This week we got to hear from the CEO of “Homeless Solutions” in New Jersey. He gave us some background on the company, such as that it directly serves around 600 people annually, through housing and other services offered. Indirectly, they help hundreds more. 85 beds are located in the main shelter, and they also have other housing offered for elderly, low income, and a building that houses 10 families. Even though government funding for shelters is significantly decreasing over the years, 47% of this organization is funded in that way.
The basis of this organization is great. I would rather have it than not; however, I must be critical. There were a few things mentioned about the organization that I did not necessarily agree with. The first thing that I found a bit unordinary was that families were charged a fee to stay in the housing. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but so many other shelters are free during program duration that I find it a bit unfair. Families are also required to be full time workers- which again, is not a bad requirement, but what about families who can only get part time work? He also mentioned that they have curfews- which makes me think of the stories of homeless we have heard who avoid shelters because they do not want someone having control over them. I’m sure we all hated curfews as teenagers; as an adult, I would feel belittled.
The housing program does offer many great services and I think it’s wonderful that they focus on building credit scores. They also offer scholarships if the money would sufficiently help someone steer off the road of homelessness. There is a lot of good in this non-profit, and I think there is much they can improve upon to help even more. I find it to be quite strict, which is a pro because people need structure and discipline, but also a con because people who don’t meet the standards may desperately need help, or will reject the help to keep autonomy. Giving a hand UP instead of a hand OUT is a great method of assistance, but even people who do not meet all requirements deserve a hand up.