They stare vacantly at us from the sidewalk in the cold with cups in their hands as we drive by in our nice warm vehicles. As we leave the grocery store or the bank with cash in our pockets, we try to ignore them, but it’s difficult because something inside of us says that we should help. Sometimes, we have mercy and give them a little spare change; sometimes, we don’t.
They, are homeless people.
We see them on the streets every day-pan handling, sleeping on the streets, under bridges and in parks, holding signs that say “Will work for food,” or “Vietnam veteran, homeless, can you help?” We act as if they don’t even exist, because if they exist, what does that say about society as a whole?
As I approached Humboldt Park Social Services (HPSS), Inc., a homeless shelter, in search of answers, I couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to call this place home, albeit temporary. I wondered what path led these people to this place, at this time. And I wondered what it would take to eradicate the social injustice of homelessness.
Between 2.3 and 3.5 million people experience homelessness nationwide, and approximately 166,000 people experience homelessness in the Chicago Metropolitan area. This is according to officials at the National Coalition for the Homeless and researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC).
There is a misconception that most homeless people are either drug abusers, convicted felons or mentally ill. While many homeless do fall into the former categories, the truth is there are many causes of homelessness, including a lack of affordable housing and living-wage jobs. Other causes include, but are not limited to, unemployment/underemployment, domestic violence and prisoners released back into society without adequate housing.
When I arrived at HPSS I was met by Martin Feliciano, re-entry/volunteer coordinator. He was gracious enough to give some fellow justice studies students and me a tour of the facilities. Feliciano said he has served in his current capacity for two years.
He says he works at the shelter because of a sense of obligation to the community and his family. “I know the need. I’ve been affected by incarceration. Three generations of my family, so I know that, if something doesn’t change, my grandkids are going to be affected; my great grandkids are going to be a part of that system and somewhere, something has to change.”
The shelter, located at 2122 N. Mozart, in Chicago, has served the Logan Square and Humboldt Park district for 15 years.
HPSS’s stated mission is, “To empower, serve and advocate for the homeless and disadvantaged in our neighborhood by providing housing and supportive services.”
In support of that mission, HPSS offers the following programs: The Center for Changing Lives, Interim Housing, Warming Center, Social Security Payee Program and Food Pantry.
About 60 families a year are afforded four months of interim housing. Furnished apartments are provided to single women, single parents with children and two-parent families. HPSS also offers parents help getting their children into local schools, day care and after school programs. In addition, job search and permanent housing assistance is provided to clients in the program.
The Warming Center opens its doors nightly between the months of October and June, for up to 60 single male adults seeking overnight refuge from the cold. Dinner is served nightly by staff members and breakfast is served to those who stay overnight.
On this occasion, Flory and Corrine graciously served us dinner, which was stewed chicken served over rice, along with garden salad, bread and fruit. I must admit that I enjoyed the food and was quite full afterward.
Regrettably, people are turned away sometimes because of a lack of space, said Feliciano.
Clients that receive funds from the Social Security Administration who are found to be incapable of properly managing their finances, because of drug addiction, mental illness, or other reasons, benefit from the Social Security Payee Program. “Each month, our agency receives SSA disability checks that we disburse in the best interest of these clients. In this manner, we secure their basic needs and enable them to stay housed,” said an HPSS official.
In addition to the meals served daily, the Food Pantry serves more than 300 families a year. Families are provided food packages that can last for up to a month. Clients can also obtain clothing and referrals to other agencies for unmet needs.
Here are some key facts (source: http://hpsschanginglives.org/):
• Chicago’s homeless system serves about 6,100 people each day.
• A network of 120 shelters provides 6,200 beds.
• Families with children are the fastest growing segment.
• An increasing proportion of the homeless are people with disabilities (physical, mental, substance abuse and HIV/AIDS).
• A minority of the population who are chronically homeless use most of the resources.
• Homeless people can be grouped in three broad categories, each with different issues and service needs.
o Chronically homeless represent 10 percent of the single homeless population. They tend to have chronic mental illness, substance abuse problems, unstable employment histories and histories of hospitalization and/or incarceration.
o Episodically homeless represent 9 percent of the single homeless population. They tend to be younger, have substance abuse problems and use shelters seasonally.
o Transitional homeless include families and single adults who become homeless due to housing crises and social problems. They use shelters during times of economic hardship and family crisis.
• The homeless system is organized to manage homelessness and not prevent it.
• The system is not integrated-clear discharge planning for ex-offenders, hospital and mental health patients is lacking.
• Homeless individuals and families are staying longer in shelters.
For more information about homelessness contact Humboldt Park Social Services, Inc., (773) 342-6210, www.hpsschanginglives.org, or visit http://www.chicagohomeless.org.