Without Support From The Government, Homelessness Is Not As Far As You Think

The idea of houselessness should no longer be considered an impossibility by as many Americans as it presently is. As the Coronavirus pandemic progresses throughout the US, with some states beginning to roll out their plans for reopening the economy, some say it may already be too late. According to a report by Bloomberg the chance of another economic recession “within the next 12 months is 100%.” And CNBC is reporting that analysts anticipate “the worst financial crisis since 1929.” This is due to an obvious lack of money being exchanged through most businesses right now compounded with an ever-increasing unemployment rate.

Then, as we’ve seen there has been a large movement which asks landlords to halt all rental payments as there are very few who are able to pay. As of May 3rd, Washington state saw a staggering number of 10.1% who were unable to pay rent on the 1st. For those who couldn’t pay the threat of eviction is still real, however immoral it may be, in parts of the country which haven’t yet instituted a ban or rent freeze.

This could be the precursor of a future in which we see the houselessness crisis become more prevalent than ever. According to a study by Barbara Sard which was published by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in 2009, after the US’ most recent economic recession in the wake of the housing market collapse, New York City saw a “40% increase in families entering homeless shelters.” And when considering analysts reporting an even greater economic crisis on its way and the vastly more dire circumstances surrounding employment and the type of work which is considered “essential” for the foreseeable future, things don’t look like they’re going to get much better before they get a lot worse.

Keeping all of this in mind, it’s important that governments and not only the local and state levels, but the national level as well begin implementing programs and resources which can help those affected by the already onset economic crisis. Rent freezes, eviction bans, stimulus checks (which will realistically need to be more than $1200), medicare, etc. are all going to be required for this country to weather the impending storm. I hope that these things are a possibility, but right now we live in uncertain times, where thinking realistically isn’t always the most optimistic outlook.

- Brad Weber

The Homeless and the Environment from a Scientific Perspective:

Living as someone without a home in downtown Portland, OR, or anywhere for that matter means that you have to face the elements. This means rain, hail, lighting, beating down sun, and mosquitoes. Excluding the current pandemic of COVID-19 that is happening right now, homeless people must fight the elements. 

Photo by John Moeses Bauan on Unsplash

Check out the statistics on Portland's weather and imagine living in conditions such as these:

STATISTICS

Portland Gets:

- 3-and-a-half feet of rain per year (versus the US average of 3.2 feet)

- 3 inches of snow per year

- In January, faces low temperatures on average of 36˚F

- In summer, the average temperature remains at 81˚F

These are all staggering facts, take a look outside, and imagine that being you out there. A homeless person needs blankets and clothes. With the high amount of rainfall the Portland gets, it makes it difficult to sleep on the streets without a tent to keep the rain out. If water gets into the clothes and or sleeping bag this will decrease the body temperature exponentially increasing the risk of hypothermia. As we all know getting wet makes you cold, this is why on a summer's day it is common for kids to play in the sprinkler to cool off. From a scientific perspective; water will absorb energy from the surrounding environment inducing a phase change from liquid to gas. Key phrase: absorb energy. As the water gets onto your skin it will suck the energy from your body and escape into the gas phase and enter the atmosphere. On top of this, the wind will agitate the water thus increasing the rate at which it does the process of evaporation. Next time you are soaking wet and cold think back to the science behind it and understand that there are those who must face this dreadful aspect nearly every day. If you want more information on the science behind water and how evaporation and wind cause cooling check out this link:

Why does the skin feel cold from water?

Post By: Braden Masanga

Fostering a Community: Helping Homeless People Of Color

In Portland there has to be a change in perception of the homeless citizens because as of now most view homeless in homogenized terms. In these communities People of Color are often the most present but they have the least amount of representation. According to a 2018 Multnomah County news release on homelessness “People of color now make up 38.1 percent of the count, even though they are only 29.5 percent of Multnomah County’s population.”. The effects of institutional racism and lack of shelter combine for harsh realities for the homeless minorities of Portland but all's not lost. Transition Projects Inc, a Local development company, has been an innovator in finding suitable shelter for POC residents through the use of the community based modular housing units.  Each building provides all the necessities to wash clothes, medical care and guidance seeking long term housing all for free for those that apply. According to the Transition Projects 2019 data states that “1,200 people will obtain permanent housing...of people placed into permanent housing 41% will be people of color”.  This progress shows that these resources are reaching those who need it the most and that there is a sustainable effort to housing POC. The fact remains these types of buildings are limited and on any given night there can still be upwards of 2000 people left sleeping unsheltered. Transition Project Inc is always accepting help from those in the community willing to make a change. For those in Portland this means changing how you view shelters and their benefit to the Minorities. During this pandemic there are those in need that we all can help even from our homes by donating at Transition Projects. Know that this is a community based effort that strives on one idea providing housing to every individual possible. 

