No substitute for volunteerism, homelessness panel says
Daniel Althouse
Issue date: 11/20/08 Section: News
Last update: 11/19/08 at 11:59 PM EST
Glass added that some of the men who sleep at the shelter have graduated from college, but have been forced from their homes because of various reasons.
"Some of the men have masters degrees, even PhDs," Glass said.
The high-cost medical bills are a main reason that people are driven to the streets every day, he added.
"Lots of people are only $200 or $300 a month away from being able to take care of themselves," Glass said.
Panelists covered the issue of homeless children, which is frighteningly high: Up to 35 percent of homeless people are under 18 years old. Glass said most of those children are on the streets with their families, or at least one parent or guardian.
Smith said many homeless people have mental illnesses, and some are dually diagnosed with alcohol or drug addictions.
Smith also mentioned multiple organizations donate their skills and knowledge to help the homeless, including Operation Safety Net, a health care outreach program, and HUB, a Community Human Services project that assists homeless young adults.
During the panel discussion, Baker reiterated that monetary donations are not the only way to help solve the homelessness problem.
"There are so many ways we can all help out without writing big checks," Baker said.
White echoed this point, saying that people don't realize that they don't need to make monetary contributions, and contributions of time can help more.
"We can do things without giving money," White said. "A few hours a week can make worlds of difference."
"Some of the men have masters degrees, even PhDs," Glass said.
The high-cost medical bills are a main reason that people are driven to the streets every day, he added.
"Lots of people are only $200 or $300 a month away from being able to take care of themselves," Glass said.
Panelists covered the issue of homeless children, which is frighteningly high: Up to 35 percent of homeless people are under 18 years old. Glass said most of those children are on the streets with their families, or at least one parent or guardian.
Smith said many homeless people have mental illnesses, and some are dually diagnosed with alcohol or drug addictions.
Smith also mentioned multiple organizations donate their skills and knowledge to help the homeless, including Operation Safety Net, a health care outreach program, and HUB, a Community Human Services project that assists homeless young adults.
During the panel discussion, Baker reiterated that monetary donations are not the only way to help solve the homelessness problem.
"There are so many ways we can all help out without writing big checks," Baker said.
White echoed this point, saying that people don't realize that they don't need to make monetary contributions, and contributions of time can help more.
"We can do things without giving money," White said. "A few hours a week can make worlds of difference."
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