Understanding Homlessness

Understanding Homelessness

"Don't try to drive the homeless into places we find suitable.

Help them survive in places they find suitable."

Daniel Quinn (American author).

Incarceration often leads directly to homelessness, particularly for males in their 30s who have been involved in foster care and the criminal justice system from a young age. Many are placed directly from jails into the shelter system.
- Formerly incarcerated individuals often find it difficult to secure jobs or housing due to their criminal records
Systemic Issues:
- Police and prison reforms aim to move away from jails and prisons, but petty crimes in marginalized communities still funnel individuals into the shelter system. Benefits often lapse during incarceration, and parole stipulations can prevent individuals from returning to their communities.
Mental Health and Substance Use:
- There is a need for mental health documentation and counseling services, particularly for men.
  - A significant portion of the homeless population does not use substances, but systemic racism and injustices play a significant role in causing homelessness.
  - A majority of homeless individuals have substance disorders.
Legal Challenges: Giving trespassing tickets to those without a place to sleep can remove their ID, further depriving them of resources. In New York City, over 70,000 people are in shelters, with over 3,000 on Long Island. Homeless people are more likely to become victims of crimes than to commit them.

Black youth are 83% more likely to become homeless than their white peers.

Hispanic youth have a 33% greater likelihood of experiencing homelessness than their white peers.

Roughly 70% of homeless indivuals are male and 30% are female.

Race:
- On Long Island, black and brown individuals are overrepresented in the homeless population, particularly families with children. Systemic barriers such as eviction, housing discrimination, and employment discrimination contribute to this issue. Long Island is highly segregated, with stark contrasts between wealthy and poor towns.
Gender:
- The majority of single homeless adults are male, but the percentage of females experiencing homelessness is increasing. Domestic violence is a significant cause of homelessness among women. Many people in shelters are with their families and children, and underrepresented populations, such as victims of domestic violence, find it harder to get connected to resources.
Education and Employment:
- The majority of homeless individuals have a high school diploma. The main causes of homelessness include the high cost of housing and gender-based violence, particularly for women.

Shelter System
- Shelters are often perceived as unsafe, with reports of violence, drug use, and lack of structure.
- Individuals are forced to leave shelters during the day, which can be unsafe and stressful.
- There is a lack of state regulation and consistent standards for shelters.
Personal Safety Concerns
- Many avoid shelters due to experiences of violence or lack of freedom.
- Shelters sometimes confiscate weapons that individuals rely on for protection when outside.
Familial Relationships
- Negative familial relationships often contribute to homelessness.
- Mental health centers and wellness centers sometimes help reconnect individuals with family.