600 6th Street, Beaver Falls, PA 15010[email protected] 724.846.6400
Understanding Homelessness
Fostering a deeper and more realistic understanding
At TCBC, we see homelessness up close every day. We get a first-hand look at its causes and complexities, and we see the impact it has on individuals and families.
Most people do not see homelessness so closely on any regular basis. Often times, ideas of homelessness are informed largely by hearsay, media, and general misconceptions.
The more we understand, the closer we get to fulfilling our vision of ending homelessness in Beaver County. And we invite all in our community to join us in that endeavor!
………
Homelessness is a complex issue that can stem from and lead to a range of crises.
Long-term, life-changing solutions require a holistic approach that includes a safety net, a guiding hand, and opportunities for permanent housing, support, physical and mental health care, and/or skills training.
These can be difficult to find and navigate, especially for someone who is experiencing the stress of pending eviction or who is without a home and basic needs
Common Myths & Misperceptions
Sound familiar?
Homelessness is not preventable; we’ll never fix it.
It’s their own fault.
Homeless people are lazy and don’t want to work.
All homeless people are drug addicts.
All homeless people are mentally ill.
Homelessness is not a housing problem.
If they can afford a smartphone, they’re not poor.
Some Important Facts About Homelessness
> FACT: There are many causes of homelessness
A variety of personal, social, economic, or health-related factors can leave a person or family vulnerable.
Some factors are within their control while others are not. Some are individual issues while others are systemic.
In the list below, the leading causes are in bold:
Loss of a job
Health crisis
Low wages
Domestic violence
Loss of a family member
Unexpected expenses
Rising cost of rent
Addiction
Lack of affordable housing
Natural disasters
Mental health issues
Lack of education and skills
Previous incarceration
Divorce and Family Changes
Closure of group homes and mental health facilities
> Fact: Anyone can become homeless
Anyone can become homeless given an unfortunate turn of events. Those more vulnerable or at more immediate risk may include:
Veterans
Elderly
Victims of domestic violence
Those earning low incomes
Gender minorities
Formerly incarcerated
Those experiencing personal hardships such as divorce, loss of a job, or family problems
Those with physical or mental disorders such as PTSD or addiction
How these vulnerabilities can lead to homelessness
Vulnerability
A variety of personal, social, economic, or health-related factors can place us in a vulnerable position.
Vulnerabilities can leave us just a paycheck, illness, or emergency away from losing grip, leaving us on the brink of homelessness.
Crisis
As a crisis occurs or challenges worsen, we can find ourselves in a financial, psychological, and emotional downward spiral.
Stress, anxiety, and depression can diminish our ability to effectively attain or think through solutions. The situation can become (or feel) insurmountable.
Inability to Resolve Crisis
Shut-off, foreclosure, and eviction notices arrive. The downward spiral continues.
If we have resources, strong problem-solving skills, mental clarity, and a support system, we may be able to identify and access the help we need. If not, we may end up losing our home.
Homeless
With no home, we enter survival mode. It will take all our energy just to stay safe, find a place to sleep, and get basic needs.
If we have a local support network, staying with friends/family can be an option. OR, depending on family dynamics and other factors, it can feel burdensome and can exacerbate problems.
Shelters can provide a safe place to sleep at night, but have a number of limitations. We still have no daytime home base; no address; no place to keep our belongings; no place to eat, rest or bathe; and no privacy. Solutions become complicated. The downward spiral continues.
Fact: Homelessness may not look like you expect it to
We don’t always “see” homelessness. Sometimes people without homes are in places we would expect, and other times they are not. Often they are “hidden.”
On the streets or in tents
In abandoned buildings
In a car/vehicle
In motels or hotels
At shelters and missions
In transitional housing
Couch surfing/moving around
Doubled up, temporarily staying with family/friends
Personal Impact of Homelessness
Lack of safety & security
Unmet physiological needs
Hygiene challenges
Employment barriers
Complex solutions
Not part of society
Isolation
Mental health challenges
Health and Mortality Statistics
Source: National Health Care for the Homeless Council
People without homes suffer from the same illnesses as other individuals, but at rates 3-6 times higher.
For lack of insurance, safety, and access to care, people on the streets are suffering and dying every day from preventable illnesses.
On average, people without homes die 12 years sooner than people with housing.
Understanding Homelessness
Fostering a deeper and more realistic understanding
At TCBC, we see homelessness up close every day. We get a first-hand look at its causes and complexities, and we see the impact it has on individuals and families.
Most people do not see homelessness so closely on any regular basis. Often times, ideas of homelessness are informed largely by hearsay, media, and general misconceptions.
The more we understand, the closer we get to fulfilling our vision of ending homelessness in Beaver County. And we invite all in our community to join us in that endeavor!
………
Homelessness is a complex issue that can stem from and lead to a range of crises.
Long-term, life-changing solutions require a holistic approach that includes a safety net, a guiding hand, and opportunities for permanent housing, support, physical and mental health care, and/or skills training.
These can be difficult to find and navigate, especially for someone who is experiencing the stress of pending eviction or who is without a home and basic needs
Common Myths & Misperceptions
Sound familiar?
Some Important Facts About Homelessness
> FACT: There are many causes of homelessness
A variety of personal, social, economic, or health-related factors can leave a person or family vulnerable.
Some factors are within their control while others are not. Some are individual issues while others are systemic.
In the list below, the leading causes are in bold:
> Fact: Anyone can become homeless
Anyone can become homeless given an unfortunate turn of events. Those more vulnerable or at more immediate risk may include:
How these vulnerabilities can lead to homelessness
Vulnerability
Crisis
Inability to Resolve Crisis
Homeless
Fact: Homelessness may not look like you expect it to
We don’t always “see” homelessness. Sometimes people without homes are in places we would expect, and other times they are not. Often they are “hidden.”
Personal Impact of Homelessness
Health and Mortality Statistics
Source: National Health Care for the Homeless Council