By Nick Garza

https://www.tprojects.org/how-to-help

Work Cited

https://www.huduser.gov/portal/casestudies/study_12202012_1.html

https://www.tprojects.org/sites/default/files/2020-04/FY18-19%20Q4%20.pdf

Homely for us, Homeless for some

HOMELY FOR US, HOMELESS FOR SOME

Since the COVID-19 outbreak has spread globally, everyone from different communities have been

impacted in some shape or another. The homeless population have suffered one of the worst experiences.

In a time where everyone is told to stay home, the homeless community do not know where to go. They

are unable to practice social distancing like most of us do. Living out on the streets, next to grocery stores,

or in parking lots has been the norm for them, and the pandemic changed that.

While the more privileged face boredom in the comfort of their homes, the homeless population face a

higher risk of exposure to the virus, as well as transmitting it to others. Practicing personal hygiene

becomes a huge factor in their lives and being able to do it is difficult for them especially since many

shelters have closed their doors to practice social distancing. Luckily, there are steps that city officials

have started to take to ensure the virus is contained, even within the homeless community. Motel rooms

and outdoor shelters have been set up so that these people can obey the "Stay Home" order. More action
needs to be taken because if the homeless population have no shelter, the risk of them spreading the virus
is unpredictable, and untraceable considering where they would be living. For more information on what
the county is doing to prevent the spread, click on this link.

Sources:https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/covid-19-infection-count-among-portlands-homeless-remains-low/283-e2cb26d5-d07b-4186-a5a4-14080c151ae8

By Lyn Loo

HIV infections worsened by lack of housing and healthcare

Across the country HIV infections have increased, especially among homeless populations. Detection and treatment are near impossible due to various inequalities in healthcare and housing. Many infected people suffer alone. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, KPTV File)

An estimated 27.5 million people in the United States did not have health insurance at any point during the year, according to the most recent projections from the Census Bureau. This number likely leaves out those who are undocumented, under counted and/or homeless. In the fight against sexually transmitted infections, specifically HIV, access to healthcare is fundamental.

Over the years, Americans became complacent with the high cost of prescription medication, healthcare insurance and hospital visits. It is still common to hear people shrug it off as “things are just more expensive now” as pharmaceutical and insurance giants spike prices without a suitable reason; some have even been convicted for malpractice or fraud. However, the attitudes around this issue are changing dramatically, especially among younger Americans. This could have a tremendous influence on providing proper care to houseless folks living with an HIV/AIDS infection.

The Coronavirus has really highlighted the inequalities of our healthcare system too.

Last year, the United States began to see an alarming increase in HIV cases, especially among the homeless. The Portland metro region has experienced some of the highest numbers of new infections. Those most affected were drug users and their sexual partners, according to a report by The Oregonian. But a lack of housing makes it difficult to properly treat infected people and halt the spread.

Every day is a test for houseless people. To others on the outside, a homeless person may appear healthy. They may be written off as lazy, careless and many other negative stereotypes. To people passing on the street, their healthcare is the last social worry. Therefore, receiving treatment and taking a daily pill is all but impossible. Moreover, our houseless populations across the country tend to have multiple health issues that make it more difficult to overcome infections like HIV. Plus, many lose their medication to thieves who think that the pills will give them a high. Those lost medication will likely not be replaced by insurance companies.

Beyond the difficulty to access healthcare, homeless people with HIV still have to go through the same process as everyone else seeking housing. This may generally seem fair, but if the goal is to slow the spread of HIV, detection and treatment must be moved up the ladder.

If you believe nobody should die on the street alone from a treatable disease or healthcare is a right for everyone regardless of their situation, join the advocacy efforts of the Transition Projects.

