The impact of the economic downturn is now being seen in yet another category. The number of homeless individuals, families and children is on the rise.
The results of the annual Point-in-Time survey of homelessness shows a 13 percent increase compared to last year, much of that increase attributed to difficult economic conditions. It is estimated there are now more than 4,000 homeless in the state, as many as 200 or more here in Eastern Connecticut.
On the plus side, the numbers of people — including children — living in unsheltered environments is down. However, more homeless finding shelter isn’t anything to cheer. As we have noted in previous editorials, homeless shelters are merely a stopgap, not a solution to the problems of homelessness.
What this latest survey clearly shows is the dire need for increased supportive housing — the opportunity to lend a helping hand to those who need assistance in getting back on their feet. Supportive housing provides the security of having a place to go, and the access to the services needed to address the root causes of homelessness.
There are 3,800 supportive housing units scattered across the state. There are plans to add another 300 units — but more are needed.
That will take money and the political will of state and local officials to do. But it should be viewed as an investment in people, and one that offers tremendous return on the investment.
Limit impact
Homelessness will never be completely eradicated. There are those who will consistently travel between the streets, the shelters and the available resources and services offered — and always opting to settle nowhere. But there are far more people, if given the opportunity, who would take advantage of the help in turning their lives around. We need to increase our efforts to provide that opportunity for anyone wanting it.
If not, we run the risk of allowing a solvable problem to worsen.
As the cost of energy, food and rents continue to climb, the number of homeless will grown even higher in the coming year.
Homelessness cannot be solved overnight. But at the very least, we should commit ourselves to ending the rise in the number of homeless until we muster the resources to begin bringing those numbers down.
Filed under: connecticut, homeless, hunger on August 11th, 2008 | No Comments »