Did everyone see this in the Republic today? What is your opinion on it? Editorial: Collaborate to Address Homeless Population THE newly created Columbus Homeless Independent Resiliency Program’s purpose is to help the homeless get people off the streets and into jobs. CHIRP wants to provide assistance by establishing a 50-bed homeless shelter in the city, either by using an existing building or finding a place to build. CHIRP envisions the building as an emergency shelter and transition home. This is a noble idea, but one that raises many serious questions about its necessity and operation. Three local agencies already help the homeless: Horizon House, Love Chapel and the Columbus Township trustee’s office. They have worked together to provide the homeless with shelter and a path to self-sufficiency. CHIRP’s contention is that these agencies don’t serve the homeless population well enough and leave some without help. The program’s director, Lisa Schadenfroh, said CHIRP helped 140 people from January through March. A homeless count conducted Jan. 29 indicated the number in Bartholomew County increased from 75 to 81 over the past year, although that count reflected only one day. Also, fewer than 10 individuals were found to be unsheltered. CHIRP, which is applying for nonprofit status, said its shelter would be all-inclusive and would turn no one away. That sounds good but actually raises serious safety concerns. Some questions immediately come to mind, such as how people will be protected from criminals with violent or dangerous records that may also be seeking shelter there. Also: How would staff keep populations apart to avoid potential problems? Would security personnel be hired, or would staff be expected to provide security? Horizon House and Love Chapel, for example, have restrictions on who can be placed into transitional housing. That might seem harsh to those who are rejected, but such rules are intended to ensure safety and to make sure people are working toward self-sufficiency. People also can receive short-term accommodations at hotels through the local homeless safety net, but Schadenfroh contends that’s not enough help. Current solutions leave room for an all-inclusive shelter to bridge the gaps, she said. However, how much would a 50-bed homeless shelter cost and who would pay for it? Those are two important questions yet to be answered. Cost could vary significantly — and possibly be prohibitive — depending on whether an existing building is refurbished or a new one is built. And what about funding to pay for staff, utilities and ongoing maintenance? Many important questions must be answered by CHIRP before many others to buy into its plan. CHIRP’s plan has been described as a duplication of services by representatives from existing agencies that serve the homeless, creating friction. A more constructive approach would be for CHIRP to work with Horizon House, Love Chapel and the Columbus Township trustee to accomplish the goal of helping the homeless. Working together, they could determine if existing services need to be augmented to meet a greater demand and how CHIRP could help do that. Homelessness in Bartholomew County is an issue that can’t be solved by one agency. It takes the help of multiple organizations to get people in need back on their feet and with a roof over their head. CHIRP has an opportunity to play an important role in that collective mission. Going it alone, though, raises too many questions at this juncture and not enough answers. therepublic/view/local_story/Editorial-Collaborate-to-addre_1410640998
Posted on: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 02:43:38 +0000
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