Today we attended this important forum in downtown Cleveland. The forum brought together many local church representatives to discuss various options to deal with the crisis.
Some key stats that we walked away with:
41% of the homeless population is comprised of families (often single mothers)
Mothers & children are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population
Over the last 10 years Cuyahoga County has lost close to 500 family beds in shelters or facilities (due to loss of funding some facilities have closed)
In Cuyahoga County every shelter for women & children was at capacity last night (this includes overflow facilities as well)
30-60 women slept on mats last night
The City Mission receives 50 calls a day at Laura’s Home Women Shelter each day that they have to turn people away since no room is available
Often those families that can’t stay with their family or friends find themselves sleeping in their cars or in abandoned buildings
A lack of affordable housing is also a big problem. It is estimated that for every 3 low income renters there is only 1 affordable unit available. The need for debt forgiveness is also an issue.
Homeless families who can’t find housing are susceptible to losing their kids to the foster care system
