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8.Approximately 22% of single adult homeless suffers from some form of severe and persistent mental illness (US Conference of Mayors, 2001). 9.“The relationship between addiction and homelessness is complex and controversial,” says NCH.
Rates of alcohol and drug abuse are disproportionately high among homeless but can’t account for rise in numbers. However addiction does increase risk of displacement “for precariously housed.” 10.What’s called “eroding work opportunities” contributes.
According to NCH, contributing factors to homeless are “a steep drop in number and bargaining power of unionized workers; erosion in value of minimum wage; a decline in manufacturing jobs and corresponding expansion of lower-paying service-sector employment; globalization; and increased nonstandard work, such as temporary and part-time (Mishel, Bernstein, and Schnitt, 1999)”.
Source: National Homeless Organization,HUD, National Coalition for Homeless, and Mayors' Report.
If you would like to help, go here: http://nch.ari.net/local/local.html to find local service providers.
Go here http://www.hud.gov/volunteering/index.cfm to find national and federal volunteer opportunities.
Go here: http://www.hud.gov/organizing/index.cfm to find out about becoming a community organizer.
©Susan Dunn, MA, The EQ Coach™, http://www.susandunn.cc . Susan was formerly Director of Development for a Homeless Shelter. She resides in San Antonio, TX and writes on various topics. She offers coaching, distance learning and eBooks around emotional intelligence for career, relationships, transitions, retirement and wellness. mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc for FREE eZine.
©Susan Dunn, MA, The EQ Coach™, http://www.susandunn.cc . Susan was formerly the Director of Development for a Homeless Shelter. She resides in San Antonio, TX and writes on various topics. She offers coaching, distance learning and eBooks around emotional intelligence for career, relationships, transitions, retirement and wellness. mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc for FREE eZine.