Homelessness is an increasing issue in the United States, and Michigan is no different. Across urban centers like Detroit and Grand Rapids and in smaller towns, individuals and families are unable to obtain housing after being financially crushed, struggling with a mental-health issue or facing an unexpected crisis. The good news is that many organizations and programs in Michigan offer homeless shelter services while providing shelter, medical care, and employment support, as well as long-term solutions.
Michigan homelessness statistics the size of the problem statistics
Michigan has more than 60,000 residents homeless on a given day, and a recent report found that nearly a quarter of our homeless population are families, and about 9% are veterans. The reasons differ — some lose their homes as a result of job loss or medical debt, while others battle mental illness or substance abuse. The cold winter months exacerbate the plight of those who do not have stable housing, and emergency shelters and outreach programs are vital.
Give support: Key services helping Michigan’s homeless population
Many Michigan organizations and state-sponsored initiatives, such as Homeless Services, provide inclusive programs for the homeless. These resources comprise emergency shelters, transitional housing, job training programs, and medical care. Here are a few of my favorites:
Emergency and Transitional Housing: Shelters such as Covenant House Michigan and Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries offer immediate relief for those with nowhere to go. Transitional housing programs assist people moving to permanent stability as well.
Healthcare and Mental Health Support: Large proportion of homeless population have histories of untreated mental health conditions. They also provide organizations, such as Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO), that deliver integrated behavioral health care and medical care to those in need.
Get a Job and Financial Help: Getting a steady job is essential to getting back on your own feet. Programs like Michigan Works! offer job training, résumé assistance and career counseling — all to help get people back to work.
Youth and Family Support Services: As homelessness among youth continues to be an evolving focus, specialty programs like HQ Grand Rapids can also assist with educational, housing and employment support.
The importance of community participation
Although there are state-funded programs that help to provide homeless services in Michigan, without community involvement, they won't have lasting effects. Local businesses, volunteers, and faith-based organizations also do their part in donating food, financing shelters, and lobbying for changes in policy. Grass-roots efforts, like mobile food pantries and free legal aid clinics, also have a big impact in helping those in crisis.
Breaking the cycle of homelessness
Shelter is only one part of addressing homelessness. Real change is the product of a holistic, long-term lens that includes access to jobs, mental health care, and affordable housing. “Michigan’s Housing First Initiative” allows people to be placed in stable housing before worrying about all the other things, so when someone moves to a new life, they are much more successful.
How you can help
Look up information on how to get involved with homeless services in Michigan, such as volunteering at shelters, donating supplies, or advocating for affordable housing policies to support those in need. Every little bit helps build a community where everyone has a safe place to lay their head at night.
But with ongoing investment in both the emergency system and longer-term strategies, we can move Michigan towards an outcome where no one faces homelessness and everyone gets a chance to make their life whole again.”
James Stevenson is the author of this article. For more details about Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care, please visit our website: holycrossservices.org.
Better education can lift self-esteem of an individual which helps him to become a better person.
Lack of financial support can really be a detriment to obtain proper education.homelessness support ukWe should support these homeless children.
They need to be transformed and empowered to become agents of social change in their communities.
Create awareness about this problem.
These children are our future, they have the right to a better education.
There are numerous things that we can do to help homeless children achieve a better education, hence their dreams.
