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There are many misconceptions about homelessness on the Peninsula. To shed some light on the topic, here are some Myths and Facts.
Myth:
Homelessness is a problem that cannot be solved.
Fact: Over 80% of the families and 65% of the individuals who
complete Shelter Network's programs are permanently re-housed. A solution
that works does exist. Most of the homeless families and individuals on the
Peninsula are situationally homeless (vs. chronically¹ homeless) due to
loss of income, increasing living costs, or a severe financial or medical
crisis. Transitional housing with solid support services gives these people
the respite and help needed to get back on their feet, and succeed in returning
to permanent housing.
Myth:
All homeless people are adults.
Fact:: The typical homeless person on the Peninsula is just
5 years old. In fact, nationally the fastest-growing
segment of the homeless population is families with children. Two-thirds of
the people who are homeless in our community are families with children².
Myth:
There is no homeless problem on the Peninsula.
Fact: Over 6,000 people become homeless every year in San Mateo
County. The cost of living index for the Bay Area is significantly higher
than Boston, New York, Los Angeles and Seattle³.
Myth:
It is easy to see who is homeless.
Fact: Most of Shelter Network's clients are working parents and their children. It is impossible to identify these people as "homeless" by sight because they are typically working in low-income jobs, or looking for work during the day, and their children are in school. At night, they sleep in their vehicles, garages, or motels until their funds are exhausted.
Myth:
Homeless people don't have jobs.
Fact: Most parents in homeless families do have jobs, but they
are low-paying and don't provide enough income to cover the high cost of housing.
Living paycheck to paycheck, one emergency can lead to a financial crisis
resulting in homelessness.
Myth:
All homeless people are alcoholics or drug addicts or are mentally ill.
Fact: The vast majority of homeless people on the Peninsula are
hard-working families who have become homeless because of a financial emergency.
Fewer than 10% of the families in Shelter Network's programs are homeless
because of drug and alcohol problems or mental illness. A larger portion of
the homeless single adults in our community suffer from substance addiction
or mental illness. For that reason, Shelter Network's program for homeless
men and women, Maple Street Shelter, includes comprehensive on-site services
to help residents address these issues and connect with the services they
need, so that they can overcome these challenges to lead productive, self-sufficient
lives.
Myth:
All shelters for homeless people are big over crowded rooms filled with
cots.
Fact: The facilities at Shelter Network program locations typically
provide studio, one- or two-bedroom apartments in residential apartment buildings.
Apartments provide families with the dignity and warmth of a real home. All
family locations have on-site computer rooms and children's play rooms, while
two of our facilities also have free licensed on-site childcare facilities.
All programs also have small meeting rooms for classes and workshops.
Myth:
It's impossible for an individual person to make a difference in solving
homelessness.
Fact: Shelter Network's programs succeed in solving homelessness
by working with one family or individual at a time, providing the support
they need to get back on their feet and become self-sufficient again. And
Shelter Network's programs have been so successful because of our strong community
support - because one volunteer or donor at a time has made a commitment to
be part of the solution to homelessness. Your individual donations, advocacy,
or volunteer efforts really do make a difference, providing the children,
parents, men and women we serve with the concrete items and one-on-one support
they need to overcome homelessness. Just as importantly, your contributions
and involvement show these families and individuals that their community supports
them as they work hard to rebuild their lives.
1 HUD definition: A person who is "chronically homeless" is 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. 2 Source: 2002 Annual homeless statistics from the County of San Mateo 3 Source: Bay Area Economic Forum, January 2004
