About
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines the term "Homelessness" as
- An individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, such as those living in emergency shelters, transitional housing, or places not meant for habitation or
- An individual or family who will imminently lose their primary nighttime residence (within 14 days), provided that no subsequent housing has been identified and the individual/family lacks support networks or resources needed to obtain housing or
- Unaccompanied youth under 25 years of age or families with children and youth who qualify under other Federal statutes, such as the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, have not had a lease or ownership interest in a housing unit in the last 60 or more days, have had two or more moves in the previous 60 days, and who are likely to continue to be unstably housed because of disability or multiple barriers to employment, or
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An individual or family who is fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence has no other residence and lacks the resources or support networks to obtain other permanent housing.
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Contents
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Causes
- Health Issues- Many people may end up homeless as a result of a mental or physical disability they were simply born with. The National Alliance to End Homelessness states," An acute physical or behavioral health crisis or any long-term disabling condition may lead to homelessness." This is talking about things such as diabetes, where you may be spending all your money on insulin to stay alive to the point where you can't afford rent or a mortgage. Physical things such as a bad back or shoulders may also hinder one from working. Going along with this, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development states, " People living in shelters are more than twice as likely to have a disability compared to the general population." There is no doubt a direct correlation between having a mental disability and suffering from homelessness.
- Lack of Affordable Housing- When discussing low-income housing in Bloomington, WGLT states, "As they do every year, rents at the lower end of the market increased just because the competition is so great." This makes it extremely difficult for low-wage-earning workers to afford their small housing opportunities. Mark Burgess, Chief Executive Officer of Home Sweet Home Ministries, states, “It’s tough for people without a place of their own to find access to an affordable home. The obstacles included increased credit score requirements or insurmountable security deposits that can be upwards of three months of rent right out of the gate for people.” Those high credit score requirements and security deposits make it almost impossible for someone barely scraping by to afford housing.
- Poverty- Many of the people below the poverty line aren't always homeless. Poverty means being extremely poor, where there is a lack of sufficient food, clothing, medication, etc. Groups like the Salvation Army help those struggling to make enough for rent and money. They offer around five different services. Food pantries, the household/ personal items referral program, Pathway Of Hope, Comprehensive Emergency Assistance, and Supportive Services For Veteran Families (SSVF). These services help those in need with food, water, personal items (toothpaste, shampoo, etc.), and household items (Dish soap, toilet paper, soap, etc.). They also offer shelter and emergency assistance. One of the biggest causes runs through generations of families. Pathway of Hope is one of the programs helping that cycle end. Many who are in that program have achieved their employment goals. The Salvation Army states, "88% of clients who complete Pathway of Hope achieve their employment goals." Around 75% also report increased stability after completing the program. This program aims to provide these services to families and children to help them escape the "cycle of crisis and vulnerability." Poverty does run generational through families.
- Substance Abuse- Slivermist Recovery, a program that specializes in addiction and treatment said " addiction is a progressive and chronic disease. In time, it can impact a person's job performance to the point that job loss becomes inevitable." This is a common issue among the homeless population as the main cause of homelessness is loss of employment, and the reason they are losing their jobs is substance abuse. Tom Fulop of Safe Harbor says, “Some folks don’t want to stay here because we have too many rules. One of the rules is you can’t drink in the shelter. We have put people out because they bring alcohol or drugs onto the property, and that is not acceptable; that is not appropriate," This alone shows how much substance abuse affects the homeless population, as they would instead drink or do drugs than have a warm place to sleep and a meal.
- Food Insecurity- Food insecurity refers to the lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. It is a condition where individuals or households do not have adequate resources, such as money or other means like transportation, to obtain enough nutritious food consistently. Food insecurity affects individuals and communities worldwide, including in developed and developing countries. It has short-term and long-term impacts on health, educational outcomes, productivity, and overall quality of life.
Food Insecurity
Food insecurity can manifest in different ways, including:
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A limited quantity of food where households may have reduced portions or insufficient nutritional needs
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Inadequate nutritional quality, meaning a lack of vitamins and minerals
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Uncertain access to food may result from uncertain or insufficient income, limited access to transportation, or living in areas with limited grocery stores or food sources.
Food insecurity can have a broad impact, depending on someone's circumstances. Here are just some examples of the effects of food insecurity:
1. delayed development in young children
2. risk of chronic illnesses like asthma and anemia
3. behavioral problems like hyperactivity, anxiety, and aggression in school-age children
According to Feeding America, the national food bank network that tracks and analyzes data at state and county levels, estimates that more than 15,910 Mclean County residents experienced food insecurity during COVID-19. A lack of money and other resources, like a reliable vehicle, presents obstacles for many, particularly those who live in lower-income areas where full-service grocery stores are farther away.
- Food Deserts- A Food Desert is a region where people have limited access to healthful and affordable food. This may be due to low income or traveling farther to find wholesome food options.
