This could be anyone of us.
July15, 2010
Homelessness in major cities is escalating as more laid-off workers already living paycheck-to-paycheck wind up on the streets or in shelters. William and Sue Kamstra and sons. Kamstra lost a $43,000-a-year job, forcing them to live at the mission.
By Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY As Americans file for bankruptcy in record numbers and credit card debt explodes, more workers are a paycheck away from losing their homes. Now the frail economy is pushing them over the edge. With 9 million unemployed workers in July, the face of homelessness is changing to include more families shaken by joblessness.
Former neighbors and co-workers are on the streets, live with relatives or stay in shelters. Unemployed managers are living with their elderly parents. Families who once owned their own homes now sleep on bunk beds in homeless shelters. Job seekers in suits and ties stop by soup kitchens heading out to afternoon interviews. With no place to live, some homeless are camping out in their cars until work comes along.
"There is still a mind-set that the homeless are substance abusers who have made bad life decisions," says Ralph Plumb, CEO of the Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles. "But more and more, they are individuals responding to a catastrophic financial event. The homeless are us. They're regular folk."
Requests for emergency shelter assistance grew an average of 19% from 2001 to 2002, according to the 18 cities that reported an increase — the steepest rise in a decade. The findings are from a 2003 survey of 25 cities by the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Among the trends:
• Families with children are among the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population, according to the National Coalition for the Homeless. The Conference of Mayors found that 41% of the homeless are families with children, up from 34% in 2000. The Urban Institute reports about 23% of the homeless are children.
• Cities and shelters are also seeing the shift. In New York, the number of homeless families jumped 40% from 1999 to 2002. In Boston, the number of homeless families increased 8.3% to 2,328 in 2002 compared with 2001.
• An estimated 3.5 million people are likely to experience homelessness in a given year, the Urban Institute reports. People remained homeless for an average of six months, according to the Conference of Mayors survey — a figure that increased from a year ago in all but four cities.
Homelessness also increased during past recessions, but advocates say several issues are making the current rise more disconcerting. Those factors include the five-year cap on welfare benefits, a surge in home prices adding to longer periods of homelessness, and the fact that this recovery has been a jobless one, providing little immediate hope.
In fact, the majority of cities polled by the Conference of Mayors expect homelessness to increase over the next year.
While the economy is driving some of the increase in demand for shelter and food assistance, other factors include mental illness, substance abuse and low-paying jobs, according to the Conference of Mayors survey.
Jobs hard to find
For many families already on the edge, homelessness is a catastrophic reality. Less than a year ago, Kimberly Brochu was expecting a baby and living with her husband and four children in an apartment in Winslow, Maine. Then her husband, Allen, was laid off from his painting job.
Eight months pregnant, Brochu wound up on the streets with her family. They spent their nights sleeping in bunk beds at a homeless shelter and during the day camped out in their car at a Burger King. Today, she and her husband rent a duplex and are both working again.
"People think we get homeless because we're irresponsible, but it's hard finding jobs," says Brochu, 29, who works as a housekeeper and a waitress; Allen is a farmer's helper. "But my kids, if they become successful, they won't look down on people who are poor."
A growing number of families are vulnerable to homelessness because of the dismal job climate. The unemployment rate reached 6.4% in June, the highest since April 1994 before edging back to 6.2% in July. Last month, there were nearly 2 million unemployed workers who had been looking for a job for 27 weeks or longer, an increase of 276,000 since January, according to the Department of Labor.
For the homeless, getting or keeping a job without a place to live is a challenge. About 20% of homeless are employed, according to the Conference of Mayors.
More of those workers losing their jobs aren't able to afford a stint of unemployment. Nearly a quarter of Americans would be late on mortgages, rent or other bills if a single paycheck were delayed, according to a 2003 poll by Automatic Data Processing.
The proportion of disposable personal income that Americans are putting into savings was about 8% in the 1970s but has tumbled to less than 4% today, according to the National Center for Policy Analysis.
Layoff led to homelessness
All it took was a layoff to push Robert Garner over the edge. About a month ago, the 40-year-old was laid off from his job at a packing plant and could no longer afford the $475 rent for his mobile home in Lima, Ohio. So he packed a backpack with whatever he could carry — clothes, a razor and sleeping bag — and hitchhiked 122 miles to Cincinnati, where he wound up sleeping under a bridge. He sold his car because he couldn't keep up with the payments.
He went to soup kitchens for meals or worked odd jobs to pay for food. Drop-in homeless shelters provided a place for him to shower. In late July, he got a $9.50-an-hour job driving a forklift for the Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries Rehabilitation Center, which also provided him with housing.