By Eduardo Ramos, Portland State University

Video worth watching and sharing:

COVID-19 Risks Elements for Homelessness.

COVID-19 Risks Elements for Homelessness. 

People who experience homelessness live temporarily in outdoor places. The number of homeless people increases significantly in the streets. Outdoor settings do not protect the environment, an agile approach to hygiene and sanitation facilities, or connection to healthcare. Some homeless people live in tents, woods, under mountains of blankets by themselves. As far as I know, there is no plan in place to quarantine homeless people. Staying without a home or sleeping in a temporary location is very harmful to health. Homeless people typically have many complex health issues, such as mental health and addiction problems. People who experience homelessness deal with barriers connecting health care as well as public health information. They lack immune systems, poor nutrition and cleanliness, and long-term residence in overcrowded shelters; they are at risk of getting contagious diseases. The fact is that homeless people are more likely to be infected with Tuberculosis than familiar people. Mainly, they are a vulnerable group in the current COVID pandemic. However, The governors across the country have issued a stay at home for residents not to go out during the coronavirus crisis. The main goal of social distancing is to reduce the number of people who get sick. Some public places are closing down shelters. Therefore, it is not a realistic prospect for homeless people. This issue is not addressed; they can leave out from the public policy reaction to the pandemic. Transmission from these high-risk people is also challenging to contain. Helping homeless people is an essential element of managing the broader public health crisis.

A homeless woman who wished to remain anonymous wears a mask as she prepares her belongings on Sunday, March 15, 2020, in San Francisco, California.Photo: Photos by Gabrielle Lurie / The Chronicle

Posted by: Vy Le, Portland State University

For more information (or to help), click here.

Volunteering During Covid-19

In the wake of Covid-19 and the massive shutdown of numerous American businesses one population has been almost entirely forgotten. The homeless population of Portland is left with a dwindling number of services and places to seek shelter from the elements. With libraries closed and a lack of volunteers due to age and health guidelines, many service providers are left understaffed and underfunded.  
If you or your loved ones are above 60 or immune-compromised we implore you to continue to shelter in place and stay safe. However, if you are healthy, able, and feel comfortable there are dozens of social services agencies desperately in need of volunteers. If you don't feel comfortable there are other ways you can help without actually being present on the site. Meals on Wheels needs people to help buy ingredients for meals, just take an extra person shopping and fill two carts. We here at the Eco project personally reached out to the volunteer director at Transition Projects Inc (TPI) to ask about ways you could give back to these vulnerable populations. Here is a brief description of some opportunities available at TPI: 
On-site service: Mailroom, Resource Organizing, Notes to staff, Mask-making, Providing meals, or Organizing donation drive. You can find more information about all these opportunities in the link provided below. It is important to note that TPI is providing its volunteer training online right now. 

For more information about volunteer opportunities at TPI click Here

To conclude, please remember everyone how much we are all suffering right now. As a community, we must all come together and support one another to get through these tragic times It seems scary to go out and risk your health for others and  volunteering may not be essential to you or your family, but some populations depend on the services provided, a few volunteers can make the difference, and prevent families from going hungry. One last time if you are not comfortable volunteering in person, but still want to help reach out to a service provider to ask about virtual volunteering opportunities or consider organizing a food donation zone in your neighborhood. 

For more information about how to help your North West community please see the article below: 

https://www.opb.org/news/article/coronavirus-help-oregon-washington-volunteer-donate-give-blood/

Written by: Spenser Belch, Portland State University 

Homelessness and Coronavirus in Portland

Homelessness and Coronavirus in Portland

The Coronavirus pandemic has caused many hardships for the homeless due to lack of medical care, lack of resources and support, and many more obstacles. With their lives already being tough, the Coronavirus has added on many struggles and frustrations. In Portland, tents on the corners of streets will be seen, or in the doorways of businesses as these individuals are just trying to get any shelter they can. During this pandemic, Portland has opened three organized camps for homeless people during the Coronavirus. Two of the sites are located on SE Water Ave and one near the base of the Broadway Bridge. The first site prioritizes the LGBTQ community, the second one prioritizes people of color, and the third one is open for all others, mainly prioritizing the elderly. Each of the camps have 45 tents with cots inside, fully equipped with sleeping bags and supplies to keep clean and safe. 

