The Impact of Policies on Homelessness

Shelter policies were identified as one of the reasons individuals may choose not to access services. The Durham Community Shelter for H.O.P.E. has strict rules and guidelines for behavior that not everyone feels comfortable with. The Durham Rescue Mission requires a total commitment to their program, which is largely informed by the belief in Christian salvation as the way to turn one's life around. Other transitional housing is only available to those willing to make a year-long commitment to treatment and counseling. These programs are not for everyone. In addition, the Shelter for H.O.P.E. cannot accommodate unaccompanied minors or fathers with children. Genesis House is currently the only facility in Durham equipped to handle two-parent families with children, and provide daycare services.

While a variety of governmental programs provide services for homeless people, it appears there is a greater need than is being met. Some of the programs service providers spoke of include Operation Breakthrough, TANFF, the Durham Housing Authority, and the Immediate Services Unit operated by Durham County Social Services.

The recorded message of the Immediate Services Unit says, "If you are in a crisis situation, and you can verify that you are a Durham Co. resident, and have children in your home under age 18, you may qualify for emergency assistance through the Durham Co. Immediate Services Unit. Additional qualifications include income eligibility. Applications are taken in person on a first come, first served basis." More than one concerned service provider referred to the "residency" stipulation, who pointed out that it automatically excludes homeless people from access to services. The Immediate Services Administrator was contacted numerous times in an attempt to clarify eligibility requirements, and a phone interview was finally arranged. Unfortunately, the Administrator was not there at the appointed time, nor did she return phone calls to try and re-schedule. She also did not send written materials that were requested, outlining Immediate Services policies and eligibility requirements. One can only surmise that if it is this difficult to attain information from this office, it may be equally if not more so to obtain the services themselves.

Lack of funding is a chronic problem for social services and related needs of the homeless, and some providers expressed frustration with elected officials who are not willing to advocate for progressive policies and, as one provider said, "aren't interested in putting their position on the line in order to increase taxes for services for the low-income homeless population." One interviewee did acknowledge that the City Council has been more involved than many other community governments, giving around $175,000 to the shelters annually. Many providers mentioned Federal policies related to Medicare and Medicaid and welfare assistance were exclusionary, offered only a "band aid" approach, and were barriers to health care stemming from lack of insurance.

Past and Present Programs

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