Homeless Youth: What is Being Done

Individuals under the age of eighteen who are not under parental, institutional or foster care are considered homeless. Another name for these young people is “unaccompanied” youth. In 2002, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention reported that there was 1,682,900 homeless and runaway youth in America. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, five to seven percent of American young people become homeless each year.

 

Reasons for Homelessness

Many youth leave home because of family conflict, economic struggles, or residential instability. Some youth are abused physically, live with an addicted parent or family member or are the victim of neglect. The main reason why most youth leave home is due to disruptive family conditions. Families who suffer financial hardship or job loss may end up homeless with their children.

 

Life on the Street for Homeless Youth

Homeless shelters have a limited supply of beds for youth, because of this; many youth are not housed in shelters. It is exceedingly difficult for homeless youth to secure employment because they are under age and lack the skills necessary to seek out work. Because of this, it is a struggle for these children to even meet their basic needs such as food and clothing. Many youth turn, in desperation, to prostitution, drugs or stealing in order to survive. AIDS and HIV-related illnesses are high amongst homeless youth who are often malnourished. Homeless youth often suffer with depression, low self-esteem, anxiety or depression because of their homeless situation. It is very hard for homeless youth to go to school because they need legal guardianship, a home address, records and transportation.

 

Effective Homeless Youth Programs

First and foremost, it is imperative that child welfare pull out all the stops to be sure that children do not end up on the streets. Homeless youth need programs that address their basic needs of shelter, health, education, job training and employment. Each year social service programs provide services and support to over 5,000 runaway and homeless youth. Homeless children do not know how to manage their life or circumstances and are not in a position to return to their old life where they may have been neglected, abused or abandoned.

 

Most youth have no idea how to manage their lives and cannot return to their old lives where they may have been the victim of neglect, family conflict or abandonment. They need training and support in order to become independent. Many of these kids do not have a high school diploma and will have to work to support themselves. If they want to go to college, they will need assistance filling out forms, visiting schools and making program decisions. Homeless youth also require sound role models who can steer them in the right direction and keep them from falling into dangerous lifestyles. Transitional living programs require continued support in order to help youth to figure out what they want to do with their lives and assist them in formulating a plan to achieve their goals.

 

About the Author: Susan Patterson is a freelance writer who writes for a number of social service sites. Her most recent article covered the ways that social service software can be used to enhance social service programs.

How Teachers Can Identify Homeless Children

Very often, parents and their children will not let school officials know that they are homeless or living in substandard housing. Either the parents are too embarrassed or do not want their children to have to endure the stigma attached to being homeless. For whatever reason, thousands of children who attend public schools in America are secretly homeless. Teachers are on the front line when it comes to identifying homeless children in the classroom and should know what signs to look for when they may suspect something is not as it should be. Once a child is identified as homeless, there is an opportunity for support and assistance for the child and family. However, identification and intervention is something that must be done with ‘kit’ gloves.

 

Educating Teachers

Most schools, especially those in high-risk areas, require teachers to attend intervention training where they are given information regarding the identification of children who are abused, neglected or homeless. Because of the sensitive nature of these issues, teachers must be trained. It is also important to note that although homelessness may occur more in particular areas than others, it is possible to have children in highly affluent school districts that are homeless as well as in both urban and rural settings.

 

Symptoms of Homelessness Observed in the Classroom

Although these symptoms do not always indicate a problem, they are flags that teachers should watch for.

 

· Fatigue – Children who are constantly tired, show little motivation and often fall asleep at their desk

 

· Hunger – Children who eat fast complain of being hungry or beg other students for part of their lunch.

· Tardiness- Children who are not in school consistently or are frequently late.

· Detachment Issues – Children who do not want to part with their coat, book bag or other personal possessions when they are in the classroom.

 

· Behavior Problems – Children who are extremely nervous, shy, withdrawn, aggressive or anxious.

 

· Poor Personal Hygiene – Children whose clothing is ragged or who have poor personal hygiene.

· Forgetfulness – Children who forget their books and homework or don’t have all the supplies or signed paperwork that they need.