Two of the three camps built to house people experiencing homelessness during the pandemic are adjacent to one another on Southeast Water Avenue. Residents began moving into the LGBTQ+ camp on Thursday, April 16. This photo was taken the following day. (Photo by Celeste Noche)

As the homeless are among the most vulnerable to COVID-19, it's important that they have the necessary resources available to them to keep them from getting sick and getting others sick. They have weakened immune systems due to their living conditions and Portland has taken a stance to try and help those living outside stay safe during this pandemic. Kate Brown's "Stay Home, Save Lives" order has caused those without a home to feel even more vulnerable. Many businesses and parts of Portland have shut down amid this crisis, which have caused our homeless neighbors to lose the resources that many of them depended on. 

The Coronavirus does not discriminate, so it's necessary that everyone stay safe. Homeless who have been displaced from their usual spots can turn to these camps for shelter, support, and safeness. If they haven't been able to get into housing or shelters during this crazy time, they won't be left with no options. 

Posted by: Jessica Woolley, Portland State University

Learn more here: https://www.oregonlive.com/coronavirus/2020/04/portland-opens-three-outdoor-homeless-camps-to-try-to-contain-spread-of-coronavirus.html

Fighting from the Bottom Up

It is true that those who suffer from live in homelessness live lives that are conducive to spreading a virus. COVID-19 finds opportunity at job fairs, food banks, homeless shelters and wherever else large gatherings take place. Jack Tsai, writer for the UT Health School at University of Texas says, “Many people experiencing homelessness live in congregate living settings—be it formal (ie, shelters or halfway houses) or informal (ie, encampments or abandoned buildings)—and might not have regular access to basic hygiene supplies or showering facilities, all of which could facilitate virus transmission.” Tsai goes onto say that homeless people under 65 years old have an all-cause mortality rate that is 5-10 times higher than the general population and may be higher now with the spread of the COVID-19 virus. There is a lot of room for error right now, as more than 500,000 people live in poverty in this country and if these members of society are not provided what they need to succeed, there is the potential for easy spread of the COVID-19 virus. Our immediate community members need our support, so please, visit the link below to find out how to help.
DONATE

Posted by: Austin Puetz, Portland State University

SOURCE: https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lanpub/PIIS2468-2667(20)30053-0.pdf

Adequate Medical Care and Misinformation Among Homeless Communities

In the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, we are seeing things that have never happened liked this before. Our rock-solid modern civilizations have been turned on their heads. People are locking themselves up, businesses are closing down, and people are losing their homes. We see our neighbors taking on very different appearances than what we previously knew. Community members seem to make a choice between sacrificing their time and resources for others and deeming the situation “every man for himself”. With all the chaos, the needs of the homeless community are not being talked about as much as they should. When we look at the hurdles that people living in homelessness face, good information and adequate care seem to be in short supply (Vieira, 2020). If it wasn’t hard enough for those who struggle with homelessness to get proper medical care, the COVID-19 outbreak has now made it nearly impossible. While, hospitals are working hard to keep beds and staff attention available for those who really need the help, like a COVID-positive patient, support groups and volunteer medical centers are popping up around the Portland area to make sure the homeless are continuing to get the regular care they need. I work in sheet metal laser shop, and the other day, I cut over 2,000 safety mask nose-clips for masks that would be given to the less fortunate. If there was any demographic that need extra attention during these harrowing times, it is the less fortunate.



DONATE

Posted by: Austin Puetz, Portland State University

SOURCE:Vieira, C. “COVID-19: The forgotten priorities of the pandemic.” April 04, 2020.

Voting when Homeless: How Democracy Overlooks The Voices of Those Most In Need

For our democracy to function, we the people must be able to make our voices heard, and the most important voices belong to those of us directly affected by the decisions of that democracy. With so much legislature directly related to the homeless crisis, we must ask: can democracy still hear you if you don’t have a home?

There are a multitude of obstacles facing the homeless every day. Of course, on any given days, the most urgent of these obstacles are almost always their day-to-day needs. With questions such as “Where will I get my next meal?” and “Where will I sleep?” weighing on the minds of the homeless every day, it is incredibly difficult to even consider voting. Unfortunately, although those day-to-day decisions are one of the most pressing obstacles to voting, they are hardly the last.

