals but struggling families trying to keep their family together. Sometimes this is more difficult because there is more than one person to think about.
– yet there has been nearly triple the number of homeless related hate-crime deaths than all other hate crime classes combined. • Only 5 states in the US have classified the violence against the homeless as a hate crime.
Domestic violence causes many to flee the living situations that make them fear for their lives, they would rather be homeless that put up with the abuse, or they may be physically kicked out of their current living situation.
• 1700 laws on the books of cities across the country target the homeless.
Medical catastrophes that cause people to not be able to work, therefore having a substantially reduced income or being fired because they cannot work leads to homelessness.
• There are 4 times as many animal shelters in the US as there are homeless shelters.
O the r inte re st i n g facts ab ou t hom e l e ssn e s s : ( Stori e d St reets ) • Homelessness was the only group submitted under the Hate Crime Act that was not admitted
• It costs on average more than 3 times the amount of money to incarcerate someone as it does to house them.
• Federal Funding for public housing has continued to decrease. Between 2009 and 20012 funding decreased by 25%. These statistics point to the fact that so many in society, including law-makers, do not want to acknowledge that homelessness is an issue to be dealt with. The blinders need to be taken off,
S c ope
These statistics point to the fact that so many in society, including law-makers, do not want to acknowledge that homelessness is an issue to be dealt with.
homelessness needs to be brought into the forefront of society and dealt with in a humane way. People who commit crimes against homeless people need to be prosecuted in the same way that those who commit other Hate Crimes are. Homeless individuals need to be protected, helped and given a hand up. This would give them dignity and create an environment where they feel they can change their situation and not be pushed down further. If more funding was made available to create affordable housing and subsidized housing this would make more sense and be much more cost effective than enforcing discriminating laws against them that hold them back and cause them to be unable to get out of the downward spiral that took them into the abyss of homelessness. It is a pretty sad state of affairs that animals and prisoners are treated with more dignity than the homeless.
Top C au se s of h ome l e s sn e s s a re: ( Storie d Stre ets ) • Lack of affordable housing • Lack of a livable wage • Medical issues/conditions • Domestic violence • Mental illness • Addiction
These causes of homelessness need to be addressed. Housing that is subsidized, and made more affordable needs to be available. Wages need to increase so that housing payments and rent can be made by those who are truly trying and employed. Laws preventing the firing of individuals with medical issues need to be enacted. Victims of domestic violence need to be given safe environments to escape the harmful places they are striving to flee. Mental illness needs to be addressed and institutions available for the most severely impacted. Those with addictions need to be helped, when they are ready to be. Another frightening issue is that so many who are in situations that are considered to be homeless are not even counted and so the issue is underestimated. Many of the homeless may not even be counted as homeless because they may be living doubled up with family, friends, community members, churches or others. These are in addition to those who are living on the streets, in cars or other places. Many end up homeless because all of their social resources have dried up or bridges have been burned. “Homelessness is what happens when money runs out, government assistance runs out and social support runs out. To become homeless, a lot must have gone wrong.” (Corinth, Source 8)
R amifications
FUTURE of HOMELESSNESS the
Homelessness affects a wide range of the
U.S. population. The scope and complexity of its reach is rising - increasing the number of middleincome, low-income families, and individuals. When an individual realizes that he/she won’t have a roof to live under, it is hard for them to believe. It is not dealing with the reality that makes homeless people less able to take actions, but they suffer psychologically as a result. The isolation and alienation of the homeless lead to feelings of failure and poor self-esteem. (questia.com). The loss of self-esteem leads to the ability and will to care for oneself. Failure to secure needs often leads to despair and worsens an already poor view of self. Isolation, alienation, and deprivation create high levels of stress in homeless living. Foraging for food, having inadequate access to bathroom facilities, and lacking adequate social networks can lead to burnout and fatigue (questia.com). As homeless individuals succumb to burnout and fatigue, they accumulate more failures than successes in their lives, which in turn renders them less able to integrate themselves into the community (questia.com). Homelessness tears families apart. A single or widowed mother may have to watch helplessly as her children are taken from her and placed with relatives or in foster care. Being without a home takes a terrible toll on children. Homeless children have higher rates of ear infections, stomach problems, and asthma than other children their age. They are also more likely to be depressed, anxious, or withdrawn, and have more difficulty in school than their peers (money. howstuffworks.com). Homelessness contributes
to a poor educational outcome for children and youth. Homelessness impacts academic achievements in children’s reading, spelling, and mathematics. The lack of food security for homeless children and youth lead to inadequate intakes of necessary nutrition, such as iron, magnesium, zinc or vitamins. Children living in homeless families and unaccompanied youth have a greater risk of experiencing mental health problems. School-aged children of homeless families reported that a higher proportion of homeless children experienced mental disorders with impairment, such as disruptive behavior disorders, social phobia, and major depression (www.nccp.org). Homeless children and youth are more likely to witness or experience violence due to the public nature of their lives and vulnerable living conditions. Unaccompanied youth is more vulnerable to physical or sexual victimization. More than one-third of the adolescents met lifetime criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (www.nccp.org). Homeless youth on the streets has an increased substance use such as tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana. They are at a higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases due to risky sexual behaviors, inconsistent use of condoms, multiple sexual partners or injection drug use, unaccompanied youth are at high risk of teenage pregnancy. Unaccompanied youth tends to engage in delinquent survival strategies on the streets, they have few legitimate means to support themselves. They are likely involved in delinquent survival
It is not dealing with the reality that makes homeless people less able to take actions, but they suffer psychologically as a result.
