SUPPORT FOR THE HOMELESS IS SADLY FLAWED

It’s sad to say, but homelessness is very common in America, certainly around Portland and Gresham.

According to Homelessworldcup.org, homelessness among vulnerable groups has increased by 75% since 2010. On any given night, there are 4,000 people sleeping rough in greater Portland, while households “in temporary accommodation has risen from 48,330 in 2011 to 78,170 in 2017” here.

As someone who was homeless for almost a year, I can say it’s not as easy as most would think. Most, if not all, homeless shelters are either too full to take in more families and have a waiting list, or are currently unsafe for women and children.

There are resources available, such as TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) support offered by states through federal government grants and food stamps. But, under federal and state law, most heads of households can receive TANF cash assistance for a maximum total of 60 months (five years) if you don’t have a job and have children. 

TANF cash assistance is intended to be a temporary means of support while families work towards self-sufficiency. Now, most people would see that you get it for five years and might think, “That’s amazing – why are you still homeless?”

Answer: You only get a certain amount per month and most times that can barely cover a single bill, much less utilities, rent, and basic daily necessities such as food, hygiene and clothes. To even qualify for TANF, families must have very few assets, and little or no income.

The current maximum monthly benefit for a family of three is $506. If you are a single parent, it may be even harder to make ends meet.

I feel the reason homelessness is such a strong issue is because most people can’t afford housing, due mostly to sky rocketing costs.

I know it won’t happen right away, but I hope for a future when having something as simple as a place to sleep is the least of our problems.