際際滷

際際滷Share a Scribd company logo

Baltimore County Communities For The Homeless 2008

Download as PPTX, PDF
L
LakeArea Tech

This document discusses myths and facts about homelessness in Baltimore County. It finds that the most common myth is that homeless people just don't want to work, but in reality almost 1 in 5 homeless persons has a job. It also finds that there are more people needing shelter than available beds. The largest cause of homelessness in the county is an inability to pay rent or insufficient income. Over 6,000 homeless individuals were identified in 2008 in Baltimore County, with 70% being women and children.

1 of 23
Download to read offline
Homelessness in Baltimore County Sponsored by: Baltimore County Communities for the Homeless (BCCH) 2008
Myths & Assumptions (National Coalition for the Homeless, July 1998) MYTH #1: With todays economy, anyone can get a job. Homeless people just dont want to work. FACT: According to the U.S. Conference of Mayors 1997 Survey of 29 cities, almost 1 in 5 homeless persons is employed in a full- or part-time job. Eleven years later in Baltimore County this data remains the same or higher. (65% of the men are employed at the west side shelter)
Myths & Assumptions (National Coalition for the Homeless, July 1998) MYTH #3: There are plenty of shelters and services for homeless people. People on the streets dont want help. FACT: In most areas, including Baltimore County, there are more people in need of shelter than available shelter beds. In FY 08 8,728 people were turned away from shelters.
Myths & Assumptions (National Coalition for the Homeless, July 1998) MYTH #5: A homeless person could find housing, even with a minimum wage job. FACT: A minimum wage worker earning $6.55/hour in Maryland would need to work 155 hours per week in order to afford a 2 Bedroom unit. Would you be able to live on that income?
Myths & Assumptions (National Coalition for the Homeless, July 1998 & Baltimore County Point In Time Survey 2008) MYTH #6: Americas generous welfare policies and extensive safety net prevent children from becoming homeless. FACT: Declining welfare benefits and housing assistance have contributed to record numbers of children who experience homelessness in the US. Approximately 1/3 of those in shelters in Baltimore County are children
What is the TRUTH about Baltimore County? (Baltimore County Homeless Management Information System, 2007, to date) In 2008, Baltimore County identified 6,303 homeless people (5,400 were identified in 2007). Of the 6,303 homeless people, 70% were women and children. The #1 reason for homelessness in Baltimore County: INABILITY TO PAY RENT/INSUFFICIENT INCOME/LOST JOB
What is the Truth in the Baltimore County? (Baltimore County Point in Time Survey January, 2008) 67% were families 2,069 were children under the age of 17 9% were veterans 58% were homeless for the first time 41% Caucasian 56% African American 4% Hispanic
What Does Homelessness Look Like? Single women Single men Two-parent intact families Single parent families Veterans Elderly Working individuals & parents Infants, toddlers, preschool, and school-age children, and teens College and post college educated
How Does Homelessness Happen? Lack of Affordable Housing Poverty: Effect of Income and Wages Physical & Mental Health Concerns Vulnerability of Single Parents & Extended Families Domestic Violence Effect of Political Trends & Influence Natural Disasters ALL FACTORS MAY CONTRIBUTE TO HOMELESSNESS
Income, Wages, & Housing A minimum wage worker at $6.15 per hour, working 40 hours per week, can afford a monthly rent not to exceed $341.00. The fair market rent for a 2 bedroom unit in Baltimore County is $1,013.00 per month.
