Definitions of Homelessness:
§ Places not meant for human habitation, such as cars, parks, sidewalks, abandoned buildings (on the street). § In an emergency shelter. § In transitional or supportive housing for homeless persons who originally came from the streets or emergency shelters. § In any of the above places but is spending a short time (up to 30 consecutive days) in a hospital or other institution. § Is being evicted within a week from a private dwelling unit and no subsequent residence has been identified and the person lacks the resources and supportive networks needed to obtain housing. § Is fleeing a domestic violence housing situation and no subsequent residence has been identified and the person lacks the resources and support networks to obtain housing. § Doubled Up- sharing another person’s dwelling on a temporary basis. |
Chronic Homelessness Strategy/Goals
Chronic Homelessness refers to an unaccompanied homeless individual with a disabling condition who has either been continuously homeless for a year or more OR has had at least four (4) episodes of homelessness in the past three (3) years. To be considered chronically homeless, persons must have been sleeping in a place not meant for human habitation (e.g., living on the streets) and/or in an emergency shelter during that time.
***For Further Information click on the National Alliance to End Homelessness**
Public Forum Held
On November 18th, 2003, the Local Homeless Coordinating Board held a Public Forum recognizing National Hunger and Homelessness Week. Approximately 100 people attended the forum, which helped raise public awareness of the growing problem of hunger and homelessness in Black Hawk County, including the rising incidences of teenage homelessness.
At the October LHCB meeting, representatives from a local high school brought the issue of teenage homelessness to our attention. Most homeless teens do not qualify for many programs or services available, including those offered by the Department of Human Services. The following is an excerpt from their report:
“At (high school), 41% or 16 teen parents served at the Childcare Center during the 2002-2003 school year were homeless at some point during the school year. In the school, on average we are seeing 1-2 students per week who have absolutely nowhere to go. In a school-wide survey of all students, the number of students who had been homeless in the past year was at 40% also - this is out of approximately 230 students. In an informal survey at YPT (Young Parents Together) at the YWCA on December 1, 2003, 18 of the 38 parents attending reported being homeless in the past year. We are seeing the same percentages across the board, in the daycare, in the school, and in local organizations for teen parents. This is truly an epidemic.”
Fundraising for a transitional housing facility for homeless teens has begun. A benefit concert at the Cellar in December raised more than $600. But we cannot wait until a shelter is up and running to help these very vulnerable members of our community. We must act immediately to find safe and decent temporary shelter for them.
If you would like to join the fight to end hunger and homelessness in our area, Operation Threshold will is accepting cash donations for the homeless teen project. Your donated funds also serve as “match” or local contribution and will help us leverage State and Federal grant dollars. Your monetary donations – marked ‘homeless teens’ can be sent to Operation Threshold, 300 W. 3rd St., Waterloo, IA 50701.