"The economy has really taken a toll on manufacturing," Garner says. "It was hard. I don't like to take things from people. I like to help myself. In a way, you get a sense of hopelessness. But I tried to keep a nice, clean appearance."
Other factors putting more families and workers at risk:
•Soaring housing costs. The median price for existing homes is projected to rise 6% in 2003 to $167,800, according to the National Association of Realtors.
"The economy has been in a down phase before, but this time housing prices have really continued to skyrocket. It's been a huge factor in the explosion in homelessness among families," says Mitchell Netburn, director of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, which coordinates homeless programs in the city and county. The median home price in the Los Angeles area for the first quarter of 2003 was $307,900. That's up 16.2% from the first quarter of 2002.
As prices go up, it becomes harder for the poor to purchase a home or even afford rent.
Nearly 28 million households — one in four — reported spending more than 30% of their income on housing, according to the Millennial Housing Commission. That amount is more than the government deems affordable, the commission reports. Median monthly gross rent in the nation climbed to $602 in 2000 from $481 a month in 1980, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
•Mounting debt. Consumer debt is growing, and more homeowners are taking out loans to pay credit card debts. Foreclosures are up. Last year, there were 1.5 million bankruptcy filings by individuals — the highest on record — up from 289,000 non-business filings in 1980, according to the American Bankruptcy Institute.
Though about 20% of the homeless live in the suburbs, the rise in homelessness is mostly manifesting itself in major urban areas.
In Boston, the number of homeless women increased by 10% in 2002 compared with 2001, according to a city census. In San Francisco, the city reports that the homeless population in 2002 was 8,640, an 18% rise over 2001.
•Lack of financial safety nets. The increase in homelessness and hunger is overwhelming some cities and shelters: An average of 30% of the requests for emergency shelter by homeless people — and 38% of the requests by homeless families — are estimated to have gone unmet in 2002, according to the Conference of Mayors.
In 60% of cities, shelters may have to turn away homeless families because of a lack of resources. Many cities have shelters that specifically accommodate families, but even then, husbands and wives often are separated.
In addition, more welfare recipients are reaching the five-year federal limit for receiving benefits. At the same time, philanthropic donations to homeless services are down along with overall charitable giving. That means there are fewer financial safety nets for workers who are already living on the financial precipice. And unemployment benefits aren't always a resource — in fact, less than half of laid-off workers qualify under varying state eligibility requirements.
David Smith, 46, worked in the stock room at Kmart until he was laid off earlier this year. He applied for public assistance but had already reached his lifetime cap for receiving federal benefits. Unable to pay his rent, Smith went to a homeless shelter. He is now living in housing provided by The Doe Fund, a New York-based organization that employs and supports the homeless in efforts to become self-sufficient through work.
"Without a job, I couldn't pay my rent," Smith says. "It's stressful when you go to the soup kitchen. I want to save money and get my life back on track."
Suit-and-tie homeless
June 28, 2010
Families crowding together into single homes because of the bad economy helped increase the number of homeless families last year, even as the total number of homeless individuals dropped, federal housing officials reported Wednesday.
Roughly 190,000 families spent at least one night in a shelter in 2009, up from 169,000 families in 2008 and 131,000 in 2007, according to the Housing and Urban Development Department's annual report to Congress released Wednesday. That increase, the report said, "is almost certainly related to the recession."
"It may be that many families already at risk of becoming homeless lacked sufficient support networks and became homeless almost immediately after the economy turned down," the report said. "A much larger group turned to family and friends and may be doubled up and still at great risk of becoming homeless."
HUD attributed the 2009 increase in family homelessness to the use of emergency shelters, rather than transitional housing. Homeless families stayed in shelters an average of 36 nights in 2009, up from 30 nights the year before, the report said.
"Not only did family homelessness continue to increase ... it also seems to have become more severe in the sense that it took the typical family longer to leave shelter," the report said.
HUD defined a family as a household with at least one adult and one child.
HUD Assistant Secretary Mercedes Marquez said the trend of families crowding together is expected to continue.
The Obama administration plans to unveil at the White House next week a national strategy to combat homelessness, with a goal of ending the problem, Marquez told reporters in a conference call.
"We are closer than ever to that," Marquez said.
Overall, 1.56 million people spent at least one night in emergency shelters or transitional housing, the report said. One-third of those individuals were part of a homeless family.
Volunteers counted 643,000 homeless people, sheltered and on the streets, during one given night in January 2009, the report said.
Chronic homelessness dropped 30 percent since 2006, which the report said may be due to an increase in resources.
The number for homeless families jumps in the summer as the school year ends. More individuals seek shelter during the winter.
