The Cycle of Homelessness

Homelessness in America has been recognized as one of society’s most egregious issues. As a result of this awareness, many cities throughout the United States have given precedence to end homelessness by the year 2010. To bring the “Cycle of Homelessness” to an end, one must first understand the factors that lead to homelessness and those who experience homelessness in the first place.

Recognized as a national model by the U.S. Secretary of HUD and two successive Florida Governors, Community Partnership for Homeless’ program recognizes two broad classes of problems presented by homelessness. The first, referred to as “crisis poverty,” is homelessness that can be traced to ongoing poverty and poor economic status, often created or made untenable by some unforeseen event such as job loss, domestic violence or acute medical crisis. The second, “chronic disability,” refers to homelessness accompanied by one or more chronic disabling conditions such as substance abuse, and/or mental, physical or developmental disability.

To address these two homeless classes, which are not necessarily exclusive of one another, Community Partnership for Homeless offers a range of services to meet the needs of homeless individuals and families who take residence at either of the two currently operating Homeless Assistance Centers.

Like the findings of a recent United States Conference of Mayors report, the homeless population is diverse in that:

- 20% are working poor;
- 22% are mentally disabled;
- 11% are veterans with need of supportive services; and
- 34% are drug or alcohol dependent.

(U. S. Conference of Mayors Report: www.homeless.org )

Many Americans feel the “cure” to homelessness is finding employment and affordable housing. Community Partnership for Homeless, however, feels the need to provide holistic services to homeless individuals, inclusive of employment and affordable housing assistance. This plan effectively prepares each individual and family to end their personal “Cycle of Homelessness” based on a comprehensive intake process by which potential barriers to economic and social self-sufficiency are identified. On the basis of the initial intake, the resident and his or her case manager develop a service plan that describes barriers faced by the resident and any unmet needs for supportive services. The service plan outlines the steps necessary to overcome such barriers to self-sufficiency. The primary purpose of these case management services is to integrate the various internal and external service components into a coherent constellation of services tailored to meet the unique needs of the resident through assessment, advocacy and linkage.


 

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