Item B: Update on Homeless Initiative Action Plan

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6. “Deinstitutionalization” resulted in closed hospitals and treatment facilities and caused a migration to cities of adults with disabilities. Funding for localized group homes, supported housing, case management and other treatment facilities proved to be inadequate. 7. Women and children who are victims of domestic violence often have no resources independent from the batterer. With small children and limited job experience, many women find it difficult to support and independent and safe life in the community. 8. Locally, 84% of homeless households are “situationally” homeless as opposed to long-term “chronically” homeless. They are often in trouble because of a one-time financial emergency. Prevention mechanisms are very cost-effective and successful for this population. 9. Chronically homeless people typically have one or more disabilities. Of those able to work, few are able to earn enough money to afford housing and they often require supportive services in order to succeed. C. Impacts on the community 1. The shortage of housing that is affordable for low-income people negatively impacts the whole community. 2. Homeless people frequently use the emergency room for primary medical care. The costs for their services are indirectly passed on to the community. The average daily cost of an emergency room visit is $362.00. 3. Homelessness often results in a mental health crisis. The average daily cost at Sacred Heart Hospital’s Johnson Unit (psychiatric) is $858.00 and the average stay is 7-10 days. The costs of this treatment are indirectly passed on to the community. People in stable housing are less likely to experience a crisis. Those in supportive housing, which can be provided for about $850.00 per month, are less likely to need hospitalization. 4. The average daily cost for one person at the Lane County jail is $359.00, including shelter, food, arrest, booking and custody. 5. All school children in a class are impacted by the presence of homeless children. Homeless children have special needs and when compared to other students they command a disproportionate amount of attention from teachers and staff. 6. The success of children, in school and life, is tied to having a stable home. 7. Children who miss classes or frequently move from school to school struggle to learn the basics. Illiteracy is the single greatest predictor of future criminal behavior. 8. The status quo is a costly option. The community is directly and indirectly paying the price of homelessness through increased medical and hospital costs, jail costs, public safety impacts 22 Blue Ribbon Committee on Homelessness, Recommendation April 2, 2008 -- Page