IRC: September stats for Greensboro’s homeless day center

Greensboro’s day center for the homeless is doing good work! Read “September by the Numbers,” from Liz Seymour, Executive Director of Greensboro’s Interactive Resource Center, providing “hope and help for those experiencing homelessness.”

During the month of September the IRC saw 102 new clients, which brings the total number of people served by the IRC since the January 2009 opening to 1,920.

Over the course of the month the IRC had 543 guest sign-ins. While they were there, IRC guests:

  • saw the nurse 70 times
  • talked with a case manager 97 times
  • did 98 loads of laundry
  • took 52 showers
  • ate 705 lunches
  • received 167 referrals for food and clothing
  • prepared 61 resumes
  • applied for 396 jobs

By the end of the month:

  • 4 of the people who applied for work had found temporary jobs
  • 4 of the people who applied for work had found part-time jobs
  • 8 of the people who applied for work had found full-time permanent jobs

Total jobs found: 16

28 people received housing counseling. Of those 28 people:

  • 6 found immediate emergency shelter
  • 4 moved into transitional housing
  • 2 went into residential treatment facilities
  • 3 single adults moved into permanent housing
  • 2 families, including 6 children moved into permanent housing

In addition 1,369 volunteer hours were given by individuals to the IRC –  1,034 by community volunteers and 335 by guest volunteers — and lunches were donated on 12 days by churches, organizations and individuals.

» Visit the IRC online
» Donate securely online, or contact Fundraising Coordinator, James Gibson at jamesl@gsodaycenter.org

Homelessness: More than bad luck

I read a lot of stories about homeless people who are “down on their luck” because of losing jobs, especially in this economy. But I do a little checking (learned while doing case management) and often find criminal history that indicates bigger issues (which may well have contributed to the loss of employment.) Homelessness is a complex problem. To really end it, you have to address the root issues.

Who stayed at Greensboro’s winter homeless shelters?

According to a report released today, Greensboro’s seven winter emergency shelters collectively hosted 205 people between 12/01/2009 and 03/31/2010.

Some demographics about those who stayed in Greensboro’s  winter homeless shelters this year:

  • 55 women
  • 150 men
  • 13% age 18-30 years (youngest 18)
  • 72% age 31-55 years
  • 15% 56 years or older (oldest 67)
  • 75% black
  • 21% white
  • 5% other
  • 25% chronically homeless (unaccompanied disabled individual who has been continuously homeless for over one year)
  • 11% veterans (23)
  • 56% cited unemployment as the cause of their homelessness

The men’s winter shelter locations (# of people sheltered):

  • First Presbyterian Church (20)
  • Pleasant Garden Baptist Church (20)
  • West Market Street Methodist Church (15)
  • Mt. Zion Baptist Church (15)
  • FaithStep Ministries (11)

The women’s winter shelter locations (# of people sheltered):

  • Grace Community Church (15)
  • First Baptist Church (10)

» Read more about the operation of the shelters in “Press Release, Report on 2009-10 Greensboro Urban Ministry Winter Emergency (WE) Shelters”

State of Homelessness in Guilford County: March 2010

pehPRESS RELEASE

Jehan Benton-Clark
For Immediate Release
336.553.2715 (O)
336.215.1295 (M)
Jehan@PartnersEndingHomelessness.org

State of Homelessness in Guilford County

Guilford County, NC—March 22, 2010– Homelessness has become a national issue of significant proportion with over 300 cities and counties across the country implementing plans to address this human tragedy.  In Guilford County, the Partners Ending Homelessness Initiative focuses on actively implementing, evaluating and updating Guilford County’s Ten Year Plan which is aimed at improving the quality of life for all residents of Guilford County by ending chronic homelessness and reducing all types of homelessness by 2016. The Partners Ending Homelessness Initiative focuses on generating housing and strengthening prevention & supportive services.
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