For starters, ten states require voters to provide government Identification such as driver's licenses each election they vote in. When living on the street, IDs are incredibly easy to lose, making this requirement a massive challenge for homeless voters. Additionally, there are 24 states within which IDs are “requested” but not required, with requirements for those who fail to bring IDs varying by state. Since many homeless people move from state to state often, this non-standardized patchwork system of requirements is incredibly hard to keep track of.

Yet another challenge is providing a mailing address. Fortunately, no states require a home address to vote, so voters can list homeless shelters or even street corners. Of course, homeless individuals are often forced to relocate, making it difficult to receive election-related mail.



Image source: https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2019/11/voting-can-be-hard-if-youre-homeless-its-nearly-impossible/


It is crucial that we work to alleviate these barriers as much as possible, fortunately, there are lots of ways you can help. The National Coalition for the Homeless has a great page filled with useful resources, including a link to a Voter Registration toolkit with advice on how you can help increase voter turnout among the homeless, resources explaining voting laws by state, links to sites explaining major political candidates’ stances on the housing crisis, and much more.

Check out the National Coalition for the Homeless's page on Voting here!: https://nationalhomeless.org/campaigns/voting/

By Henry McDowell

Sources:

https://www.nonprofitvote.org/voting-in-your-state/special-circumstances/voting-and-homelessness/

https://people.howstuffworks.com/homeless-americans-can-vote-but-it-isnt-easy.htm

https://www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/voter-id.aspx

Covid-19 Continues Unemployment in Oregon

As we see the sickness start to flatten out in some states. The overall effect of Covid-19 is just starting. Most will have life alternating changes due to the pandemic. All this got me thinking as a I saw 3 rentals in my neighborhood have tenants move out this past weekend. They can no longer afford to live in the houses because they had wages cut or lost their jobs. Oregon hit a high of 300,000 unemployment claims this last week. Of the 1.95 million employed Oregonians, 15% of our working population is without jobs. How long will this continue? Where will those people go from here? One of the families who moved this last weekend has three children. They were in a 3 bedroom house. Now they will be living in a one bedroom apt. How long till they end up on the street or having to stay with family? We as a nation need to find better solutions to get the economy back and running. Good people with families are starting to suffer and I feel its just the start. It hurts my heart to see children impacted. Like all of us, they have no control over the situation. This last week an additional 5.2 million filed for unemployment across America. I can only hope the families and people impacted have a safe place to rest their heads at night. Because no one deserves to sleep on the streets.

https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/politics/2020/04/16/covid-19-pushes-oregon-unemployment-claims-nearly-300-000-4-weeks-coronavirus-salem/5145863002/

By: Michael Edwards

Minimum Wage, Homelessness and the new Affordable Housing

Homelessness is fueled by the lack of a living wage. Many are forced to live in their vehicles because their paycheck would not cover the cost of housing leaving some to call this the "new affordable housing." (Photo by Eduardo Ramos).

The cost of living is on the rise across metropolitan areas. The average cost for a two bedroom, one-bathroom apartment is $1,337 a month. Meanwhile, a person earning the national minimum wage of $7.25 per hour in a full-time job earns roughly $1,160 a month before taxes and other deductions. If that person begins to earn $13 per hour, their gross monthly salary approaches $2,000. Again, before deductions. Rent alone takes up more than 70 percent of their income. Other necessities such as healthcare and clothing start to seem further out of the picture.

Then, how does a single person afford to pay housing along with their other responsibilities? What is the answer for a single parent who earns significantly less than the cost of living?

Answer: They are forced to work two or three jobs, and barely scrape by.

This is the reality of far too many people living in the United States and around our increasingly global world. Yes, even in developed countries, people one step, a single paycheck away from economic meltdown. Perhaps homelessness.

The novel Coronavirus nakedly exposes a truth that an increasing number of people have been calling on their leaders to address: Income inequality. We have to ask ourselves how this virus would be playing out if people had earned living wages and been able to save for an emergency such as the current public health crisis.

Coronavirus aside, single adults and entire families were already living in their cars and RVs despite the laws against it across the United States. The trend continues to rise. A snapshot of King County in Washington State in 2018 showed a 46 percent surge of people living in their vehicles. King County, however, is just one example of what is happening in cities like Portland, Los Angeles and other major metropolitan hubs.

