Homeless People Said…

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The following information was compiled from individual surveys conducted by the Homeless Advisory Committee of the Homeless Prevention Coalition of Guilford County at individual and family shelters for homeless people in Greensboro and High Point in 2004. This information was distributed to all HPCGC members. I suspect that if the same surveys were done now, the answers would remain much the same.

What happened in your life to lead you where you are now?

  • Substance abuse
  • Uemployment
  • Mental illness and/or medical problems
  • Relational problems (includes abusive/broken relationships, marital problems, domestic violence, family or origin issues, etc.)
  • Bad decisions/bad choices
  • Lack of affordable housing
  • Lack of transportation
  • Release from incarceration
  • Deaths in family
  • Loss of limb
  • Loss of home (from fire, foreclosure, etc.)
  • Lack of education and/or knowledge
  • Lack of living wage
  • Abuse

What services do you need to become self-sufficient?

ALL RESPONDENTS:

  • Jobs/employment
  • Affordable housing
  • Education
  • Transportation
  • Counseling/therapy

SPECIFIC TO TARGETED GROUP:

  • Childcare
  • Services for those who remain homeless (shelter, lockers, showers, laundry, etc.)
  • Financial / job / budgeting assistance

What problems are you finding on your way to becoming self-sufficient?

  • Lack of jobs and/or income
  • Lack of housing/ affordable housing
  • Lack of transportation
  • Medical problems and/or disabilities

If you were a homeless provider, what services would you provide to homeless people in Guilford County?

  • Housing/ affordable housing
  • More shelter space (individual & family)
  • Counseling
  • Jobs; job training/ counseling/ placement
  • Education
  • Transportation and/or bus tickets/ vouchers
  • Food
  • Clothing
  • Day center (shelter from inclement/cold weather, showers, etc.)
  • Medical care; mental health care; prescription medications (free)
  • Childcare and/or temporary arrangements for older children while parents are in a rehabilitation facility
  • Substance abuse treatment; drug/alcohol rehabilation, education, etc.
  • Financial assistance
  • Budgeting assistance; assistance re-establishing credit
  • Emotional/spiritual support: “direction,” “more than I had,” “love and understanding”
  • Recreation
  • A place to worship

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