strategies, such as selling drugs, shoplifting, burglary, robbery or prostitution. Homeless adults are also at greater risk for serious health conditions. Over time, their health gets worse due to a lack of attention from doctors, wives, husbands, and family members. Because of lack of necessities they can suffer from multiple diseases. Exposure to the elements and unsanitary living conditions can lead to frostbite, leg ulcers, and upper respiratory infections. Serious illnesses like HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and tuberculosis, are more common in homeless people than among the general population (money.howstuffworks.com). Living on the streets increases the danger of abuse and violence. Over the last decade, there have been more than 600 attacks against homeless people, says the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty. Homeless people are brutally attacked with baseball bats, chains, and other weapons. And women have been raped.
R amifications
Ti ny hou se s olu t i on If you give a dollar to the homeless, it will only give him another day of being homeless. It creates short-term relief, rather than long-term needs. A handout to a panhandler on the street will do more harm than good in the long run. Permanent housing is a solution to individual and family homelessness. Achieving stability is necessary. Donating funds and resources normally dedicated to the existing shelter system toward housing and family services can help reduce family homelessness. While taxpayer dollars each year are allocated to support shelters and social service initiatives homelessness remains a problem in the United States. Advocates confronting the nation’s homeless problem are thinking small. The “Tiny House Movement,” once an architectural component to a downsized life, is now becoming something much bigger: an escape from chronic homelessness (www.
nbcnews). In Austin, Texas, a village of 200 tiny houses is being built for the homeless. In upstate New York, Rochester Greenovation has designed a prototype for small-scale individualized shelters. “Homeless No More Survival Pods” have been built in Utah, micro-pods in Florida, miniature homes in Wisconsin and mini mobile houses in California. Homeless people need assistance developing the real-world skills that can transform them into successful, productive members of society. The homeless need to feel the “satisfaction that comes from knowing that they earned the food they eat,
Over the last decade, there have been more than 600 attacks against homeless people.
R amifications
that they are empowered, and that their lives are meaningful” (www.theonion.com). A new chance at dignity and self-determination. In homeless persons mind, pride and the hope that lies in work. “Chrysalis is a nonprofit organization in Los Angeles County that is dedicated to helping homeless and low-income individuals find and retain employment and get on a pathway to selfsufficiency. Our philosophy is to offer a hand up, rather than a hand out, so that individuals acquire the necessary skills to reenter the workforce, including: basic computers skills, resume writing and interview skills. When you support Chrysalis, you are helping to end the cycle of poverty and homelessness” (www.globalgiving.org).
