Homelessness becomes more apparent during the colder months. As the temperature drops everyone is looking for warmth. You do it yourself as you’re scurrying between your vehicle and your front door. No one is immune to frigid temperatures or hunger. If you are able to fill your belly and sleep in a warm bed, you should consider yourself fortunate.
Despite the stigma that all homelessness comes from drug use, that is not always the case. According to the National Homelessness Law Center report of Homelessness in America, the causes of homelessness across the country among families were:
Earlier this year, NPR reported on the cause of rising housing prices. The interview “Housing Prices Soar with Rising Inflation” shared that the government data shows that rents are rising faster than normal. The big problem here is that after the last housing crash, we just didn’t build enough homes to rent or buy for about a decade. And that’s the biggest reason housing is so expensive. So we just need to build a lot more homes to catch up. Economists say one thing that would really help is if states passed zoning changes to allow for smaller homes built closer together that are more affordable.
Consider your own house. It impacts your living space and household budget. Your address can also determine the quality of your schools and the safety of your streets. The length of your commute and availability of public transportation can also impact a family’s ability to stay in their homes. The United States Conference of Mayors shared a Vision for 2020 as communities struggled to manage a changing world at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. We have all witnessed around the world how communities struggled to ensure that low-income families can live in healthy homes in safe neighborhoods that connect them to opportunity – amid rising housing costs and stagnant wages.
What was true in 2020 is still true today. The rising cost of living and housing has reached new levels that are leaving families struggling more than ever. As we get ready to enter 2023, it’s important to ensure that families whose lives and livelihoods have changed these past few years are not forgotten. Organizations such as Field of Hope and Gallia-Jackson-Meigs ADAMH Board work to try to help those who are lost in addiction and unsure where to go or who to turn to.
Field of Hope provides inpatient service for women who are struggling with addiction and are braving the fight to recovery. Our Inpatient Treatment (Hope House) provides a safe place for those who need removal from current environmental stressors that include triggering people, places, and things. This time allows participants to focus on themselves and gives them the ability to cultivate more healthy coping skills without outside distractions.
Our Sober Living Service is located off-campus. It provides the time participants need to identify roadblocks that may occur in recovery. As situations present themselves, participants will have the opportunity to work with caring staff to devise a plan of action. Participants coming from the Faith House will move to Sober Living off campus once they are transferred to IOP (Intensive Outpatient). At this point, if a job has not already been found, a more intensive employment search will be implemented if it is in the treatment plan to do so. Case Management services will increase as preparation is made for independent living.
Other services that are available in Ohio to assist those in need of shelter and help are
The question of what to do with the homeless population is not one that will be remedied by searching for ways to remove them from sight. Mothers, fathers, daughters, and sons are the individuals who are needing a community’s help. There are services available for everyone who needs help. No matter where you are, you can dial 211 to reach someone now.
Organizations such as Field of Hope and Gallia-Jackson-Meigs ADAMH Board work to try to help those who are lost in addiction and unsure where to go or who to turn to. At Field of Hope, we understand that there can be many obstacles when rebuilding a new life in recovery. You will not do this alone. We provide services for drug, alcohol, and gambling addiction recovery and mental health care. Caring staff will walk alongside you to help you put the pieces together from start to finish. Call us today at (740) 245-3051