Sounds Simple...

"Why don't homeless people just get a job?" The answer to that question is as unique to each individual as their personal stories are.

Some individuals simply can't work, due to physical or mental disability. If they do receive Social Security benefits, it usually isn't enough to match the cost of living. Some who qualify for SSI or SSDI have not yet been approved for benefits. They may be awaiting a decision by Soc. Sec., or have been denied and are awaiting an appeal hearing, which takes between 12 to 24 months on average (as is my case). Others may be overwhelmed or confused by the process and don't know where to begin.

It may or may not surprise you to know that an estimated 1 of 4 homeless persons is employed full or part time. Many of these individuals are seeking more gainful employment, as the job they hold does not pay enough for them to afford rent, utilities, and even the most basic necessities. In this economy, the need for affordable housing far outweighs availability of low cost apartments or homes. Of homeless persons receiving some sort of income, either from work or Social Security, the median income is only $300 per month. (Source: U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development).

I'm sure you have read in newspapers or watched on TV all the buzz about unemployment benefits lately. Sadly, there may soon be many more homeless individuals among us. According to a recent report from MSNBC, there are six unemployed people, on average, for each available job in America. That's a tough market for anyone, but when you are homeless, there are unique obstacles to overcome before you can pound the pavement looking for work and even after getting hired. Where will you shower? Will you have clean clothes? How will you afford bus fare each day? How will potential employers reach you for an interview? What address and phone number will you use on an application? (I would like to take a moment to say that in Phoenix, AZ we are very fortunate to have places like The Human Services Campus, and Lodestar Day Resource Center and all the services housed there. *Note at bottom of this post.)

Illnesses or injuries may lead to job loss. Recovery may happen, sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. If the extent of their illness or injury is severe enough, they may not be able to return to the same type of work they did before. They may need to learn new skills in order to successfully function in another job. Imagine being a skilled carpenter all your life and losing a limb. Returning to the workforce in a field that requires customer service skills, or computer skills may be extremely difficult.

It is estimated that between 20 and 25% of homeless individuals have a debilitating mental illness, such as Schizophrenia, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. These individuals need professional services and sometimes medication, often on an ongoing basis. Some don't even recognize that they have a mental illness, and don't seek or receive help. Their thoughts, actions, and feelings make perfect sense to them, even if it doesn't make sense to others. It is their version of normal.

Some homeless individuals need to learn coping skills before they can enter/re-enter the workforce. For most, homelessness is not the problem; rather, it is a symptom of a larger issue. I would guess, from my experience talking to my peers, that many of us are overcoming traumatic experiences that have altered, or delayed the development of healthy coping strategies and social skills that are essential to any job. If job placement is obtained before these issues are dealt with, job loss is almost sure to quickly follow, leading them back into homelessness and damaging their psyche further. Some things that cause a person to be emotionally and psychologically unwell are: Physical/sexual/psychological abuse either as a child or adult, loss of familial or spousal relationships, addiction and alcoholism (the individual's and/or that of a loved one), long term exposure to poverty, and incarceration/institutionalization. The causes are many, and this list only scratches the surface. An emotional injury requires emotional healing, and we often need help with that.

Sometimes I feel as though I could write a book and never cover everything. I hope this post answers the question that is so frequently (and thoughtlessly) asked in society. "Why don't they just get a job?" Because some can't, some have one (or two), and for others, a job is just a quick and temporary fix, not a true solution.

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The Human Services Campus and Lodestar Day Resource Center house a large number of oraganizations and programs that help to meet the individual and group needs of homeless individuals in Phoenix, AZ. The Human Services Campus (www.humanservicescampusaz.org) and Lodestar Day Resource Center (www.lodestardrc.org) provide us with access to services that address our physical, mental, and emotional needs. They are an exceptional model for what can be done to address and resolve the issue of homelessness everywhere. While they are a Godsend to the us and the whole community, there is more work to be done as long as homelessness still exists.