Homelessness "Buring Issue" Presentation

This presentation was from "Civics 101" for Cycle 55 from September 2024.

1. By Deantratrice “Dee” Ross Cycle 55 Homelessness in Chicago

2. Homelessness, also known as houselessness or being unhoused or unsheltered, is the condition of lacking stable, safe, and functional housing. Chicago is colder than most major cities around the world. According to weather.com, the average minimum temperature in the city reaches 14°F/-10°C during January. Mental illnesses such as depression and bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and substance abuse disorders are among the most common types in the homeless population. It impacts the availability of healthcare resources, crime and safety, the workforce, and the use of tax dollars. The numbers are rising and it's a crisis that can't be ignored Homelessness remains visible on our streets Chronic homelessness is a long-term problem They're fleeing violence and assault. What is homelessness, and why is it a critical issue in Chicago?

3. Main Causes of Homelessness in Chicago AFFORDABLE HOUSING -The nation is facing a severe affordable housing crisis, with many low-income households spending half their income on housing, risking instability and homelessness. UNEMPLOYMENT - Long-term unemployment can lead to financial, emotional, and psychological distress as people struggle to support themselves and their families. POVERTY - People in poverty often struggle to afford basic needs like housing, food, and personal items due to factors such as unemployment, limited education, and systemic exclusion. HEALTH - Health issues and homelessness are interconnected, with affordable housing being crucial for addressing the health needs of homeless individuals. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE - Many survivors of domestic violence become homeless when leaving an abusive relationship. RACIAL INEQUALITY - Minority groups experience homelessness at a higher rate than Whites

4. Who Is Homeless In Chicago? Total Homeless Population: On the day of the 2023 Point-in-Time Count, Chicago had 6,139 people experiencing homelessness. Asylum Seekers: Included in this count, asylum seekers who arrived in large numbers since August 2022 accounted for a significant portion. Demographics: While one-third of Chicago's total population is Black/African American, 69% of non-asylum-seeking homeless individuals are Black/African American. Asylum Seekers' Demographics: Most asylum seekers experiencing homelessness were Latino/a/x (98%) and male (79%). They represented 42% of the shelter population, with 1,921 in dedicated asylum seeker shelters and 255 in other shelters.

5. How Can We Help? The Night Ministry is a Chicago-based organization whose mission is to provide human connection, housing support, and health care to those who are unhoused or experiencing poverty. With an open heart, they compassionately accept each individual as they are and work alongside them to advocate for their immediate physical, emotional, and social needs while affirming their shared humanity

6. Proven Statistics for The Night Ministry 535 young people and their children were provided with safe housing and supportive services. 5,926 individuals experiencing homelessness or poverty received lifesaving resources. 1,638 free health assessments were performed for individuals who struggle to access regular health care. 66,240 meals were provided to individuals who would have otherwise gone hungry. 84% of Youth Housing Program residents would have no safe place to go if they were not staying with The Night Ministry. 383 emergency room visits were prevented by Nurse Practitioners and Volunteer Physicians, saving the public health system an estimated $237,300 in ER costs. 12,482 shelter and housing bed nights were provided to young adults. 91% of visitors to our Health Outreach Bus reported they trust the program's staff.

7. How Can We Collaborate ? We can Prepare and serve meals for individuals and families they assist through their Health Outreach Program. Bring and serve breakfast or dinner to young adults at The Crib (their overnight emergency shelter. ) Hold a collection drive for hygiene products, clothing, and other items for their clients. Serve & Learn - help serve meals at their health outreach bus or overnight shelter, The Crib. Create a budget to donate Person of contact : [email protected]

8. References: https://www.thenightministry.org/get-involved-with-the-night-ministry https://chicagohomeless.org/learn/ https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fss/provdrs/emerg/svcs/homeless_prevention.html https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/fss/supp_info/Homeless/2023PITCOUNT/2023%20PIT%20Count%20one%20pager%20FINAL.pdf https://abc7chicago.com/post/chicago-homeless-population-tripled-2023-2024-migrants/14932925/ https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/fss/supp_info/Homeless/2024PITCOUNT/2024%20Annual%20Homelessness%20Report-FINAL.pdf

9. THANK YOU DEANTRATRICE “DEE” ROSS