Last blog I talked about the idea of approach and the importance of it when looking at the homeless population. I touched upon the notion of approach that doesn't neglect where a person was coming from that was experiencing homelessness and not JUST looking at where they are currently, understanding where the came from and how they got to the point they are at, helps us identify what our role is in the rehab and healing process.
The mentally ill, substance abuse, chronically homeless population is primarily what the focus of this blog will be, but I also want to paint an accurate picture and give everyone an idea of just how complex the issue of homelessness is.
There are those that are experiencing, what I referred to earlier, as chronic homelessness. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines chronic homelessness as: “either (1) an unaccompanied homeless individual with a disabling condition who has been continuously homeless for a year or more, OR (2) an unaccompanied individual with a disabling condition who has had at least four episodes of homelessness in the past three years.” *1
There are those experiencing transitional homelessness. These are people who could have been recently laid off their job, or have fallen on payments for their house for too long and have been evicted. Many of these are families.
There are those who you would think are experiencing homelessness, but in actuality they may not be. Those include many panhandlers who you find on the streets. I was first informed of what panhandling is for the most part after talking to a good friend of mine in Pasadena who panhandles each day on the same corner. He explained to me, shamelessly, that this is his full-time job. He lives in an apartment down the way and this is how he makes payments on it. Andy Bales, C.E.O of the Union rescue mission also writes on this idea (see below for link) *2
There are those who may look like they are homeless, simply by their appearance, that are NOT panhandling. A good friend that I was able to make and meet with on a regular basis in Pershing Square, LA has all his teeth missing, is in his 70's, has a fuzzy gray beard, wears a beanie and old clothing actually has a place to stay and is very comfortable there. He isn't mentally ill. He isn't an alcoholic and he makes his house payments on time and is responsible about it.
This is in no way shape or form a comprehensive or detailed enough list, but I simply want to show you the varying degrees and shapes of homelessness. The next step requires practitioners to focus on these different groups and listen to stories, hear people out and understand the process that led them to where they are currently and through that we can 1. help be a part of their journey to reaching where they want to be and also 2. help identify common issues that lead to homelessness to help prevent others from ever entering into it.
Different cities will have varying needs. For example the 2012 Pasadena Homeless Survey identified a total of 904 persons experiencing homelessness (including children) of this 904, 50% were chronically homeless, 70% were men, 33% have a mental illness and 14% are substance abusers. *3 The 2013 Great Los Angeles Homeless Count reported that there were 70,000 people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles. (wow). 30% were mentally ill and 30% were substance abusers. *4.
Knowing this data allows us to focus our services and care in certain areas. Not to say we should not provide all kinds of care, but in a city such as Pasadena the need for excessive mental health and drug rehab centers isn't as needed as in skidrow.
Here is a chance for you to get involved! I referred to two different homeless counts. These are usually conducted by fellow citizens of the city! This is a very cool and practical opportunity for you to be of great help in your community and directly get a sense and understand of what it's needs are with regards to homelessness. I will provide a link at the bottom for the 2014 Pasadena Homeless Count, if you live in or near that area please be involved! I wish I was around so that I could, so instead you can for me :). Check online and find out when your city or county is doing a Homeless Count and get involved! *5
Sorry if this was somewhat uninteresting, the facts and numbers need to be laid out to get an idea of what we are dealing with here.
Next blog I will get into the science behind drug addictions and how it begins to affect the mind.
1*: HUD
2*: Andy Bales Blog "Why I am Weary of Giving Money to People Panhandling"
3*: 2012 Pasadena Homeless Survey
4*: 2013 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count
5*: 2014 Pasadena Homeless Count
The mentally ill, substance abuse, chronically homeless population is primarily what the focus of this blog will be, but I also want to paint an accurate picture and give everyone an idea of just how complex the issue of homelessness is.
There are those that are experiencing, what I referred to earlier, as chronic homelessness. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines chronic homelessness as: “either (1) an unaccompanied homeless individual with a disabling condition who has been continuously homeless for a year or more, OR (2) an unaccompanied individual with a disabling condition who has had at least four episodes of homelessness in the past three years.” *1
There are those experiencing transitional homelessness. These are people who could have been recently laid off their job, or have fallen on payments for their house for too long and have been evicted. Many of these are families.
There are those who you would think are experiencing homelessness, but in actuality they may not be. Those include many panhandlers who you find on the streets. I was first informed of what panhandling is for the most part after talking to a good friend of mine in Pasadena who panhandles each day on the same corner. He explained to me, shamelessly, that this is his full-time job. He lives in an apartment down the way and this is how he makes payments on it. Andy Bales, C.E.O of the Union rescue mission also writes on this idea (see below for link) *2
There are those who may look like they are homeless, simply by their appearance, that are NOT panhandling. A good friend that I was able to make and meet with on a regular basis in Pershing Square, LA has all his teeth missing, is in his 70's, has a fuzzy gray beard, wears a beanie and old clothing actually has a place to stay and is very comfortable there. He isn't mentally ill. He isn't an alcoholic and he makes his house payments on time and is responsible about it.
This is in no way shape or form a comprehensive or detailed enough list, but I simply want to show you the varying degrees and shapes of homelessness. The next step requires practitioners to focus on these different groups and listen to stories, hear people out and understand the process that led them to where they are currently and through that we can 1. help be a part of their journey to reaching where they want to be and also 2. help identify common issues that lead to homelessness to help prevent others from ever entering into it.
Different cities will have varying needs. For example the 2012 Pasadena Homeless Survey identified a total of 904 persons experiencing homelessness (including children) of this 904, 50% were chronically homeless, 70% were men, 33% have a mental illness and 14% are substance abusers. *3 The 2013 Great Los Angeles Homeless Count reported that there were 70,000 people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles. (wow). 30% were mentally ill and 30% were substance abusers. *4.
Knowing this data allows us to focus our services and care in certain areas. Not to say we should not provide all kinds of care, but in a city such as Pasadena the need for excessive mental health and drug rehab centers isn't as needed as in skidrow.
Here is a chance for you to get involved! I referred to two different homeless counts. These are usually conducted by fellow citizens of the city! This is a very cool and practical opportunity for you to be of great help in your community and directly get a sense and understand of what it's needs are with regards to homelessness. I will provide a link at the bottom for the 2014 Pasadena Homeless Count, if you live in or near that area please be involved! I wish I was around so that I could, so instead you can for me :). Check online and find out when your city or county is doing a Homeless Count and get involved! *5
Sorry if this was somewhat uninteresting, the facts and numbers need to be laid out to get an idea of what we are dealing with here.
Next blog I will get into the science behind drug addictions and how it begins to affect the mind.
1*: HUD
2*: Andy Bales Blog "Why I am Weary of Giving Money to People Panhandling"
3*: 2012 Pasadena Homeless Survey
4*: 2013 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count
5*: 2014 Pasadena Homeless Count
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