 
 

How Teachers Can Help Homeless Children in the Classroom

If a teacher suspects that a child may be homeless, he/she must let the school administration know immediately. Social services will become involved, and an investigation will ensue. In the end, when families who are hiding their homelessness are sought out, more resources become available for not only the family but also the children. Teachers must first focus on maintaining the child’s privacy; no one needs to know that the child is homeless. Assigning a “buddy” to help the homeless child feel included and accepted works well with younger children. Homeless children enjoy a special classroom job and respond well to encouragement and rewards. Teachers can also help the child to participate as much as possible in field trips, class projects and special activities by finding the necessary resources to support such activities. In short, teachers must do everything they can to make sure a homeless child’s educational experience is as “normal” as possible.

 

About the Author: Susan Patterson is a freelance writer who writes on a number of social issues. She recently wrote an article outlining the benefit of using information and referral software.

Natural Disasters: Leaving People Homeless

It can happen to anyone of us. A hurricane, earthquake or wildfire that is out of control can destroy our home within minutes. We must never say never when it comes to the possibility of being homeless, especially when we consider the impact that natural disasters have. Worldwide natural disasters render middle class people near poverty and the poor, homeless.

 

Global Picture

More than 100 million people are homeless worldwide; many have lost their homes due to famine, war, failed government policies and natural disaster. In the past two decades, 141 million people worldwide have lost their homes due to 3,559 natural disasters such as floods, windstorms and earthquakes. According to experts, it is very difficult to get a handle on the real number of homeless people in the world because so many are unaccounted for. Nearly 98% of all homelessness caused by natural disasters occurs in developing countries. When a natural disaster sweeps through a heavily populated area, especially one that is poor to begin with millions of people are left homeless instantaneously. In economically challenged areas, the impact of a natural disaster can remain for generations. The Indonesian earthquake of 2004 left millions of people displaced and cost billions of dollars for recovery and reconstruction. Over five million homes collapsed, another 5 million suffered serious damage. Thousands were left homeless in central Europe in the spring and summer of 2010 as this area experienced weeks of heavy rain. A year does not pass that people all over the world do not experience being displaced from their homes for months or even years, awaiting recovery after a natural disaster.

 

The United States

Throughout history, floods, fires, earthquakes and hurricanes have left people immediately homeless and turned lives upside down. Over 3.5 million people in the United States are homeless. This equates to about 1% of the population. While there are a number of reasons why people become homeless, such as mental illness, domestic violence and unemployment, natural disasters also cause homelessness. Over 700,000 Americans became homeless after hurricane Katrina in 2005. While it is common for natural disasters to cause a temporary spike in the homeless population, this was not the case after hurricane Katrina. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, being a victim of a natural disaster is not necessarily a guarantee that you will receive government help, some people inevitably slip through the cracks. Those especially vulnerable include victims who are not able to advocate for themselves. Rent prices skyrocketed following the storm, and many who were already struggling to make ends meet before the hurricane now reside in tents under the Interstate 10 overpass. When hurricane Katrina hit, over 28 percent of people in New Orleans were already living below poverty levels. Many of these people not only lost their homes but also their jobs. The impact of the hurricane has had long reaching effects leaving thousands homeless almost seven years after the disaster.

 

Preparing for a Natural Disaster

While there is no telling when a disaster will strike or how many will be affected, we can all do our best to be prepared for such an event. International, federal, and local efforts should focus on helping those who are poor, uninsured and have the fewest resources. Additionally, resources should be allocated to improve infrastructure to withstand the insult of disaster. We should never say never!

 

About the Author: When she is not homeschooling her children, Susan can be found writing on a wide variety of social problems including homelessness. She recently wrote an article explaining how social service providers can benefit from using social services software.

Tent Cities in America: A Reality We Must Face

When we switch on the evening news, we are not horrified to see global images of masses of people living in tents or some resemblance to tents in foreign, often developing countries. Refugee camps, people displaced by natural disasters or those stricken by poverty have been living in tents and makeshift houses since the beginning of time. However, this could not possibly happen in America could it? Well, the reality is that it has happened and does happen with increasing regularity. Tent cities in America are springing up all over the place in response to a staggering economy. The recession forced more that 2 million people into homelessness, many who have been homeless since the economy took a down turn four years ago. For these people, home is now a piece of synthetic material held up by poles and stakes.

 

Americas Largest Tent City

In Sacramento California, where people once gathered to find gold, a tent city, full of homeless people continues to grow. It is said that shelters in the Sacramento area are full to the brim and turning people away. People are pitching their tents with other in similar circumstances in hopes of buying some time to figure out a life plan. Inhabitants of the Sacramento tent city are regular” middle-classed Americans who have been displaced by a fractured economy. First they lost their job, than their car and then finally their home. One of the largest tent cities in this area numbers more than 1500 inhabitants. These people are living without septic, running water or electricity. California is not the only state with tent cities. Virtually every state in the country has some kind of tent city, even some of the coldest places where people are living in severe weather conditions all year long.

