Say "homeless" and most people easily conjure up urban images. In rural communities, homelessness is just as real, but often invisible. That's why 118 NeighborWorks network organizations use innovative approaches to address the challenges of helping their neighbors not only find homes, but stay in them. And because every community is different, every agency's approach is designed to be appropriate for the population it serves.
Homelessness isn't created equal
People experiencing homelessness in rural communities are subject to the same economic and social challenges as urban dwellers. Some lose their homes in natural disasters. The opioid epidemic has hit rural America especially hard, resulting in job losses, economic despair and increased medical costs, as well as additional challenges for family, friends and community services. However, homeless shelters aren't always available in rural areas or and many people experiencing homelessness may not be aware of the organizations that could help them address some of the root causes of homelessness.Many rural communities are isolated and have experienced persistent poverty for decades. Some rural residents live near seasonal vacation communities, where rising taxes and land values create financial hardships for those who have been there for generations.
People experiencing homelessness often take advantage of informal housing, rotating among the homes of friends and family members, cars, abandoned buildings or even the woods — hence, the term "invisible homelessness."
Northwest Michigan, with its beautiful lakes and cherry trees, is one of the parts of the United States that has seen a sharp increase in the cost of housing in recent years. It is also the home of a notably large population of military veterans, including Vietnam-era vets who are experiencing homelessness. Workers for the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency located one man, a veteran, who had lived in the woods for 12 years. Michigan winters are cold, and he said he spent the entire winter just feeding his fire. Finding him was no accident.
The agency relies on a strong outreach team based in four locations within its service area. Staff members work hard to identify homeless veterans. They walk through woods and campgrounds and visit laundromats, libraries, convenience stores and other places where people experiencing homelessness gather.
They have developed a coordinated entry program that vets can reach through a toll-free number. They immediately provide the vets with gas cards so they can get to work. They link them to veterans' services and come up with a plan to get them housed and make sure they remain housed. One staff member has received special training to help meet the needs of the homeless veteran population.
Almost 20 percent of Americans live in rural communities, and residents tend to be older and sicker . Access to health care is increasingly challenging. Basic infrastructure, from Internet to indoor plumbing to sanitary sewage, is sometimes absent, further isolating residents. Even for people who own property — and in many communities, most do — poverty may leave them unable to pay for repairs their homes need. If the roof needs repair or a disaster strikes, they have few options.
Training and collaboration
NeighborWorks America's training and certification programs arm members with many of the skills they need to develop individual and effective approaches to addressing challenges unique to their communities. David Dangler, NeighborWorks America's director of rural initiatives, convenes a rural advisory council to discuss efforts and share strategies. They also address long-term challenges such as the effect of climate change on rural communities.While every community is different, agencies use some common approaches. They participate in, and often convene, financial, government and nonprofit organizations that share their commitment to helping people find and remain in housing. The Southern Mutual Help Association (SMHA) in New Iberia, Louisiana, for example, has developed its own lending affiliate, Southern Mutual Financial Services, which provides access to flexible capital for homes and businesses. They have a longtime partnership with Mennonite Disaster Services as well as dozens of foundations, local businesses, government agencies and other nonprofits.
NeighborWorks America's network organizations are deeply committed to collaboration, not only with other service providers but with community members. They call upon every resource they can identify to address challenges for individuals and families who find themselves without a home. SMHA went so far as to build a new mixed-income community in Iberia Parish, involving residents in every step of the planning and design.
"Just listen," advises Lorna Bourg, president and executive director of SMHA. "Use the power of people's stories. Listen and get feedback and you won't go wrong."
