The Need for Homeless Shelters to Help People Rises

The need for homeless shelters to help people has risen dramatically from 2007 to 2009, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The increase in the number of families becoming homeless increased 30% during the two-year time period.

Stimulus Package Funds to Help People Regain Homes

There is hope that the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program, funded via 2009 federal stimulus funds, will aid people regain housing and reduce the number of families requiring homeless shelter. HUD began distributing $1.5 billion in late 2009, and more than 550,000 families have received aid so far. The question is whether the aid is enough to keep pace with increasing homelessness.

Will the Funding Help People to Combat Homelessness?

Whether the aid is enough to keep pace with increasing homelessness is doubtful, as shelters across the United States have reported an increase in the number of families seeking shelter.  Shelters in Arizona, Rhode Island and Ohio have reported increases ranging from 17% to 30% in 2010 for the same 2009 period. Some families have even shuttled between states to seek refuge, such as the Griffiths, who lost their housing while living in Florida. Unfortunately, shelters where were completely full, so the family returned to Rhode Island, where they had reassurance from the Rhode Island shelter that space was available and that they would be able to stay together as a family.

As families travel seeking shelter, jobs and financial assistance, Microgiving is working to help people through these difficult times. If you would like to donate online and aid people, or would benefit from assistance yourself, please visit our site and explore the avenues available to you.

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