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?

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 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?

Project Homeless Connects were successful -share your stories

Thursday morning was rainy and I was a bit worried when I got up. The temperature had dropped overnight and we had three Project Homeless Connects, one each in Wake, Durham, and Orange County. However, despite the rain, it seems that all three events were successful. In total over 850 homeless people received services.

I was priviledged to be coordinating volunteers for the Raleigh event which was held in Moore Square. Over 200 volunteers and 60 service providers assisted over 500 people access services. At least one person found permanent housing that day and 3 others entered drug treatment directly.

Of course the day was not perfect, but all in all it was incredibly successful. Take a look at all the press coverage. My favorite photo of the day can be found at number four in the photo gallery.

I'm hoping that some of you will share your comments and experiences.

DTH on the Orange County Plan

The Daily Tar Heel is the newspaper for UNC-CH. They have a great story on Orange County's 10 Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness. Check it out.

And here is a great Q & A session with NC's Senator Richard Burr. We've come a long way in North Carolina to have a Senatory who can talk about this.


Sorry for the short snipits, but the three Project Homeless Connects are two days away and I'm coordinating 150 volunteers at the Raleigh event.

Wimington Needs a Project Coordinator for its 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness

10-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness
Project Manager

A community collaboration, coordinated by United Way of the Cape Fear Area, seeks a manager to provide leadership in implementing the 10-Year Plan that will develop housing options, support services, and enhance collaboration among the initiative’s partners.

Work includes significant community engagement activities, fundraising, strategic planning, meeting coordination and facilitation and project management.

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred), experience leading complex teams, nonprofit or government agency experience; minimum of 5 years relevant experience in leadership capacity; excellent oral and written communications skills; Microsoft Office experience; ability to work with and take direction from volunteer leadership.

Helpful background/skills: understanding housing/homelessness issues, nonprofit management, volunteer management, strong community relations.

Hiring Range: $45,000 - $50,000, depending on experience

Submit a cover letter and resume to United Way, PO Box 1503, Wilmington, NC 28402 or pamela.wyatt@cfauw.org by close of business November 12, 2007.
E.O.E.

The countdown begins

Three Project Homeless Connects are happening next Thursday throughout the Triangle. For more information go to TUW's website.