(L-R) Captain Laura Hickman, the Salvation Army, Doug Norsworthy club president, Erin Schooley Homelessness Programs Supervisor Huron County
We were pleased to welcome our guest speakers Captain Laura Hickman and Erin Schooley to our Tuesday meeting to share with us the growing impact of homelessness in our community. No longer a challenge just for big cities. Homelessness describes the situation of an individual, family or community without stable, safe, permanent, appropriate housing, or the immediate prospect, means and ability of acquiring it. Causes are very complex, a lack of affordable and appropriate housing, the individual/household’s financial, mental, cognitive, behavioral or physical challenges, and/or racism and discrimination. Most people do not choose to be homeless, and the experience is generally negative, unpleasant, unhealthy, unsafe, stressful and distressing. Captain Laura shared with us the "Out of the Cold" program located at the Salvation Army citadel and changes that are being identified. The program has seen active usage since it opened this past Dec 1 but what is changing is what was once short term emergency guests for perhaps one or two nights is transitioning into much long stays. With limited resources, possible mental health challenges, addition etc it can be very difficult to become self sufficient. Support services will continue to be challenged.