Other Similarities in Identified Needs/Causes of Homelessness

Housing

Affordable housing is another issue both providers and community members address as a need and the lack of it as a cause of homelessness. However, providers and community members differ in the levels they approach lack of affordable housing. Providers tend to consider it on the macro and individual levels by discussing legislative advocacy, the extension of public housing, and the individual favoritism demonstrated by landlords for Latinos, while community members focused singularly on the individual problems, like landlords not repairing houses.

Employment

Service providers and community members addressed the need for employment and the lack of jobs as a cause of homelessness. They also identified many of the same barriers and the need to attend to them: the minimal availability of skill training, lack of a livable wage, lack of experience, the lack of a contact address, and the lack of transportation. In addition, community members and service providers mentioned how being homeless just in itself is a barrier. They each explained how once employers realize an applicant is homeless, they will not be given a chance. Both groups also identified the relationship between job competition and racial unrest between African Americans and Latinos in Durham.

Alone: Consequences for Information Support

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Shared Strengths