A couple of posts ago, I promised you we would explore some effective ways to reduce homelessness.
I try to keep posted about what is happening on the homeless people’s services front, as it is a big mayoral campaign issue. However, at times I get tired of all the statistics and formulas thrown around when we talk about a human issues. I know numbers, usually in the form of dollars and cents, are important for evaluation, but can we throw numbers around to solve the problem of men, women, and children having no place to live?
Of course, money helps. It is a necessary element of life in these times. So it’s good that we have both the Salt Lake County Collective Impact Steering Committee and the Salt Lake City Homeless Services Evaluation Committee exploring the most efficient ways to provide services homeless people need every day. There are numerous stakeholders represented on these committees. I have said that I feel the CISC more fairly represents everyone. I stand by that. I also said that I don’t think we can totally eliminate homelessness. I stand by that statement as well, with the addition that in order to reduce homelessness noticeably, we need to look at prevention. We simply need to make sure that individuals and families do not fall inot homelessness in the first place.
How might this be accomplished?
1) Raise the federal minimum wage.
Many of our homeless brothers and sisters work, approximately 40%. The problem is the type of work and pay available to unskilled, homeless workers, and those just starting out in the job market. If you are looking to move out of Mom and Dad’s, save money for college, or lack experience and education, the current minimum wage just does not cut it. $10/hour would be a good start.
2) Guarantee education for everyone.
President Obama recently stated that he would like to see every citizen receive 2 years of free community college. For those interested in trades, this is an excellent idea.
3) Work closely with national & local organizations that remodel old buildings, or build new homes.
Habitat for Humanity is a well-known entity that provides homes for those willing to help build them. There are college student programs to rehabilitate blighted residences. I look around our valley and see so many empty buildings and homes that could be used in any number of ways to house homeless people, or a homeless service provider in need of a better locale.
So there are three ways to start alleviating the shame, pain, and struggle that too many our fellow human beings endure daily. It’s possible some of these solutions are already being explored or enacted.
Most importantly, I want to impress upon leaders, providers, businesses, volunteers, and anyone who wants to truly make an impact, that the best way to know what a person needs is to ask them. Treat each “case” as an individual, a human being, a neighbor.
The aforementioned committees are finalizing recommendations. It was good to hear both Mayor Ralph Becker and challenger Jackie Biskupski say that they do not favor moving services. Get to one of the meetings, or both, in October, learn about the process, meet the people who are shaping policies regarding homeless people, possibly for years to come.
---RGR
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No Shelter/Services Relocation or Renovation without a Plan for Uninterrupted Shelter/Services
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