Th e Inn Bet w e e n The Inn can offer services to a diverse population due to its collaboration with our
referring agencies. This collaboration ensures that a broader and more diverse constituency has access to our services, which in turn benefits our community by providing much-needed assistance to individuals facing homelessness. We collaborate with ten other agencies to meet the needs of individuals. • Programs offered to the residents that help them move on from homelessness for good. • The transitional program is a 2-year program. • Time-limited Housing a Self-Sufficiency Program: Affordable rent based on 1/3 of income • Case Management helps to prevent homelessness by identifying the needs of a resident that will lead the to be self-sufficient • Life Skills Training Life Skills: Job Readiness, Financial Management, Effective Communication, Nutrition and Resume Workshops
appendix Article One
A
Work s C it e d Abelson, E. S. (2002). Down and out, on the road: The homeless in american history. Business History Review, 76(3), 577-580. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.byui.idm.oclc.org/ docview/274335903?accountid=9817 Barak, Gregg (1992). Gimme Shelter: A Social History of Homelessness in Contemporary America. Retrieved from https://www.questia.com/library/3178433/gimme-shelter-a-social-history-ofhomelessness-in Carlson, Steve, Psy. D. Homelessness 101. Mesh-MN. Powerpoint (??? Not sure how to cite this, it’s a powerpoint presentation from this website: http://mesh-mn.org/workshops-events/homelessness-101/) Curtis, M. A., Corman, H., Noonan, K., & Reichman, N. E. (2014). Maternal depression as a risk factor for family homelessness.American Journal of Public Health, 104(9), 1664-70. Retrieved from http:// search.proquest.com.byui.idm.oclc.org/docview/1560670602?accountid=9817 Denuyl, Craig (2011). A Brief Histroy of Homelessness. The Paw Print. Retrieved from https://blogs. adams.edu/thepawprint/a-brief-history-of-homelessness/ Donohoe, Martin (2004). Homelessness in the United States. Medscape. Retrieved from http://www. medscape.com/viewarticle/481800 Fischer, Robert (2011). The History of Homelessness in America 1640s to present, Plymouth Congregational Church. http://www.dceh.org/the-history-of-homelessness-in-america-1640s-topresent/ Wade, J. (1997). Home or homelessness? marginal housing in vancouver, 1886-1950. Urban History Review, 25(2), 19. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.byui.idm.oclc.org/ docview/216525590?accountid=9817
Article Two Work s C it e d Admin. “National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week 2015.” National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week 2015 (13 Nov. 2015): n. pag. Building A Movement to End Homelessness. Web. 19 Nov. 2015. Corinth, Kevin. “The War on Invisible Poverty.” Census Poverty Statistics Fail to Reflect Scope Of Homelessness. Economic Intelligence, n.d. Web. 19 Nov. 2015.
A ppendix A
Cotterell, Adam. “Why Idaho Homeless Shelters Are Full When There Are Fewer Homeless People.” Boise State Public Radio, 29 Jan. 2014. Web. 20 Nov. 2015. Dugger, Celia W. “Study Says Shelter Turnover Hides Scope of Homelessness.” Editorial. NY Times 16 Nov. 1993: n. pag. Web. 19 Nov. 2015. Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership. The Haven Shelter. Idaho Falls: Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership, 2015. Print. “Facts on Homelessness.” Project HOME. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Nov. 2015. Foscarinis, Maria. “The Full Scope of Homelessness.” N.p., 15 May 2012. Web. 18 Nov. 2015. “Homelessness Facts.” National Coalition for the Homeless, n.d. Web. 19 Nov. 2015. http:// nationalhomeless.org, www.storiedstreets.com/facts.html. “Media Resource: Trends in Homelessness.” National Alliance to End Homelessness. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Nov. 2015. “Ten Year Plan.” National Alliance to End Homelessness. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Nov. 2015. “The Haven Shelter.” N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2015, www.eicap.org/programs/content-pages/thehaven.
O rg an iz at i on
Websit e
• National Coalition for the Homeless
• http://nationalhomeless.org
• National Alliance to End Homelessness
• http://www.endhomelessness.org/
• Stand Up For Kids
• http://www.standupforkids.org/
• The Haven Shelter, Idaho Falls, Idaho
Article Three Work s C it e d “The History of Homelessness in America 1640s to present.” The Downtown Congregations to End Homelessness. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2015 <http://www.dceh.org/the-history-of-homelessness-inamerica-1640s-to-present/>. “Homelessness In America | National Student Campaign Against ...” N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2015 <http://www.studentsagainsthunger.org/page/hhp/overview-homelessness-america>. “Tiny Houses: A Big Idea to End Homelessness - NBC News.” N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2015 <http://www. nbcnews.com/business/real-estate/tiny-houses-big-idea-end-homelessnes>. “America’s Homeless Want A Hand Up, Not A Handout vs. I Want ...” N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2015 <http://www.theonion.com/multiblogpost/americas-homeless-want-a-hand-up-not-a-han>. “Help Homeless Get Jobs - GlobalGiving.” N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2015 <https://www.globalgiving.org/ projects/help-homeless-low-income-individuals-get-j>. “Social Work Outreach to Homeless People and the Need to Address Issue of Self-Esteem. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2015 <https://www.questia.com/library/journal/1G1-14586422/social-work-outreachto-hom>.