 

Life in a Tent City

Mark moved to a tent city outside a sprawling suburb about eight months ago. He states that he had a decent job but when his company downsized he lost all he had. He struggled for a while, paying his bills with his retirement money, but that did not last long. Eventually, he found himself amongst the homeless, standing in line at the soup kitchen and waiting for a bed at the local shelter. Wanting something more stable, Mark bought a tent and joined fifty other people in a nearby tent village. He states that most days the “Village” is quiet and most people just want to be left alone. Sometimes it is loud and sometimes there is a lot of drinking, drugs and fighting. Tension is high amongst a group of people living in such compromised situations. Most people, says Mark, come and go but some have been here a very long time. There is no electricity or running water, and most take showers at the local YMCA about three miles away. Mark sends out resumes by day and spends most of his time at the public library or the YMCA where he tries to maintain some semblance of normalcy. His hope is that he will land a job soon and be able to move from his tent back into an apartment. Unemployment checks are just not enough to pay for rent and soon it too will be gone.

 

About the Author: Susan Patterson is a freelance writer with a passion for the homeless. She recently conducted a research study where she assessed the impact that information and referral system software has on the ability for social services to reach out to more people effectively.

A Home First

They can be found carrying on very animated conversations with themselves, living on park benches, under overpasses or out of cardboard boxes. They often misinterpret people when they try to help and live within a protective bubble where they feel safe. The problem is that they are not safe they are not healthy, and they are more than anything without a home.

 

Closing of Mental Institutions

In the 1980’s when Ronald Reagan closed mental institutions without first developing a transitional plan, a large number of people ended up on the streets, with nowhere to go and no tools to survive. Even today, institutions, hospitals, individuals, police and politicians are accused of dumping people with disabilities onto city streets across our country. Headlines from newspapers remind us that dumping disabled persons is nothing new and may even be on the increase. Even hidden security cameras have captured video of disabled persons, still in hospital gowns, being dumped on city streets with no place to go. Prior to 1980, there were very few, if any, homeless people with mental illness on the streets of America.

 

Mental Healthcare in America

Compared to the rest of the world, America has one of the lower rates of recovery from such mental health conditions as schizophrenia. America has one of the most over – prescribed mental health systems in the world. Many other countries have a far greater recovery rate without the use of excessive medication partly because there is enhanced social support and a greater sense of inclusiveness. America has a long history of asylum care, and the process of integration is not so popular here as it is in other countries. Rather than, lock  individuals up who struggle with mental illness, many countries choose to include them in society and provide much needed assistance.

 

Looking at the Real Problem

Many well-intended programs to end homelessness and mental illness have focused on treatment first, and housing second. Sam Tsemberies, Ph.D., Founder and Executive Director at Pathways to Housing discovered that mentally ill homeless people really want and need housing first and treatment second. The problem as they see it, according to Tsemberies is housing not necessarily their mental illness. Taking care of their housing needs first take tremendous pressure off of them so that the illness can be identified and properly treated. Just the reduction in stress that is felt when one actually has a home is incredible. People in the program are given an apartment, and they help to pick furnishings and start to take responsibility while being supported by a team of professionals. The program fosters social inclusion where people with mental disabilities are able to live in the community with others. As the clients become more and more independent, the amount of time that the team spends with them, become less and less. Eventually they can live on his or her own as an integrated member of society. So far, the program has spread to several cities and has had an excellent rate of success.

 

About the Author: Susan Patterson is a homeschool mother and a freelance writer who assesses the impact that social services software has on the ability to reach people in need.

Battling Homelessness in Veterans

When we think of veterans, we think of men and women who have, through the ages, fought vicious battles for American freedoms. They have entered into territory unknown and risked their lives to keep our country safe. We owe much gratitude for those that have fought, are fighting and will fight for the interests of America. The image that most of us see is that our country honors veterans they protects and provides for the courageous men and women of the military. While a certain amount of honoring and provision is made for veterans, there are many that slip through the cracks and fall into desperation, living very dark and lonely lives.

