Homelessness in Florida

Homelessness in Florida: a middle-class problem Homelessness in Florida: a middle-class problem | Florida’s affordable housing crisis is fueling a new population of homelessness in the state: middle-class working families. Load video

Why are people homeless in Florida?

Homelessness is a serious social issue in Florida. As of January 2019, the state had approximately 28,328 people suffering from homelessness on any given day. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, there are 15 homeless per 10,000 people in Florida. The state has the third-largest homeless population in the USA.

Homelessness in Florida results from both systemic and social barriers. Poverty, unemployment, rising rent, domestic violence, legal problems, drug abuse, and mental and physical illness are all significant factors.

Poverty

People living below the poverty line find it difficult to afford housing. Their poor financial condition deprives them of adequate shelter. As of 2018, 13.6% of Florida’s population was living in poverty.

Unemployment

Unemployment might be long-term, or it may be a sudden occurrence. Either way, the person suffering from it cannot afford rent or mortgage. The resulting job insecurity leads to housing uncertainty. As of May 2020, Florida’s unemployment rate stood at a concerning 14.5%.

Skyrocketing property costs

The general rise in property prices has made life even more difficult for these people. An increase in urbanization causes an increase in property demand. This is because people move to these urban centers in search of better living standards. But, this also drives prices upwards. This makes it difficult for those living below the poverty line to afford housing.

Domestic Violence

Domestic abuse and violence affect people in many ways. One of these is forcing the victims to leave their homes. While they get respite from the abuse, they find themselves on the streets. Returning to their abusive relations is hardly an option. Thus, they end up spending a long time without a decent home.

Legal Problems

Prisoners awaiting trial often end up losing employment and housing, too. They have no choice but to settle for temporary shelters or drop-in centers.

Drug Abuse and Alcoholism

Drug addicts often face expulsion from their homes. Their problems with addiction make them unbearable for their family members. These individuals spend a lot on drugs, which leaves little behind for rent or mortgage. They will usually refuse to seek help with housing, despite their homelessness. Thus, their addiction problems continue without a roof over their heads.

Mental and Physical Illnesses

Victims of mental and physical illnesses face homelessness, too. Their families either can’t bear them or can’t afford treatment for them. Thus, such individuals end up living on the streets as well.

What parts of Florida have the greatest problems with homelessness?

The most populous cities of Florida have the biggest problems with homelessness. These include Jacksonville, Miami, and Tampa.

These urban centers attract people from many parts of the US and from around the world. This results in an increase in demand for essentials, including housing. As property prices skyrocket, the poorer members of society struggle to afford housing. They have no choice but to settle for temporary shelter or even a place on the streets.

They will usually make flimsy shelters out of cardboard and plastic. One of the most common sights is people sleeping under bridges and flyovers in these cities. They have to put up with abuse, harassment, and ridicule. With little to no security, they have to bear with it for as long as they can.

What is Florida doing to help the currently homeless?

Volunteer organizations and social workers play a vital role in helping the homeless. They provide various support and emergency services to those on the streets.

Soup kitchens are also common across Florida. These kitchens are accessible and allow the homeless to have a decent meal. Many charitable groups organize food drives for the homeless. They also distribute blankets and clothes to people living on the streets.

Drop-in centers allow the homeless to gain shelter and interact with others like them. Day centers and night shelters provide essential refuge to the homeless as well.

What is Florida doing to prevent future homelessness?

The state is looking to increase funding to the Permanent Supportive Housing Program. This program aims to help the chronically homeless and disabled residents of Florida. It will also enable long-term psychiatric patients to find a home after being released from state hospitals.

Florida is also trying to increase affordable rental housing for low-income households. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition in 2019, the state has a shortage of 428,622 affordable rental units.

What measures can the governor implement to end homelessness in Florida?

The governor can invest in housing for low-income households. There is a need for more affordable housing units for a growing population of homeless people.

There is also a need for ‘Housing First’ in Florida. This is the principle of giving unconditional accommodation to a homeless person up-front. The person can then access other forms of support as well. This differs from expecting a homeless person to ‘qualify’ for housing. This policy guarantees a home for the homeless and gives them a stable base for dealing with other problems. Finland implemented ‘Housing First’ and achieved immense success. In the US, Veterans Affairs has reduced homelessness to a vast extent using this approach.

According to the Florida Department of Children and Families Council on Homeless report of 2017, “Housing First is recognized as an evidence-based best practice is cost effective, and results in better outcomes as compared to other approaches.”

What can citizens do the help end homelessness in Florida?

As a citizen, you may not improve homeless lives overnight. But, you can change your attitudes for the better.

For starters, every citizen must make it a point to empathize with homeless people. We must not be wary of greeting them or engaging with them. We must acknowledge their existence as worthy human beings.

It is also possible to prepare special 'care packages' for the homeless. These could include food, water, and clothes that will help them get through another day. Volunteering at drop-in centers, food banks, or local shelters will also have an impact. Not only will it allow you to help the homeless, but it will also make it easier for you to empathize with them.

You can make donations to charities or programs geared towards ending homelessness. Such programs need all the funds they can get to have a positive impact on the lives of the homeless. Even a paltry amount donated by you can go a long way in helping the needy.

You could also consider becoming an advocate for the homeless. This can include educating people about the plight of the homeless. You can also fight for the rights of those who face constant harassment. By raising awareness like this, you can improve lives for the homeless.

If I am homeless in Florida, who can help me?

Social workers and NGOs can help you. They can guide you to drop-in centers, soup kitchens, and other helpful places. If you struggle with addiction, they may also help you avail rehab. They can even help you find a decent place to live for the long term. It is easy to find them via the Internet or by asking around.