A ppendix A
“The Effects of Homelessness – HowStuffWorks.” N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2015 <http://money. howstuffworks.com/homeless4.htm>. (“Seven Solutions to Homelessness | The Tyee.” N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2015 http://thetyee.ca/ Views/2007/01/08/HomelessSolutions/) “Effects of Homelessness - University of Washington.” N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2015 <http://depts. washington.edu/triolive/quest/2007/TTQ07033/effects.html>. “Homelessness - children, define, causes, effects, adults ...” N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2015 <http://www. minddisorders.com/Flu-Inv/Homelessness.html>. “NCCP | Homeless Children and Youth.” National Center For Children In Poverty. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Nov. 2015 <http://www.nccp.org/publications/show.php?id=888>. “Facts on Homelessness | Project HOME.” N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Nov. 2015 <https://projecthome.org/about/ facts-homelessness>. “National Alliance to End Homelessness: Cost of Homelessness.” N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Nov. 2015 <http://www. endhomelessness.org/pages/cost_of_homelessness>. “Fact Sheet.” National Alliance To End Homelessness. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Nov. 2015 <http://b.3cdn.net/naeh/ b0e995f76ad89e1a29_blm6bno4c.pdf>. “Increase Funding to End Homelessness.” National Alliance To End Homelessness. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2015 <http://www.endhomelessness.org/library/entry/increase-funding-to-end-homelessnes>. “America’s Homeless Want A Hand Up, Not A Handout vs. I Want ...” N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Dec. 2015 <http:// www.theonion.com/multiblogpost/americas-homeless-want-a-hand-up-not-a-han>. “Tiny Houses: A Big Idea to End Homelessness - NBC News.” N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2015 http://www. nbcnews.com/business/real-estate/tiny-houses-big-idea-end-homelessnes. “Help Homeless Get Jobs - GlobalGiving.” N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2015 <https://www.globalgiving.org/ projects/help-homeless-low-income-individuals-get-j>.
O rgan iz ation • The Inn Between, Longmont Colorado
appendix
B
Team m e m be r s
Selec t ion of is sue
Editor: Casey Ames
I am more of a designer, so when I started reading what the next assignment was I was more interested in being the editor so that I would have the opportunity to create the layout. Since I was working on the design, I didn’t mind what issue the group chose as long as they were all happy with the topic.
Writer One - History and Nature: Julisa Withers Writer Two - Scope: Jessie Lyon Writer Three - Ramifications: Jennifer Brothers
Bi o g r aphy - C asey A me s
Tea m member task I am the editor. I have been working on layout, colour scheme, design and pictures.
St rat egic resea rc h The only strategic research that I completed was looking at other Issue Books for layout ideas.
P er s ona l reflec t ion
• Single mom to two beautiful kids and a cute dog
Growing up in Africa, I have a different view of homelessness. I was faced with this problem every day since I can remember. My earliest memory was before I started school, I was coming out of the post office with my mother and there was a homeless man begging. My little heart broke for him. My mother wouldn’t give him anything because she felt it would just enable him. The problem with the homeless in Africa is that most of them were not homeless. Pretending to be homeless and begging was easier than actually working so I became very hard to the subject of homelessness and begging.
• Bachelor of Science in Web Design and Development graduate in July 2016
Following the research that my peers have done I have started to see it in a different light.
