Friday, January 11, 2008
Some research
Happy New Year. It has been a bit since I've written on the blog. I was able to get away for the Christmas Holidays and have been busy since I've been back. However, some great research is available that focuses on developing a typology for homeless families. Check it out here.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Triathalons for homelessness
Robyn Fehrman and her sister dedicated their 2007 triathlon seasons to raising awareness about homelessness and raising funds for Genesis Home- a housing and supportive services program for homeless families in Durham, NC. With the help of many friends and community members, the Tri to End Homelessness campaign has been a phenomenal success! They raised nearly $6,000 to support Genesis Home’s programs and successfully raced their first Olympic distance triathlon.
Recently Robyn and her sister informed me that Toyota has selected Tri to End Homelessness as a finalist in their Engines of Change Power of Sport contest! Over 350 folks from across the nation submitted applications and they have been selected as one of the top 10! Your votes will determine the winner.
Here’s where you need to do:
Please vote for Tri to End Homelessness by visiting:
http://www.toyotaenginesofchange.com/Page805.aspx From this link you can read Robyn's profile, click on VOTE NOW, and vote once per day until December 31.
Winning any one of the top prizes would, of course, be wonderful - BUT the national exposure for the issue of homelessness and power individuals have to make difference would be even more valuable.
Please pass this on to folks in your networks!
If you haven’t already, you can read all about the Tri to End Homelessness journey at www.tritoendhomelessness.blogspot.com - and stay up to date about the sisters' plans for 2008!
Recently Robyn and her sister informed me that Toyota has selected Tri to End Homelessness as a finalist in their Engines of Change Power of Sport contest! Over 350 folks from across the nation submitted applications and they have been selected as one of the top 10! Your votes will determine the winner.
Here’s where you need to do:
Please vote for Tri to End Homelessness by visiting:
http://www.toyotaenginesofchange.com/Page805.aspx From this link you can read Robyn's profile, click on VOTE NOW, and vote once per day until December 31.
Winning any one of the top prizes would, of course, be wonderful - BUT the national exposure for the issue of homelessness and power individuals have to make difference would be even more valuable.
Please pass this on to folks in your networks!
If you haven’t already, you can read all about the Tri to End Homelessness journey at www.tritoendhomelessness.blogspot.com - and stay up to date about the sisters' plans for 2008!
Monday, December 17, 2007
It's a busy time of year, but some great things continue to happen. Take a look at this article about how Portland's business community has stepped up to the plate to help with street people.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Orange County 10 Year Plan Staff Needed
Homeless Programs Coordinator
Housing and Community Development
Posting 9049-1029
Description: Provide leadership in the effort to implement the Orange County Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness working closely with the Partnership to End Homelessness Executive Team and other community partners. Develop a comprehensive understanding of available housing options including Housing First as well as the supportive services necessary to prevent and eliminate homelessness particularly for the chronically homeless. Assess potential financial resources, including both public and private resources, for the 10 Year Plan. Design and execute both an operational and capital budget necessary to achieve annual priorities. Conduct periodic evaluations of Plan implementation activities and provide a written report of the results to the Partnership.
Requirements: Requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in Social Work, Public Administration, Planning, Public Health, or closely related field and five years of closely related experience. Prefer experience managing programs related to homelessness. Strong written/oral communication and interpersonal skills are required as well as the ability to interpret complex federal policies and guidelines. Excellent computer skills are also required. Must possess a driver license valid in the state of North Carolina.
Compensation: The hiring range for this position is $46,013 - $59,785. Orange County provides a comprehensive employee benefits package, including membership in the N.C. Local Government Employee’s Retirement System.
Closing Date: Friday, December 21, 2007
Apply To: Orange County Personnel Department
208 South Cameron Street, Post Office Box 8181
Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278
Telephone: (919) 732-8181, extension 2550
Facsimile: (919) 644-3009
An official Orange County Application For Employment is required for all openings and must be received on or before the closing date. Refer to the appropriate posting number on your application. Resumes will not be accepted unless accompanied by a completed application form.
Orange County is a drug-free workplace. Positions designated (*) as Safety Sensitive require pre-transfer drug testing. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Orange County will employ only those individuals who are U.S. citizens or legal aliens authorized to maintain employment in the United States. OCP11/28/07
Housing and Community Development
Posting 9049-1029
Description: Provide leadership in the effort to implement the Orange County Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness working closely with the Partnership to End Homelessness Executive Team and other community partners. Develop a comprehensive understanding of available housing options including Housing First as well as the supportive services necessary to prevent and eliminate homelessness particularly for the chronically homeless. Assess potential financial resources, including both public and private resources, for the 10 Year Plan. Design and execute both an operational and capital budget necessary to achieve annual priorities. Conduct periodic evaluations of Plan implementation activities and provide a written report of the results to the Partnership.