Next year's report will show the impact of the $1.5 billion in homelessness assistance allocated under the economic stimulus, Marquez said.
June 9th 2010
Did you know that in Denver?
43% of the homeless are women and children.
Many hard-working people have become homeless because they have lost their job or had a healthcare crisis.
Area shelters can only provide a fraction of the beds that are necessary.
...Over 40% of people in shelters are working and only 10% of the homeless earn money from panhandling.
The Cost of Inaction
Studies in New York and Philadelphia showed that the average person who was chronically homeless accessed over $40,000 per year in public services. In San Diego, the costs were as high as $200,000 over 18 months. The details of these costs can be found at the Interagency Council on Homelessness website.
These same startling costs are true for Denver's homeless.
One night in jail cost $174 per arrest. It would not be unusual for four arrests and bookings to occur per year at a cost of $696.
A monthly stay in emergency shelter costs $775; the typical stay is six months or $4,650.
Two meals a day at soup kitchens cost $2.66. Meals for 200 days cost $532.
Emergency room visits costs $1,000. Homeless individuals average two visits per year at $2,000 per homeless person.
One night at Denver C.A.R.E.S. "detox" center costs $295. Chronic alcohol/drug abusers averaged 80 nights per person last year. The annual cost was $23,600 per person.
One hospital stay averages $29,921. In 2004, 1,074 homeless people were admitted for hospital stays in Denver. Those who only access healthcare through the emergency room do not receive follow-up care or services beyond immediate intervention, making them more likely to return to the hospital in the future.
Denver's Road Home employs the "Housing First" model of providing stable housing coupled with the appropriate social services. Under this model the cost to house and provide services to the chronic homeless is:
Monthly rent for an efficiency apartment in Denver is $376. A year's lease totals $4,512. This total cost is reduced as the occupant is stabilized and is responsible for paying 30% of their earned income toward rent. The cost of providing other social services is $10,000 per year.
For people in shelters the cost is less:
40% of homeless people living in shelters work. These households are able to initially pay a portion (average: $100/month), the annual subsidy is $3,312. Social services cost is substantially less for a non-chronic homeless person.
Mayor John Hickenlooper and the Commission to End Homelessness, through a comprehensive community effort, have established a plan to end homelessness in the City & County of Denver. Find out more about the plan.
Panhandling is a difficult issue faced by every major city, and Downtown Denver is no exception. People who panhandle may need help, but the experience of numerous social services agencies indicates that money given to individuals on the street often supports destructive habits, including alcohol and drug addiction.
The Downtown Denver Partnership encourages Downtown workers, visitors and residents to redirect their generosity to the institutions best suited to helping our city's homeless and struggling citizens. By donating your money and volunteer time to organizations and service providers, you play an integral part in improving the lives of these individuals
June 8th 2010
New York City
New York, just got a little bit saner. You helped make it happen, and I'm writing to say thanks.
On Friday, Mayor Bloomberg announced that the City is dropping plans to charge homeless families "rent" to stay in shelters. Instead, the City will have shelter residents set aside any extra money they make in savings plans. Once they leave the shelters, they can use these savings to find real housing and get back on their feet.
In just two months, we went from a misguided plan that would trap homeless New Yorkers in shelters to a real incentive program that will help rebuild their lives.
That change happened after we spoke out. More than 6,000 New Yorkers signed the petition against shelter rent sponsored by Working Families and the Coalition for the Homeless. Our effort got the media's attention, and once the press started reporting on the plan to charge the homeless rent, City and State leaders quickly began looking for other options.
Assemblymember Keith Wright and State Senator Daniel Squadron deserve much thanks and praise for leading the charge in Albany to stop the City's rent plan and promote the savings program instead. And Mayor Bloomberg and City leaders deserve credit for embracing this alternative.
This is a real victory for all New Yorkers. Thanks again for being a part of it. Now let's win some more.
Sunday May 9th 2010
“If Tomorrow Never Comes’ and if that’s true can you seriously say “almighty God, I have done all I could for you.” Help us feed the homeless and work towards a homeless hotel. Yes, the word says in Proverbs 28: 27 “He who gives to the poor will lack nothing” To learn more about " His Love Street Hotel what a great pro......mise, a promise that no person nor amount of money can match.
To learn more about " His Love Street Hotel " or to donate please go to Hislovestreetministries.com/ and everyone that donates $25.00 or more shall receive a Real men Love 2 Cuddle Tee shirt.