• Born in South Africa, October 26, 1986 • Dropped out of high school and completed a business GED from a local college • Youngest Student Council President at the local college • Moved to Utah January 2, 2005 • Graduated LDS Business College with two associates and 3 certificates
A ppendix B
Yes, I am sure that there are many out there that are using it as a crutch, but I also think that there are more that have just given up due to bad luck and difficult situations. I believe as good human beings we need to help those who want to be helped. We need more programs like the The Haven. We need more people to provide the help that is needed. This assignment has helped me value what I have and the opportunities that I have been given a little more. I am grateful that even at the darkest times of my life I still had a warm bed, a roof over my head, food to each and a working bathroom with hot water. These are things that we take for granted daily, yet these are the simple things that truly make a difference. I remember when my first trip to the Bishop Store House for food. I wondered why they offered ice-cream. I figured that if you were struggling, icecream became a luxury and not a necessity. Why spend the money on ice-cream when they could have gotten something healthier. Then the reason occurred to me. The ice-cream was there to help the poor feel a little normal. If their physical needs were taken care of, then they could work on their spiritual needs and have the strength they need to get out of their current situation. The ice-cream wasn’t a luxury, the ice-cream was a spirit lifter. We need to give more people ice-cream.
Bi o gr aphy - Ju l i s a Wi t h e r s • Born April 30, 1994 • Graduated from Shelley High School, Shelley, Idaho in 2012 • Married to Daniel Withers September 6, 2014 • Bachelor of Marriage and Family Therapy in April of 2016 • Artist and Musician • Health and Wellness Coach • Volunteer in many service capacities • Travel Blogger at Carry On Traveling
Selec t ion of is sue When discussing topics with group members we came up with several different ideas. We decided on homelessness because I think it’s something that has an effect on everyone in one way or another. It hits pretty close to home for me. Shortly after getting married my husband lost his job and was unemployed for quite some time. Although I was working I was also a full time student and so bills were adding up faster than the income was coming in. If it weren’t for having gracious family that lived close by and let us live in their homes free of charge, we wouldn’t have had a roof over our heads. Homelessness is real. It happens more often than you think and it is heartbreaking. I think it’s about time people start talking about the issue.
Tea m member task The contribution I made to this Issue Book was through researching the history and nature of homelessness. I was also responsible for completing an interview with an expert/practitioner in a field related to the social problem and I found 3 organizations, 3 websites, and 8 sources related to the social problem and/or solution. In doing these tasks, I was able to help my team to compile this Issue Book
Str ate g ic re se a rch I have compiled a document with my references and works cited.
P e r sonal re f l e ct i on Homelessness is a problem. It is a problem that not many people seem to really think is a big deal. I feel that we all need to be less judgmental and more understanding of those in that situation. I also feel that we, as communities, need to start coming up with solutions and ideas for solving this problem.
Bi o g r aphy - Je s si e Lyon
• Born August 4, 1956 • Graduated from Ellensburg High School, Ellensburg, Washington 1974 • Married to Dustin L Lyon August 19, 1976 • Four children, 12 grandchildren • Bachelor of University Studies graduate in April of 2016. Minor in Communications, Cluster in Psychology and Cluster in Busine • Professional in Printing Management for 20 years • Seminary Teacher for four years • Stake Seminary Superintendent for four years • Accounting/Office Manager for eleven years
• President and Counselor in Young Women’s and Relief Society organizations • Volunteer in many service capacities • Co-Owner D. LYON Art Gallery in Cave Creek, Arizona for four years • Served LDS Mission in Ghana, Africa for eighteen months • Currently substitute teaching in the Blackfoot and Shelley, Idaho School Districts
Selec t ion of is sue Our team selected this issue because of a desire to see the problem of homelessness in the United States of America become confronted, individual families helped and see homelessness become a thing of the past. We have a concern that the needs of many are not being met in a society that is known for being the breeding ground for accomplishing anything that anyone dreams. I personally am drawn to the topic because of seeing how easily becoming homeless could happen. After losing an Art Gallery Business and home after the great economic downturn and recession of 2009 and its aftermath I gained even more empathy for those in dire economic circumstances. Also, in working with several different charitable organizations and seeing the plight of many on the streets, I have often wanted to serve and help but did not know the best way to do so. I have often thought, “If but for the Grace of God, there go I.” A sociology class project brought me close to the topic as well. In addition, I have a sister who without the support of family, after returning to society after a seven year incarceration would be homeless. I have seen firsthand the possibility of homelessness in a real sense, if not for the grace of God would be a reality in my life and the life of my sister. I have seen how addictions, medical catastrophes, incarceration, and natural and financial disasters can easily
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begin a downhill spiral that could take almost anyone into homelessness. A need for real solutions should bring us all to want to end this plight. We should take care of our own in The United States of America before and in addition to helping those around the world.