Availability of Affordable Housing Barriers to moving into own home: Security deposits ( may be 2 months rent plus first months rent needed) Cost of rising utilities Credit issues Lack of public transportation and child care limits employment opportunities
Physical & Mental Health 2008: In Baltimore County 50% of homeless persons reported no health insurance (Point in Time) 89% of these persons use the emergency room for care, some visiting over 100 times in 1 year Chronic health problems difficult to treat and monitor mental & addictive disorders, hypertension, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS Other health problems frequently occurring in those that are homeless include cancer, incontinence, sores that dont heal, respiratory infections, and high risk pregnancies
Physical & Mental Health Limited long term resources for follow-up care for individuals leaving mental health facilities Problems resulting directly from homelessness include cardiovascular, leg ulcers, upper respiratory infections, and frostbite No follow up provided for treatment following an illness or respite for post surgery
Family Composition Single parents and extended families are More at risk for becoming homeless because; they tend to have less financial resources and have more environmental stress than two-parent intact families.
What about Children who Experience Homelessness? 1382 homeless children attended Baltimore County Public Schools during 2006-2007 school year. (1200 in 2007) The Baltimore County emergency shelters have seen up to 110 children a night (2006).
How can I tell that a child may be homeless? Hunger & food hoarding Aggressive or withdrawn behavior Frequent fatigue Difficulty trusting Numerous absences Unattended from school medical/dental needs Inadequate hygiene or Low self-esteem grooming Emotionally needy
What about the Elderly who experience homelessness? Severe & harsh living conditions effect physical and mental state earlier. 50-65 year olds cannot receive Medicare Monthly SSI benefits:$637 /average monthly (7/2008)BELOW POVERTY LINE Isolation effects mental capacity Medically frail and more intensive medical needs
Why Should I Be Concerned About Homelessness? Many households are only two paychecks or a medical illness away from homelessness. Shelter is a basic human need. It effects children and families and individuals. $37,200 to shelter a family It costs approximately of 4 for one year. In comparison, to rent a 2 bedroom apartment costs approximately $13,000 per year.
What Can I Do About It? Volunteer Donate Advocate Educate Participate
WORKING TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Where can I get more general information about homelessness? Baltimore County Communities for the Homeless (BCCH) A community-based group that, through public education, advocacy, and action-oriented solutions, works to alleviate, and ultimately eliminate, homelessness in Baltimore County. www.bcchcares.org National Alliance to End Homelessness www.endhomelessness.org National Law Center for Poverty and Homelessness www.nlchp.org
How Can I learn more about homelessness in my own community? National Coalition for the Homeless www.nationalhomeless.org National Center for the Education of Homelessness and Youth www.naehcy.org
Sources Burt,M.R., Aron, L.Y., Douglas, T., Valented, J., et. al. (1999) Homelessness: 1. Programs and They Serve. Washington, DC: Interagency Council on the Homeless. 2007 Baltimore County Point in Time Survey 2. 2006 Office of Transitional Living Report on Homelessness 3. Baltimore County Homeless Management Information System 4.