Monday April 5th, 2010
Jill Dahne Levy Show WNN Radio: Guest Trey Noran
Trey Noran on The Jill Dahne Levy Show " April 11th 2010 3pm Eastern Time. My sincere apologies to the many that said they were going to tune in to hear me on the Jill Dahne show today. There was a misunderstanding due to the Easter Holiday. I will be on next Sunday, April 11, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. eastern time. Please tune in and once again our web site is Hislovestreetministries.com/
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Quiet Saturday I had a quiet day enjoying a Joyce Meyer's bible study. Whenever I listen or read the word I feel energized.
Part of the study stated "think if everyone that buys lottery tickets or gambles would put some of it towards the kingdom of God, how wonderful." just think I could open a homeless hotel in every state.
But, since they are not going to I must wait for God's timing. Posted by Stars Give Back Fund raiser at 0 comments
Friday, February 19, 2010
Elton John now Tiger Woods, really? Yesterday I spoke about the disturbing comments about Jesus, made by Elton John. Now today I have to hear a very non heart felt apology from Tiger Woods.
Why is it that one who works so hard to achieve so much and have the young and old alike look up to him, throw it all away for sex? Furthermore, why should he be entitled to enlist the public to regain his loss when we should be spending the air time on something not self created.
Homelessness is not self created and our time should be spent on making a difference with the people who are humbled and would appreciate someone just listening to them.
Why dose our society want to listen to someone who thought he was untouchable plea for forgiveness, when we don't show the same amount of interest to those who need someone to listen?
Saturday, February 6, 2010
WCAN Radio Tonight Tune in tonight on WCAN Internet radio at 6p.m Denver time and 5p.m. California time. This will be my first interview regarding the homeless plight in America. I am hoping to get in touch with the right people that are able to assist me with my vision to open the two homeless hotels. Also, I am having my birthday celebration today. I will let you know tomorrow how everything works out. Until then I am in high anticipating for tonights show. God Bless
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Press Release out It is a beautiful day here in the mile high city. My apologies for missing yesterday, as I am preparing for three separate radio broadcasts and working on the fund raiser for the homeless.
I just got the press released out this morning and hopefully everything will slow down a bit.
I commend Denver for raising an abundant amount of money for Haiti, but this gets me more determined to raise monies for the homeless right here on the streets in the United States. I don't know what I am more frustrated with, those right here in the United States that won't give to help take the homeless off the streets, but will give to another country when there is an name attached or those who complain and do nothing, where have we went off track. I don't object to helping Haiti, as need is need, but the people complaining about the homeless on the streets do nothing to help.
What they don't realize is if they don't help now it will be a bigger problem soon. For when I do the street outreach I talk to the humble at heart, as well as to the angry at heart. Some say they can't take much more and that nothing goes their way, so that may possibly lead to acts of violence just to survive.
My walks in the past years have seen and heard more stories of heartache, frustration and giving up, as no one should feel this way in a country that offers so much but gives so little at times.
To be honest with you I am frustrated and angry at the non-willing of people to help those in need here.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Giving up the Ship I got up this morning and in my heart I said, "I cannot take it anymore" it is time to give up. Then I received many e-mails from people asking what they can do and how they can help; this restored my energy and hope to go on.
Through my weakness becomes my strength, as the word says. I have said many times this vision was not of my own doing but of Gods will.
Now I pray for even more strength and believe that this will now take off very soon. I know that soon I will be able to tell many more about this vision through radio within the next two weeks.
I will be on WCAN radio on February 6th at 6p.m. California time and Leah Tillock will give us a plug on her 15M plus listener base on her radio station. I will also be receiving an endorsement from Amy Rubin on her Las Vegas radio station.
So, on this Sunday I just thank God and go forward.
Friday, January 22, 2010
This was given to me by God, not man, and only if you would give $2 dollars out of what you would give to Haiti, we could clear up the homeless situation in the United States.
My heart goes out to Haiti in a major way and I am sympathetic, but what about here at home? I recently heard that Denver alone will bring $30 to $40M to help Haiti and we are just one city. The giving is beautiful to see, but we must help the homeless in the same way as the situation will only get worse if ignored.
Here in Denver they say they don't want the homeless in public places or loitering in parks so lets fine them $200 dollars, or throw them into jail, and of course they end up in jail as they do not have the money to pay the fine, remember they are homeless and jobless.
If it was me I would go to jail just to get food and shelter. I don't know if I am angry or depressed that George Clooney could and will bring in millions to Haiti, but when I ask him in the name of God to help I cannot get a response.
Please realize the reason that we are blessed and do not have the problems that Haiti and other countries have is because we were founded in God we Trust, not in Clooney we trust.
Please think about your own back yard as that is where the homeless will eventually end up.
His Love Street Ministries
Reverend Trey Olguin Noran
Feeding the homeless since 1989
PTL