Requirements: Requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in Social Work, Public Administration, Planning, Public Health, or closely related field and five years of closely related experience. Prefer experience managing programs related to homelessness. Strong written/oral communication and interpersonal skills are required as well as the ability to interpret complex federal policies and guidelines. Excellent computer skills are also required. Must possess a driver license valid in the state of North Carolina.
Compensation: The hiring range for this position is $46,013 - $59,785. Orange County provides a comprehensive employee benefits package, including membership in the N.C. Local Government Employee’s Retirement System.
Closing Date: Friday, December 21, 2007
Apply To: Orange County Personnel Department
208 South Cameron Street, Post Office Box 8181
Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278
Telephone: (919) 732-8181, extension 2550
Facsimile: (919) 644-3009
An official Orange County Application For Employment is required for all openings and must be received on or before the closing date. Refer to the appropriate posting number on your application. Resumes will not be accepted unless accompanied by a completed application form.
Orange County is a drug-free workplace. Positions designated (*) as Safety Sensitive require pre-transfer drug testing. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Orange County will employ only those individuals who are U.S. citizens or legal aliens authorized to maintain employment in the United States. OCP11/28/07
Monday, November 12, 2007
Two different stories
This weekend was a busy weekend for the news media as this week begins the National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness week. The NY Times had an interesting article that is talking about the successes of "wet housing." It's difficult to imagine the challenges associated with severe alcohol addiction and the experiences of trauma these Vietnam vets experienced.
On the flip side, we have a story of young college grad who was homeless and "makes it." It's a story in the News and Observer. I believe it is true, resources that you have, ie., a college education, no addiction or mental illness, probably makes it easier for you to move out of homelessness. What would happen if the young man had been shipped off to Iraq or Afghanistan, had no high school education, with little access to mental health services? Maybe a different story?
On the flip side, we have a story of young college grad who was homeless and "makes it." It's a story in the News and Observer. I believe it is true, resources that you have, ie., a college education, no addiction or mental illness, probably makes it easier for you to move out of homelessness. What would happen if the young man had been shipped off to Iraq or Afghanistan, had no high school education, with little access to mental health services? Maybe a different story?
Friday, November 9, 2007
The good news and the bad news.
Within the last few days, HUD announced a drop in the number of chronic homeless people. The success of 1) targeting the most at-risk folks who are the high-end users of all sorts of services, and 2) moving them into permanent housing seems to be working. CBS even picked up the story. That's the good news.
The bad news is that nearly a quarter of all those who are homeless are veterans. Notice that younger veterans from Afghanistan and Iraq are finding their way to shelters. The impact of PTSD is most likely going to result in mental health issues that incapacitate some of these young men. Unfortunately, the federal government is not doing much about this yet. I wonder who will create the safety net.
The bad news is that nearly a quarter of all those who are homeless are veterans. Notice that younger veterans from Afghanistan and Iraq are finding their way to shelters. The impact of PTSD is most likely going to result in mental health issues that incapacitate some of these young men. Unfortunately, the federal government is not doing much about this yet. I wonder who will create the safety net.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
The debate goes on....
The last couple of days, I've been involved in a debate about what should we be doing to deal with the homeless situation? Everyone agrees that it is problematic for people to be living on the street, but what is the most timely way in which to deal with it?
Some say, "Let's create more shelter beds so that people can have a place to sleep."
Others (myself included) argue, "We've been building emergency shelter for over 20 years and the real reason we turn people away each night is because there is no permanent housing for those who are currently staying in the shelters to go to. "
"But that takes too much time," argue those who want something to be done now.
What do we do? How do we build permanent supportive housing fast enough to really solve this problem? What do you think?
Some say, "Let's create more shelter beds so that people can have a place to sleep."
Others (myself included) argue, "We've been building emergency shelter for over 20 years and the real reason we turn people away each night is because there is no permanent housing for those who are currently staying in the shelters to go to. "
"But that takes too much time," argue those who want something to be done now.
What do we do? How do we build permanent supportive housing fast enough to really solve this problem? What do you think?
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