More Related Content

Baltimore County Communities For The Homeless 2008

  • 1. Homelessness in Baltimore County Sponsored by: Baltimore County Communities for the Homeless (BCCH) 2008
  • 2. Myths & Assumptions (National Coalition for the Homeless, July 1998) MYTH #1: With todays economy, anyone can get a job. Homeless people just dont want to work. FACT: According to the U.S. Conference of Mayors 1997 Survey of 29 cities, almost 1 in 5 homeless persons is employed in a full- or part-time job. Eleven years later in Baltimore County this data remains the same or higher. (65% of the men are employed at the west side shelter)
  • 3. Myths & Assumptions (National Coalition for the Homeless, July 1998) MYTH #3: There are plenty of shelters and services for homeless people. People on the streets dont want help. FACT: In most areas, including Baltimore County, there are more people in need of shelter than available shelter beds. In FY 08 8,728 people were turned away from shelters.
  • 4. Myths & Assumptions (National Coalition for the Homeless, July 1998) MYTH #5: A homeless person could find housing, even with a minimum wage job. FACT: A minimum wage worker earning $6.55/hour in Maryland would need to work 155 hours per week in order to afford a 2 Bedroom unit. Would you be able to live on that income?
  • 5. Myths & Assumptions (National Coalition for the Homeless, July 1998 & Baltimore County Point In Time Survey 2008) MYTH #6: Americas generous welfare policies and extensive safety net prevent children from becoming homeless. FACT: Declining welfare benefits and housing assistance have contributed to record numbers of children who experience homelessness in the US. Approximately 1/3 of those in shelters in Baltimore County are children
  • 6. What is the TRUTH about Baltimore County? (Baltimore County Homeless Management Information System, 2007, to date) In 2008, Baltimore County identified 6,303 homeless people (5,400 were identified in 2007). Of the 6,303 homeless people, 70% were women and children. The #1 reason for homelessness in Baltimore County: INABILITY TO PAY RENT/INSUFFICIENT INCOME/LOST JOB
  • 7. What is the Truth in the Baltimore County? (Baltimore County Point in Time Survey January, 2008) 67% were families 2,069 were children under the age of 17 9% were veterans 58% were homeless for the first time 41% Caucasian 56% African American 4% Hispanic
  • 8. What Does Homelessness Look Like? Single women Single men Two-parent intact families Single parent families Veterans Elderly Working individuals & parents Infants, toddlers, preschool, and school-age children, and teens College and post college educated
  • 9. How Does Homelessness Happen? Lack of Affordable Housing Poverty: Effect of Income and Wages Physical & Mental Health Concerns Vulnerability of Single Parents & Extended Families Domestic Violence Effect of Political Trends & Influence Natural Disasters ALL FACTORS MAY CONTRIBUTE TO HOMELESSNESS
  • 10. Income, Wages, & Housing A minimum wage worker at $6.15 per hour, working 40 hours per week, can afford a monthly rent not to exceed $341.00. The fair market rent for a 2 bedroom unit in Baltimore County is $1,013.00 per month.
  • 11. Availability of Affordable Housing Barriers to moving into own home: Security deposits ( may be 2 months rent plus first months rent needed) Cost of rising utilities Credit issues Lack of public transportation and child care limits employment opportunities
  • 12. Physical & Mental Health 2008: In Baltimore County 50% of homeless persons reported no health insurance (Point in Time) 89% of these persons use the emergency room for care, some visiting over 100 times in 1 year Chronic health problems difficult to treat and monitor mental & addictive disorders, hypertension, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS Other health problems frequently occurring in those that are homeless include cancer, incontinence, sores that dont heal, respiratory infections, and high risk pregnancies
  • 13. Physical & Mental Health Limited long term resources for follow-up care for individuals leaving mental health facilities Problems resulting directly from homelessness include cardiovascular, leg ulcers, upper respiratory infections, and frostbite No follow up provided for treatment following an illness or respite for post surgery
  • 14. Family Composition Single parents and extended families are More at risk for becoming homeless because; they tend to have less financial resources and have more environmental stress than two-parent intact families.
  • 15. What about Children who Experience Homelessness? 1382 homeless children attended Baltimore County Public Schools during 2006-2007 school year. (1200 in 2007) The Baltimore County emergency shelters have seen up to 110 children a night (2006).
  • 16. How can I tell that a child may be homeless? Hunger & food hoarding Aggressive or withdrawn behavior Frequent fatigue Difficulty trusting Numerous absences Unattended from school medical/dental needs Inadequate hygiene or Low self-esteem grooming Emotionally needy
  • 17. What about the Elderly who experience homelessness? Severe & harsh living conditions effect physical and mental state earlier. 50-65 year olds cannot receive Medicare Monthly SSI benefits:$637 /average monthly (7/2008)BELOW POVERTY LINE Isolation effects mental capacity Medically frail and more intensive medical needs
  • 18. Why Should I Be Concerned About Homelessness? Many households are only two paychecks or a medical illness away from homelessness. Shelter is a basic human need. It effects children and families and individuals. $37,200 to shelter a family It costs approximately of 4 for one year. In comparison, to rent a 2 bedroom apartment costs approximately $13,000 per year.
  • 19. What Can I Do About It? Volunteer Donate Advocate Educate Participate
  • 20. WORKING TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
  • 21. Where can I get more general information about homelessness? Baltimore County Communities for the Homeless (BCCH) A community-based group that, through public education, advocacy, and action-oriented solutions, works to alleviate, and ultimately eliminate, homelessness in Baltimore County. www.bcchcares.org National Alliance to End Homelessness www.endhomelessness.org National Law Center for Poverty and Homelessness www.nlchp.org
  • 22. How Can I learn more about homelessness in my own community? National Coalition for the Homeless www.nationalhomeless.org National Center for the Education of Homelessness and Youth www.naehcy.org
  • 23. Sources Burt,M.R., Aron, L.Y., Douglas, T., Valented, J., et. al. (1999) Homelessness: 1. Programs and They Serve. Washington, DC: Interagency Council on the Homeless. 2007 Baltimore County Point in Time Survey 2. 2006 Office of Transitional Living Report on Homelessness 3. Baltimore County Homeless Management Information System 4.