In food deserts, residents may face barriers to accessing healthy food options, contributing to higher rates of food insecurity and diet-related health problems. Some common characteristics of food deserts include:
1. Limited retail options
2. Distance and transportation
3. High proximity to unhealthy food
The US Department of Agriculture publishes a map of every zip code in America, showing neighborhoods in food deserts. West Bloomington is on that map, designated by a red square, which connotes areas where residents must travel one to 20 miles to get fresh food.
However, West Bloomington has a variety of fast food restaurants and convenience stores inside a Pilot gas station serving convenience stores, fried tostadas, and hot dogs warm on a rolling grill. Display cases of candy, chips, and other snacks line the aisles. A wall of coolers offers beer and other sugary drinks. And then, three small baskets of bananas and apples are tucked away in a side aisle. Collen Connely says, "Stores are being placed where they parallel the wealth in the community," she said. "If you want to be competitive and make money, the larger (food) chains look at where the concentration of wealth in the community is."
Poverty in Bloomington
Bloomington, IL, the poverty rate, according to the US Census Bureau, is 12%, an increase in recent years. The US poverty rate is 11.5%, making Bloomington higher than the national average. Bloomington is a small town with 78,864 people, yet the rate is higher. A few causes of poverty that have been addressed are overgrowth, fatal diseases, the epidemic (COVID-19), and natural disasters. These significant life changes can throw some people off balance. A few effects that are the result of poverty are homelessness, health issues, family issues, drug/alcohol abuse, and even lower education achievement. Dozens of homeless tents now accompany the Eastview community center in the parking lot. Most shelters where these people can live are complete and have been for over a year. Bloomington Normal is filled with these shelters, and some have commented on the increase in the homeless population, yet few have taken steps to help. Home Sweet Home Ministries are looking for a safer, more acceptable place for these people to live. They have pushed for outdoor restrooms in the parking lot of their shelter, hand washing stations, and places to throw away trash for those without homes. Home Sweet Home Ministries CEO Matt Burgess says,” Nonprofits, governments, and all organizations need to work together.” Home Sweet Home Ministry is directly across the street from where this was held and where many homeless people live. The Salvation Army, another homeless shelter in Bloomington, works on a first-come, first-served basis, and there is not enough space every night to take everybody who needs a spot. Government officials are also working to find a safer, more appropriate place for those living in tents.
Effects on Government Finances
- Providing Healthcare- The average cost of a night in the hospital in Bloomington is $3,000, and the ambulance ride to get there is a minimum $600 fee. , the ride to the hospital can be thousands; if the ambulance crew does any interventions, the base price of $600 can quickly increase into the thousands. If the patient cannot afford a roof over their head, it's safe to assume they cannot afford the ambulance ride, let alone the hospital bill. This results in the bill falling back onto the local government and taxpayers. Green Door’s article, “The Cost of Homelessness,” states that, on average, people without housing visit the emergency room five times per year. This means that, on average, Bloomington spends $15,000 a year on healthcare for each homeless person.
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City Of Bloomington - In Bloomington, 226 people sleep without a roof over their heads every night as of 2020. This is a chronic issue for the people who are homeless, the taxpayers, and the government supporting them. The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness article “Ending Chronic Homelessness in 2017” states that each homeless person costs its city government and taxpayers an average of $40,448 a year. Multiply that by the around 226 homeless, and as a community, they are spending $9,141,248 on taking care of people experiencing homelessness every year. This takes a toll on a city's finances, as that amount of money could be put towards other things, such as fixing roadways, building community parks, and improving the community. Not only are people experiencing homelessness quite taxing on their local government, but more importantly, being homeless is taxing on a person's health. Homelessness in the City of Bloomington is not only a problem for those who are homeless but also for the local government and its citizens. Not having shelter or a warm place to sleep is a significant health hazard, which results in a substantial economic expense for taxpayers and the City of Bloomington.
What is being done?
Habitat for Humanity for McLean County
- "Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope."
- builds multiple houses for families without homes every year
- raises money through local sponsors to help fund these homes
- works in over 70 countries with over 800 volunteers
Home Sweet Home Ministries
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"Home Sweet Home Ministries demonstrates Christ's love through innovative approaches that instill hope, restore lives, and build community."
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over 162 staff members
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served 33,480 meals in 2022
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Provided 15,496 nights of shelter in 2022
Project Oz
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"We partner with young people to build a foundation that promotes safety, opportunities, and well-being in their lives."
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Focuses on providing homes to youth
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Leads young adults and children to stay in school and stay away from drug use
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Works closely with District 87 and Unit 5
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Works with teens in crisis
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Tends to those with mental illnesses
Salvation Army
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"to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination."
- Provides overnight shelter to as many as possible
- Provides food to those in need
- Job outreach
- Helps to gain funding for living needs
- on-site counseling
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Works to give overall stable living
West Bloomington Revitalization Project-
- "Driven by residents' voices, the WBRP leads impactful, collaborative efforts of neighbors and local stakeholders that honor our historical and cultural roots, build on the pride and strengths of our neighborhoods, and empower residents to be leaders and achieve a vision for a better community."
