Homeless Population Gets a Hand Up

Citizens in White County were shocked at the number of homeless people living right under their noses. Although most knew that the homeless lived on the streets of Searcy, they didn't realize the extent of the problem.

Officials had set up surveys in 18 Arkansas counties today to evaluate the homeless population in the state. Done in connection with the Delta Hills Continuum of Care, who plans to send their statistics to the US Housing and Urban Development, so that these people can get a hand up, and not just a hand out.

Searcy's survey site handed out bowls of homemade chili to more than 200 men and women who streamed in from the cool temperatures for a few minutes in a heated building. Some volunteers gathered vital information on those with no place to live, while others made sure that their bellies were filled and each person that came in received a pair of gloves before they left.

Nurses were on hand to gather medical histories, and provide health screenings. Hearts and lungs were listened to for signs of pneumonia and other diseases that plague the homeless due to their long exposure with the elements. HIV tests were administered for those that wished to take them and everyone was checked for high blood pressure. Most chose to have their blood glucose levels checked as well.

It is estimated that some 750,000 men, women and children in this country don't have a place to sleep at night. And as many as 2 million are homeless at some time or another.

The reasons they end up on the street varies from case to case. Not everyone on the street is there because of drug or alcohol abuse, although that does happen.

For those Americans who simply get by pay check to pay check, a lost job can be a catastrophe. With no income for food or utilities, their lives are turned upside down. Add to that no money to pay rent, and it can land a person on the street in a hurry.

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, 13% of families who end up on the street do so because of domestic violence and abuse in their homes. Parents are taking their children and fleeing; feeling that living in their cars, or in a back alley is better than staying with their abuser.

The homeless population is also on the rise due to those being released from prison. 650,000 are released from prison each year and over 7 million from city, county and state jails. Many of these were homeless before their incarcerations, and have nowhere to go after they come out.

The counties in Arkansas who conducted the homeless census today say that there aren't many resources out their for the homeless. Simply feeding them every day won't solve the problem. More funding needs to be allocated to provide affordable housing, help with employment and education training. It's a winner for society when that happens. These people can not only hold jobs...but they can hold their head up high again.