 

The Numbers

Veterans make up only 11% of the total American population, yet one in four homeless adults is a veteran. This problem does not just plague the middle-aged veterans but more and more younger veterans are frequenting soup kitchens and shelters across our country including those that have fought in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. On any given night, over 68,000 veterans are homeless. Of these, over 14,000 have been homeless for at least a year or more and suffer from one or more chronic health conditions. These are staggering statistics especially considering that these men and women went to battle for our country and now have nowhere to lay their head.

 

Why are Veterans Homeless?

What happens when veterans, armed for battle, put down their guns and return home? For many, the battle continues, in their mind. They cannot fully escape the battleground long enough to get their footing. Visions of war, death, and despair haunt their every move and rob veterans, young and old of a normalcy they once had. Veterans may have a difficult time integrating back into society, being parents or husbands and wives. Many slip through the crack of well-intentioned programs aimed at providing services to veterans, only to become yet another street statistic. Still other veterans develop serious mental health issues that render them unable to cope with everyday life or hold down a job.

 

Community Outreach

Identifying and helping homeless veterans in communities is a must. Much effort is required to assess the health of homeless veterans and hook them up with services and support. Without active intervention and coordination of social service programs, the plight of homelessness amongst veterans will continue. Outreach is the first step, as many homeless veterans will not seek out help for themselves. Communities should be action oriented, and some are already embracing and taking the initiative to address the needs of homeless veterans in their cities, towns and rural areas.

 

Celebrate Progress and Forge Ahead

Much has been done already to end homelessness amongst veterans. In fact, over the past several years the Department of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development has worked extremely hard to cut the number of homeless veterans in shelters by two-thirds on any given night. This is indeed progress, but more work is still to be done.

 

About the Author: Susan Patterson is a freelance writer with an avid interest in the problem of homelessness. She recently wrote a article outlining the usefulness of social services software.

From the “Burbs” to the Shelter: Never say Never

When you live an upper middle class lifestyle, you get kind of used to not having to scratch for your dinner or worry about where you will lay down your head at night. That was my family, just four short months ago. We lived in a very nice neighborhood on the outskirts of a sprawling American city and had 3 beautiful kids ages 8,11 and 13. We had a 3500 square foot house, hot tub, game room, Jen Air stove and a pantry the size of a third world home. I often thought of that when I went in to retrieve my breakfast cereal each morning. I would even close the pantry door and turn around, imagining what it would be like to sleep three deep each night in that space. The thought made be shudder, and I would quickly open the door and take a quick twirl around my spacious kitchen, grateful for all I had. However, it is not until you are without that truly realize just how much you once had. Grateful takes on a whole new meaning. This is what happened to us….

 

My husband held down a decent job in a midsize company where he was in charge of logistics. I was never really quite sure what he did, only that he got a lot of phone calls at all hours of the night and spent an excessive amount of time in planning meetings. I had not worked sine we were first married and elected, instead, to stay home and fulfill my responsibilities of homemaker and mother the best I knew how. Life was much like any other American home I suppose with activities for the kids, neighborhood social commitments and routinely busy schedules to juggle.

 

The day I got the phone call from my husband that he had been “let go” from his job was the day that the ball began to unwind. Had I been so busy that I had not seen this coming? Apparently, I had no idea of what my husband had been doing or how he had been juggling two completely different lives at one time. I never thought that he was that great of a multitasker. When the news of his release came out in its entirety, it was amazing to me. For four years, my husband had been engaging in some sort of money laundering business and was now caught, fired and facing a term in jail. Wow, talk about a shock. I went from baking cookies for the local bazaar one day to being married to a criminal. Because my husband had used our home for collateral on all sorts of loans and other financial agreements, we lost it almost immediately. He had also drained our entire savings and retirement accounts unbeknownst to me.

 

Flash forward four months… One thing led to another, and the kids and I ended up at the local homeless shelter almost four months to the day from when I learned of my husband’s shady business dealings. We have tried very hard to maintain a sense of pride while I struggle to take classes at the community college to get a decent paying job. The kids are close enough to their old school that they can still go; however, they struggle with what to tell friends and how to cope with the massive change in their life. We downsized until we had nothing left, sold what we could and are doing the best to move forward. Every night before I go to sleep I am grateful for the roof over my head and the room I share with my three children, that is about the size of the pantry I once had.

 

Never say never, and never get too comfortable. What happened to us could happen to anyone!

 

About the Author: Susan Patterson is a writer and homeschool mother who researches and writes about social service issues. She recently wrote an article about the benefits of social services software.