Welcome to Welcome to Unit 9Unit 9

The HomelessCheryl Bradt-Hyland MS LCAT CASAC HS-BCP

Who are the Homeless?

The Homeless• The Federal Government’s definition

of homeless:An individual who lacks a fixed, regular,

and adequate nighttime residence…

• Counting the homeless – it is difficult to get an accurate head countWhy?

On average, 650,000 individuals experience homelessness on any given night

Who are the Homeless?

What causes homelessness?

Who is most likely to become homeless and why?

Who are the Homeless?

• Recent studies conducted in the 1990s revealed a tendency to blame the poor for their poverty

• However, research shows that social and structural issues are the primary cause of poverty.– Shortages in affordable housing– Significant increase in educational

requirements for employment– Long-standing institutionalized

discrimination– Increase in the complexity of life

Who are the Homeless?

• The early church and caring for the poor (remember we talked about the “deserving poor”?)

• The Middle Ages and the wandering poor (mostly men who migrated for employment)

• The Great Depression – almost everyone affected– Brought most people back to the

understanding that poverty and homelessness can be caused by circumstances beyond one’s control

Who are the Homeless?

• Homelessness in the 1970’s and 1980’s – rise in homeless single parent families

• Study done in 1999 found:– Of all homeless families 80% were

headed by a single parent– Of those, 95% were female

The Contemporary Picture of Homelessness:

• Homelessness in the 1970’s and 1980’s – rise in homeless single parent families

• Study done in 1999 found:– Of all homeless families 80% were

headed by a single parent– Of those, 95% were female

The Contemporary Picture of Homelessness:

• Oversimplification of the causes of homelessness

• Most homeless, single mothers have never been married

• Only 20% of homeless people have been on public assistance, even though most would qualify.

• The court system not enforcing child support

The Contemporary Picture of Homelessness:

• Children are the fastest growing population of homeless

• More complex problems and more needs

• The Invisible Youth Network: Homeless children

• Parenting in a homeless shelter• Hours of operation for families• Shelter rules and policies not

made for families.

The Contemporary Picture of Homelessness:

• Estimated 2 million adolescents are on the streets in the US

• Adolescents will more likely live on a street than in a homeless shelter.

• They run away from home or are kicked out of homes.

• Sexual exploitation• They find each other and help one

another to survive. • Suspicious of adults• Intervention programs

The Contemporary Picture of Homelessness:

• Just under 50% consists of men in the homeless population

• Childhood history of abuse• Mental illness• Substance abusers• Veterans

The Elderly

• Fewer social supports• Fewer family members• Common age related physical

issues• Limited employment

opportunities • Increased vulnerability• Financially victimized

The Role of the HS Professional

• Empower clients• Address the needs of the entire

family• Judgment free• Intervention and prevention• Advocate for the needs of the

homeless

Working with the Homeless

• Emergency Shelters• Daytime drop in shelters• Transitional housing programs• Domestic violence shelters• Public housing projects• Case management• Coordinators• Volunteers to raise awareness:

Invisible Youth Network

Questions to Discuss• What are some of the risk factors for

becoming homeless, and who are the most vulnerable?

• What are some of the laws and legislation set up to protect the homeless? Do you think they are effective? Why or why not?

• What are three careers in the field of human services working with individuals who are homeless? Give some background on the positions you discuss including some of the training and skills needed for the positions.

• Would you be interested in pursuing any of the careers you listed? Why or why not?

Final Questions

• Are there any final questions before we end seminar tonight?

• I want to thank all of you for a wonderful term. This is out last seminar for the term.

• Remember that you do have discussion questions to answer in Unit 9 and 10.

• See you all in the discussion boards.