What concerns you most about people in the community who are impacted by homelessness?
With my domestic violence focus, I am of course concerned for their safety if they decide to return to the abuser to avoid homelessness. And safety in general—no one is very safe living on the street or even in hotels.
Why do you think this issue has developed?
For survivors it occurs because they have to leave to remain safe or even alive and then they cannot immediately support themselves as they may not have worked for many years as some mothers do not, or they may have no car, no job at the time of the incident, no car and many other reasons.
For others financial situations, cost of living, lack of affordable housing, limited or no job opportunities, etc.
What are the main challenges we face in dealing with this problem?
Affordable housing, transportation
What could be done to address or improve living situations for these people in need?
Affordable housing and programs like our communities Rapid Re-housing program
What might be the downsides of these actions?
Not enough resources for all who need them
What could be done to help those already affected by the issue?
Affordable housing and programs like our communities Rapid Re-housing program
What might be the downsides of these actions?
Not enough resources for all who need them
What other thoughts about this issue would you like to offer?
If communities pulled together—agencies like ours, churches, social services, businesses etc they can be more successful in ending homelessness—our community is on the right track
What aspect of homelessness due to domestic abuse or homelessness in general does the public most need to talk about?
That we all need to be concerned as it affects not only the homeless but the community as a whole. If we all do our part or even a little bit it makes a bigger impact.
Directly related to domestic violence—SAFETY must be a top concern—if they have no-where to go and especially if they have children they will very likely return to abuse.
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