Team m e m b e r task As a team member I have done my part by researching the scope of the homelessness issue. I completed my tasks in a timely manner and to the degree required by the COMM 352 class. The interview I conducted with the director of The Haven Shelter in Idaho Falls, Idaho gave me a greater understanding of how to solve the issue of homelessness, one family, one person and situation at a time for lasting results in a dignified empowering way.
Strate g ic re se a rch My Bibliography/Works Cited document is the best documentation of the research done for this project. This information is included in the Strategic Research Assignment.
P ersonal ref l e ct i on The issue of homelessness in the United States, in individual States and communities is a real and widespread issue. The issue is often overlooked or clouded by the fact that the homeless are often “invisible” or overlooked because often society would rather not try to help or try to solve the problem. Individuals can also be “blind” to seeing the homeless because they are often trying to fade into the background because of loss of self-esteem. This can also happen just by being overwhelmed in trying to keep our own lives from falling apart, let alone help others too. Often people do not know how to help without just giving a few dollars to the “homeless” person on the street. The people who
really need to be helped are families who are not usually on the street corners because if families with children were on the street corners they would be turned over to Health and Family Services or are already in the “system.” Homelessness can be caused by many different types of circumstances such as: addictions, loss of a home due to foreclosure or lack of ability to pay rent for several months in a row, medical catastrophes that may cause loss of jobs, lack of affordable housing, and lack of a livable wage, lack of meaningful education, domestic violence, and mental illness. None of us are immune to these problems, anyone could be facing these types of circumstances at any given time. The problem will not simply go away. We can and must do something to help. If the public were better informed and empathetic much could be done. Places like The Haven Shelter provide a blueprint to follow to solve the problem one person at a time. We each have something to offer, no matter how small it may seem to be. Every dollar and every bottle of shampoo or can of food can and does make a difference. These small donations allow available funding and larger donations to be used for actual housing, education, transportation and other necessities of life needed to get the homeless person back to being a contributing member of society.
Bio gr a phy - Jen n ifer Brothe rs • Born October 2, 1967 • Graduated from Plano Senior High School, Texas 1986 • Two Children • Bachelor of University Studies graduate in April 2016. Minor Communications. • Clusters in Literature and Family Studies • Currently stay at home mom and student
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Strategic Research Assignment includes my research and Works Cited.
P ers ona l reflec t ion
Se l e c tion of i s sue I am interested in the topic because of the many faces that make up the homeless population in the United States. There is reason people face homelessness. Mothers like me that are abandoned by a spouse and left without a formal education or work experience due to being a homemaker to her family is suddenly faced with the challenge of financially providing for their children. People find themselves facing new or old challenges that lead to homelessness. Things happen in life, and people find themselves in unmanageable situations that lead to living on the streets and struggling to find a way out. Many individuals find themselves homeless for several reasons such as, job loss, family illness or some misfortune that leads to their homelessness.
Te am m e m b e r task As a team member I have done my part by researching the ramifications of the homelessness issue. I worked with my team members to complete tasks in a timely and manner.
Str ate g ic re se a rch I have a Bibliography document with my Works Cited that I used for this project. The
Homeless people are not visible in most of our daily lives. The homeless are forgotten. The homeless are quietly suffering in despair. Homeless is defined as those sleeping outside and in homeless shelters. In the United States, 1,750,000 people live in the shadows of our society fighting poverty and homelessness according to the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, Research Date: April 20th, 2015. Homelessness is a significant issue. It affects everyone because we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what could happen in the future that could lead us to being homeless. There are many paths that lead to homelessness. Crises such as job loss, mental illness, addiction, domestic violence, medical emergencies, a death of a spouse and divorce can spiral out of control and result in the loss of housing and stability. When people do not have a support system, they become homeless. Being homeless is often terrifying and dehumanizing. People donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t respect you. No child or adult want to be homeless. The number of homeless individuals and families increase every year. Advocacy is critical to creating the changes needed to end homelessness. It is important to educate the public about the reality of homelessness. More open dialogue about the homeless can lead to changing negative ideas about the homeless. Service agencies need to raise public awareness and promote ways the public can help end homelessness. Fateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s course can take anyone from a comfy lifestyle to a park bench huddled against the cold.