Is homelessness a problem?
Homelessness is a big problem and, as we’ve all noticed, a large quantity of homeless people tend to congregate in downtown Salt Lake City. Utah, however, is making major moves to end homelessness and has been very effective thus far. In the last three years, the amount of homeless people has decreased from 16,522 to 13,621. These numbers can be somewhat deceiving because one of the top myths of homelessness is that it is chronic and widespread. The State of Utah compiled a report for 2014 in which many interesting facts, such as chronic homelessness, were discussed. Interestingly, only 3.9 percent of Utah’s homeless population is chronically homeless. 45 percent of single adults and 31 percent of families stayed in shelters for less than one week during 2013. This is fantastic news but that still means there are about 539 people who are chronically homeless in Utah. There are still 539 people who have been halted in life for way too long. There are still 539 people that see little chance of escape.
Although the quantity of chronic homeless people is starkly small in contrast to the overall number, it is a group that is actually increasing in size. 495 people were chronically homeless in 2013 and 539 in 2014. So what keeps chronically homeless people there and how can we remedy it? There are many factors that tend to lead to homelessness (abuse, drugs, destroyed relationships and many more) but homelessness will never be achieved unless a person is close to or falls below the poverty line. Many studies have shown the link between poverty and lack of education. Thus, education is the key to preventing homelessness and helping chronic victims escape its grasp.
How can we remedy the problem?
Because there are
a few universities within close proximity of these shelters, (BYU Salt Lake
Center, LDSBC, the University of Utah, ect.) there is a wealth of students in
the area. These students engage in many different scholastic fields ranging
from economics to art and from music to English. Imagine if some of what these
students are learning could be passed on to the homeless. ECE is an organization that has these knowledgeable and hard working students teach at least one class a day to the homeless. The idea is very simple and yields amazing results
but logistically it may seem very complex. Students, as a part of their class, are required to go teach a class to the homeless once a month (or even less). They will receive credit for their personal classes while serving our homeless counterparts.
Courses: English, Math, Financial Literacy, and Art/ Music:
Classes will cover some important subjects including English, Math, Financial Literacy and Art/ Music. Graduate students from different fields are the best because of their proficiency, grasp of easily teachable concepts and willingness to work hard. These students come from many different fields and would provide basic classes, which, will be good beginning footstools to reenculturate these individuals who are now unattached from society. Two students will teach the class for both safety and course quality. The skills that these students have learned will be such an amazing blessing to those who may have dropped out of school, never attended, or have lost the skills in their difficult circumstances. With correct coordination between the university and the shelters, the shelter will provide a room where these classes could take place. Money will raised for basic supplies (pens, paper, basic books, ect), which will be kept in the classroom. A course could be established with specific classes and possible reward for completion. Recognition will be received for completing the classes, this will be a great way to begin to look for jobs and an eventual escape from homelessness. There is amazing opportunity for growth in this permanent program. It is a self-sustaining, free program because students are replenished each year and do not need to receive pay as part of their courses. In the very least, education will begin to shape all parties into better individuals for the society and would give them hope for a better world. This service will bless the lives of the students involved as well as improving the situation of the homeless.
Courses: English, Math, Financial Literacy, and Art/ Music:
Classes will cover some important subjects including English, Math, Financial Literacy and Art/ Music. Graduate students from different fields are the best because of their proficiency, grasp of easily teachable concepts and willingness to work hard. These students come from many different fields and would provide basic classes, which, will be good beginning footstools to reenculturate these individuals who are now unattached from society. Two students will teach the class for both safety and course quality. The skills that these students have learned will be such an amazing blessing to those who may have dropped out of school, never attended, or have lost the skills in their difficult circumstances. With correct coordination between the university and the shelters, the shelter will provide a room where these classes could take place. Money will raised for basic supplies (pens, paper, basic books, ect), which will be kept in the classroom. A course could be established with specific classes and possible reward for completion. Recognition will be received for completing the classes, this will be a great way to begin to look for jobs and an eventual escape from homelessness. There is amazing opportunity for growth in this permanent program. It is a self-sustaining, free program because students are replenished each year and do not need to receive pay as part of their courses. In the very least, education will begin to shape all parties into better individuals for the society and would give them hope for a better world. This service will bless the lives of the students involved as well as improving the situation of the homeless.
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