Scribe/Convener: Mary M. Kahwajy-Baron
E209 16:00:00
Attendees: Mary Beth Hill, Kim Mahon, Carrie McCann, Becky Johnston, Emily Dovel, Jamie Hiner, Ali Turner, Paul Goliwas, Gina Mandeville, Mary Kahwajj-Baron, Julianna Quick, Jonelle Frost, Tim Frost, Scott Kim
- Homelessness has many faces and it is difficult to define who is homeless.
- Although “Homeless” has a specific definition which suggests the concept of individuals without a home, “Homelessness” can also incorporate those staying at homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, and living with family and friends on a rotational basis without a particular address.
- There are multiple issues involving homelessness including:
- affordable housing that is safe;
- individuals who do not want to be identified as “homeless” because it is embarrassing and demeaning;
- the many challenges living in homeless shelters including a lack of privacy and health concerns living in a group setting;
- the challenges that youth face academically, emotionally, and psychologically when homeless, particularly as they attend school and have to interact with peers and adults who may not be sensitive to their situation;
- and the different challenges facing individuals who are homeless as opposed to families who are homeless.
- One JMU intern is doing a study on homelessness in the Elkton, VA. area. However, gathering information for the study is challenging because it is difficult identifying who is homeless.
- It was reported that there are an estimated 163 people who are homeless in the Harrisonburg area according to a survey done by the Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
- Families who are homeless present a particular challenge because of the multiple issues that must be addressed with children, including their safety.
Efforts are being made in the following areas:
1. Homeless Shelters are located at the Salvation Army, Mercy House, and First Step. HARTS, a joint effort by community churches, provides sleeping locations for the homeless twenty-two weeks out of the year during the fall and winter months. One limitation of the HARTS program is the inability to serve homeless families due to the unique needs of homeless children. Our Community Place provides a place homeless persons to go during the day.
2. Meals are provided for homeless individuals and families through various church and local community outreach programs on a daily basis.
2.In order to obtain some grants to address homelessness, HUD is requiring that each community develop a plan whereby homelessness is addressed and eradicated over a ten year period. The city of Harrisonburg is beginning this process.
3. Church based projects such as “Bridge of Hope,” are developing plans to support the homeless by providing supportive services for homeless individuals and families.
- Ongoing efforts need to continue to address the causes of homelessness including who and why individuals and families are homeless.
- Efforts also need to be made to address how the stigma of homelessness can be addressed, how to eradicate the impact labeling individuals and families “homeless” has on them, and how communities and individuals can overcome their biases toward individuals and families who are homeless.
- The understanding that all of us need to become more involved with this difficult challenge was recognized.