- Works to provide basic living needs like food, money, housing, and jobs
Sources
.Alkire, J. (2022, July 23). Enough to eat? How food insecurity affects thousands in Bloomington-Normal. https://pantagraph.com/news/local/enough-to-eat-how-food-insecurity-affects-thousands-in-bloomington-normal/article_f6c35014-0a06-11ed-89a1-bf6d32b55399.html
“American Community Survey (ACS).”(2023 June 20) Bureau, US Census. Census.Gov, Retrieved July 3rd 2023, www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/.
Denham, R.(2020, Feb 11) “Searching for the ‘invisible’ during Bloomington-Normal’s Homeless Headcount.” WGLT, Retrieved June 13, 2023 from www.wglt.org/show/wglts-sound-ideas/2020-02-11/searching-for-the-invisible-during-bloomington-normals-homeless-headcount
HomePage (No date),Salvation Army centralusa.salvationarmy.org/bloomington/overcome-poverty/. Accessed 11 July 2023.
"Hunger and Food Insecurity." Feeding America.org, 2022, https://www.feedingamerica.org/. Accessed 17 July 2023
Lang, M.(2023, June 2) “Counties across Central Illinois Are Seeing Homeless Populations Rise.” WICS,Retrieved June 13 2023 from newschannel20.com/newsletter-daily/counties- across-central-illinois-are-seeing-homeless-populations-rise.
Martin, Anikka. "Food Security and Nutrition Assistance." Us Department of Agriculture, 18 Oct. 2022, www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/ag-and-food-statistics-charting-the-essentials/food-security-and-nutrition-assistance/#:~:text=In%202021%2C%2089.8%20percent%20of,had%20very%20low%20food%20security.
Reynolds, C.(2019, Jan 16) “Panelists: Poverty in McLean County Is ‘Bigger than We Think.’” WGLT, Retrieved June 13, 2023 from www.wglt.org/show/wglts-sound-ideas/2019-01-16/panelists-poverty-in-mclean-county-is-bigger-than-we-think
Schlenker, C.(2021,July 20) “Central Illinois Affordable Housing Shortage Unchanged by Pandemic.” WGLT, Retrieved June 13, 2023 from www.wglt.org/local-news/2021-07-20/central-illinois-affordable-housing-shortage-unchanged-by-pandemic
Schlenker, C. (2021, Feb 16) “Needs Soar for Homeless Youth in Bloomington-Normal.” WGLT,Retrieved June 13, 2023 from www.wglt.org/show/wglts-sound-ideas/2021-02-16/needs-soar-for-homeless-youth-in-bloomington-normal
Stock, E. (2023, Mar 29)“Tent Dwellers near Bloomington Shelter Seek Other Options after the City Forces Them to Move.” WGLT, Retrived June 13, 2023 from www.wglt.org/local-news/2023-03-29/tent-dwellers-near-bloomington-shelter-seek-other-options-after-the-city-forces-them-to-move
Valente, Judith. "Why Is West Bloomington A Food Desert." WGLT.org, 5 Feb. 2018, www.wglt.org/show/wglts-sound-ideas/2018-02-05/why-is-west-bloomington-a-food-desert. Accessed 10 July 2023.
“What is Food Insecurity?” MSU Student Food Bank, 2022, https://foodbank.msu.edu/. Accessed 10 July 2023.
“American Community Survey (ACS)”, US Census Bureau. June 20,2023, www.census.gov/ Accessed July 3, 2023.
“Before Hope,” Salvation Army.vimeo, Aug 15, 2016, https://vimeo.com/ Accessed July 27, 2023.
“Bloomington Volunteer,” Salvation Army, No Date, https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/ Accessed July 27, 2023.
“HomePage” ,Salvation Army ,No Date, www.centralusa.salvationarmy.org/ Accessed July 11, 2023.
"United States Census Bureau," No date https://www.census.gov/ Accessed Feb 26, 2023
"Habitat for Humanity Mclean Country," no datehttps://habitatmclean.org/ Accessed Feb 26, 2023
Stock, Eric."Tent dwellers near Bloomington Shelter seek other options after the city forces them to move." WGLT.March 29, 2023.https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2023-03-29/tent-dwellers-near-bloomington-shelter-seek-other-options-after-the-city-forces-them-to-move. 2/26/24
Methany, Sam."Homelessness is a ‘more visible’ problem now in Downtown Bloomington." 25 News. Dec. 20, 2023. https://pantagraph.com/news/local/tent-homeless-eastview-hshm/article_76f17ef8-9f72-11ee-be40-47051ef4c753.html . 2/26/24
Ellin, Millisa."Home Sweet Home keeps its eye on nearby encampment during cold".WGLT.Jan 13, 2024.https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2024-01-13/home-sweet-home-keeps-its-eye-on-nearby-encampment-during-cold. 2/26/24
Alkare, D Jack. "Vigil seeks to educate and shed light at Bloomington homeless encampment". The Pantagraph. Dec. 22, 2023.https://pantagraph.com/news/local/tent-homeless-eastview-hshm/article_76f17ef8-9f72-11ee-be40-47051ef4c753.html. 2/26/24