Families should not have to live in their vehicles or outside, exposed to the elements. Be an active voice for the most vulnerable in your community. Join the advocacy branch of the Transition Projects.

Posted by: Eduardo Ramos, Portland State University

Homeless Hotels

    We all know that the homeless population has been an increasing problem in America and now even more so that we're in the middle of a pandemic. With many soup kitchens and shelters being under staffed and the lack of resources to go around, the homeless are suffering at an increasing rate while society is at loss for how to take care of the homeless. 

However, in  lighter news California and New York have come up with a solution to help the homeless.  In both California and New York, the states have been utilizing their empty hotels to accommodate the homeless. 

    People in jail are being released at an increasing rate due to the covid-19 and not wanting to spread the virus even behind bars, so California and New York opened up their hotels to all homeless individuals, but especially those being released from prison.  The government is paying for  these hotel rooms because it was estimated that 2,600 homeless people in Los Angeles would be hospitalized from the Covid-19 due to lack of separation. The state of California acted quickly with the government allowing 393 hotel rooms to be leased, people are saying that these states" are really setting an example for the rest of the country"

Portland Oregon as many of you know has a great homeless population and in this time of the pandemic they need all the support they can get. The people in our own community and around our homes are suffering, we can as a community do something to help. If you go to www.joinpdx.org/homeless/solutions where you can learn how you can help, donate to homeless shelters near you, and find out how to get involved by volunteering.  

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Source: VanSickle, Abbie. “California, New York Provide Hotel Rooms to People Who Are Homeless and Released from Jail.” Christian Century, vol. 137, no. 10, May 2020, p. 20. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=142756693&site=ehost-live.

Written by: Amber Hambas

The Uncertainty of Employment is Especially Prevalent Amidst COVID-19

For many people across the world, the arrival of COVID-19 has brought with it a great deal of uncertainty and fear. With a majority of businesses forced to shut-down, job security and financial stability are especially fraught. So many Americans have been forced into unemployment and now fear the loss of their homes. For the world’s homeless population, the already seemingly impossible job search now seems insurmountable.

A common critique of homeless individuals is that the primary reason for their homelessness is laziness. In reality, there are numerous roadblocks (especially in this time affected by COVID-19) preventing them from securing employment and/or housing.

Prejudice against homeless people creates a huge barrier in their job search. The unfortunate reality is that many employers won’t even consider hiring a homeless person. Seemingly “basic” commonalities within the work force like the possession of a phone, an address, or cleanliness aren’t so simple for the world’s homeless population. On top of that, prevailing misconceptions, like assumptions that all homeless individuals are drug addicts, casts even greater doubt. For many, even if their only crime is their lack of home, a criminal record further pushes employers away.

Even if a homeless individual is able to secure work, they still must fight against America's lack of affordable housing. According to Chaas Toborg of KSBY news, “more than one-quarter of renters pay their landlords at least half their monthly income [...] [and] 75% of them can’t afford other bills after they pay rent.” Even with work, people can still lose their homes or become unable to afford housing.

While the assumption that homeless people are lazy drug addicts is common, many people are forced onto the streets at no fault of their own. For victims of domestic abuse, living on the streets may be much safer than living with an abusive relative or partner. For homeless youths, turbulent familial dynamics can force them out of their homes. In particular, many LGBTQ kids end up without a place to stay due to intolerant parental figures.

Homelessness is not always as cut and dry as it may initially seem. It is important to consider these factors, especially during a time when simply being outside can be a huge risk to someone’s health. According to the CDC, “because many people who are homeless are older adults or have underlying medical conditions, they may also be at higher risk for severe disease than the general population.” During this uncertain and scary time, efforts like the Transition Projects have become more invaluable than ever.

Post By: Natalie Eng

Sources:

https://wjbq.com/see-the-quiet-streets-of-downtown-portland-in-a-covid-19-world/

https://www.ksby.com/news/national-politics/the-race-2020/when-it-comes-to-homelessness-in-america-there-is-no-single-cause

https://www.usnews.com/news/cities/articles/2019-09-23/10-facts-about-homelessness-in-america

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/homeless-shelters/faqs.html

https://backpacksforthestreet.org/why-dont-homeless-people-just-get-jobs/