Needs

The service providers expressed a positive attitude toward the idea of conducting a community forum, "If I had my druthers, I'd have a community forum just to keep people aware." They thought people in the community should be aware that homelessness is an issue that affects the whole community, and to solve it all people should be involved.

One of the most commonly mentioned needs that service providers identified was the lack of affordable housing in Durham for the low-income population. Providers also demonstrated concern for the equitable distribution of public housing. Current housing policies make it very difficult for low-income people to attain the basic necessities for one to "get off the street," such as an address, a phone, a car, a place to wash up for a job, etc.

A service provider suggested that business employers should offer livable wages instead of contributing donations to better address the root of the problem. Some people don't seem to want to get off the streets but there is generally a need for higher paying jobs because "people are usually willing to work if you give them something to work for." "If there were blue-collar jobs and housing, then we would not have the kind of homelessness we have."

Homeless people also need information on what services are available. One provider said that right now "it's about who you are and what you know … for you to get those services. And most of the people who go down to get services are not educated enough to understand what's available … having that lack of self-esteem, you don't think you're entitled to anything, and you're willing to accept 'no.' The same informant also brought up the need for providers who are compassionate and willing to understand "it's unfortunate that you have people that work in the human services business and basically they don't have human services personal relations … I think they're just in the business because they went to school to become social workers and whatever, and it's their job."

Providers expressed many ideas. In general, housing, jobs, and services for mental health and substance abuse are considered priority needs. In terms of housing needs, they mentioned not only low-income housing but also the need for more beds and better facilities in homeless shelters, or the provision of at least an address or phone number; the minimum requirement to find a job. Job training was considered a key to solving the lack of employment among homeless people. However, it is not enough to help only with finding a job that will provide a livable wage. There is also a need for other support, such as better transportation and an increased willingness by employers to hire people in need. Mental illness and substance abuse were always talked about and seen to be a problem with many homeless people. Thus, it is not surprising that the need for increased treatment programs and rehabilitation services is perceived as being very important from the provider's perspective.

When addressing the lack of the social network because homeless people are "disconnected from other people in the community that could help them", creating a network among service providers and homeless people is a goal that providers addressed. The other is that to keep their services going and to be able to improve these services, more resources, funds, staff, and space are really needed. Some providers expressed that they would like more health-supportive policies put in place and funds created to support governmental social services.

Strengths

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Community Networks and Involvement