The Other Shoe for the Homeless

 

 

"It is not big, but it is warm and does offers a sense of stability and human comfort"

I don't think anyone can dispute we have a growing problem with the homeless in our country. One of the highest hills I have had to climb in understanding the homeless problem is not to question "why". Questioning "why" often opened me up to a normative and regrettable response. Actually, the reasons of why people are homeless are as wide and varied as one could imagine.

There are two things I have recently learned about being homeless. The first is how many recent homeless people have said, "I never thought this would happen to me." There are hundreds of families that are one paycheck, one illness, one unforeseen event, from losing their house. The other thing I have learned is that for many, being homeless is a math thing.

The Twin Cities has one of the highest average rental rates for any large metropolitan area.
According to a June 2012 Forbes article which addressed the growing expense of renting:

"Take Minneapolis. With a tight vacancy rate of 2.5%, the average rent in the metro area is $965 per month, up 2.3% from this time last year. With home prices down more than 30% since 2006, it’s actually cheaper to buy: The average monthly mortgage payment on a home bought now would be $122 less than the average rent. That put Minneapolis in second place on Forbes’ annual list of the worst cities for renters this year."

The math issue comes into play by looking at an equation which cannot possibly be solved. Less and more expensive rental properties, more people looking to rent with frozen or lower wages. If you can't buy because your credit has been tarnished (a good credit rating is the least of the worries for a family just trying to survive), and there is not enough affordable rentals, there are few choices remaining. Usually a shelter, staying with family or friends, or out on the streets.

What was a recent show stopper for me was learning this jaw dropping number. In the school district in which we live, there are over 250 homeless kids. This district is not considered "poor". Homelessness, like many other poverty issues, are a hidden disease in society. Few want to talk about it as it is uncomfortable to do so. And yet, how in the world can we expect 250 kids to learn in school if they have to worry about where they are going to sleep at night? If they will have a hot supper?

To fix the homeless issue, we must first fix the housing issue. I think it is great that more attention is being paid to increase the beds and comfort at our shelters. But that is like putting dressing on a  wound. What I am interested in is how to keep the wound from occurring in the first place.

Seeing what the urban planners are planning for Minneapolis is almost comical. Upscale studio apartments, artist lofts, condos and so on. Nice digs for the well off or well connected.
However, for those who are looking just for a modicum comfort, of shelter or stability, there are slim pickings to be had. So what is the other shoe for the homeless? It is not having the home to put them in.