 |
|
Long Range Plan
to Reduce Homelessness
in Milwaukee
County for 2000 To 2004
IV.
Service Needs of Homeless Sub-Populations
The LRPC engaged in a thoughtful process of
identifying the service needs of various segments of the homeless population.
Initially, it defined four fairly discreet homeless sub-populations, 1) single
women and families with children, 2) single men and veterans, 3) youth 17 and
under, and 4) older adults. The LRPC looked at these four categories and
determined that all other descriptors, e.g., HIV/AIDS, mental illness, substance
abuse, family intimate violence victimization, were conditions that potentially
applied across the above four main sub-populations. Appendix B presents the
LRPC’s collective thinking about the needs of the four main sub-populations as
they relate to, among other things, housing, health care, social and family
services, economic and employment supports, and education and training. Mental
illness, substance abuse, family intimate violence, and HIV/AIDS issues were
factored in across the sub-populations.
The LRPC cited additional affordable housing as one of the major needs for all homeless
categories. Without more affordable housing options, it will be very difficult
to move significant numbers of homeless persons into permanent housing over the
long term. The issue of safety,
including but not limited to, lead safety for children, domestic safety for
women and children, and neighborhood safety for all, was also mentioned as an
important issue across the board. More and better ongoing health care and health care access was seen as a need for all
homeless groups of all ages as well as substance
abuse and mental health services. Improvements in the areas of primary
health care and behavioral health care services are seen as critical components
to improving the quality of life of persons experiencing homelessness and to
increasing their chances of living self-sustaining lives in permanent housing.
The need for more intensive and better-coordinated case
management was identified by the LRPC as a major concern for all groups of
homeless in Milwaukee. Being able to sustain one’s self and family through a
period of homelessness to permanent housing and a self-sustaining life often
requires a considerable amount of support and consistency that can be provided
through quality case management.
B. Needs Unique to Specific Sub-populations
1.
Single Women and Families with Children
This
sub-population has some unique needs including more pregnancy prevention,
prenatal care, screening and support for HIV/AIDS, more childcare, more AODA and
mental health services, and services related to family intimate violence. This
group is also heavily impacted by economic issues and needs better access to
better-paying jobs. Family reunification support is considered an increasing
need for many single women with children. With regard to housing for this group,
there is a special need for more living units for larger families.
2.
Single Men and Veterans
In
general, this homeless group includes many who are not well educated, with
histories of unsuccessful work experiences and often having substance abuse
issues. Job training, supportive employment, and vocational support are very
important services for this population. More AODA services, as well as social
stability supports, need to be woven throughout the system of services to this
population. There is also a need for more, adequate emergency housing for this
group.
3. Youth 17 and Under
This
group in particular needs additional transitional housing and more qualified
foster homes. There is also a great need for a range of health and behavioral
health services for this group. There needs to be an emphasis on family friendly
and family-like services across the board for homeless youth. For older youth,
including minor parents, transitioning support (transitional housing,
independent living skills development, parenting skills, medical and mental
health services, and supportive services) needs to be available as they pass
from youth-oriented services to the adult “system”. There is also awareness
for increasing the need for similar support services for young adults ages 18-24
years old.
4.
Older Adults
More housing options need to be available for
the older adult population. For example, there is no emergency shelter capacity
specific to the needs of older adults in the Milwaukee area. Also, there is a
need for more assisted living and group homes with AODA and mental health
services. More affordable homes for disabled older adults are needed. Older
adults are also vulnerable to family intimate violence and other forms of abuse.
Older adults, as a group, often need financial planning and support as an aid to
avoiding homelessness.
C.
Systems Issues
One of the common themes in discussions with
providers of services to the homeless is the need for more coordination and
collaboration among providers. In a recent Planning Council survey of homeless
service providers, it is clear that some organizations are formally and
informally collaborating with one another to provide services in a more
comprehensive and coordinated manner to their customers. However, these
collaborations are inconsistent across the system. Many providers are unaware of
what other programs are providing, let alone coordinating and collaborating with
them.
There are several areas that could be improved upon
with increased and improved coordination. First, although we talk about
providing a continuum of services, the reality is that many people experiencing
homelessness come in and out of the system without consistent support, thus
potentially prolonging their episodes of homelessness. Further, it is likely
that service providers and the community are missing opportunities to use
existing, valuable resources in the most effective and efficient ways. With
better coordination and collaboration among homeless and other providers in the
community, progress could be made to make the “system” of services more
seamless as well as effective and efficient for those experiencing homelessness.
Two
points should be emphasized about increasing coordination and accessibility.
First, coordination and collaboration often require additional resources in the
short run for implementation. However, in the long run, existing resources and
services should be utilized more efficiently. Second, increasing accessibility
to existing services can cause a strain on the system as well as on those
seeking services. It is important to look at capacity when increasing
accessibility.
|
