Recession seen to blame for more homelessness

By Amanda Smith
The economy may be showing signs of recovery, but the homeless are struggling like never before. According to the Clinton County Department of Social Services’ (DSS) records, 2009 has seen the highest number of people seeking assistance in recent years. In 2007, an average of 111 people sought financial assistance and other services from DSS and increased by only three people in 2008, while that number jumped to 138 people in 2009.
“This year has been an increase in everything, eviction especially,” said Debbie Francis, Clinton Co. Department of Social Services Supervisor.
In Plattsburgh, housing has been hard to find, particularly for those in dire need of it. Considering the recession, the public assistance offered to persons looking for help is tremendously limited. Public assistance provides each individual with about $360 while a decent Plattsburgh apartment is about $750, she said.
“You simply cannot live in Plattsburgh for that amount,” Francis said.
In addition to the shortcomings of the already low amount of public assistance, money can also be deducted from that sum if the person obtains a job or receives money elsewhere.
“Getting a job is the number one thing, but it’s hard because these people may not have the skills (to get a job that pays enough)…It’s a vicious cycle,” Francis said.
This cycle has become a new trend in our nation that many are having to deal with, most of who are completely inexperienced to such a situation. Sally Soucia, Director of Community Outreach Program for Joint Council for Economic Opportunity of Clinton and Franklin Co. (JCEO), said she’s sure this is due to the economy.
“We’re seeing more people that were laid off or can’t pay their rent. We’ve also seen more people who have never used our food pantry,” she said.
JCEO works closely with other agencies like Family Promise to ensure that every resource is available. Family Promise helps low-income and homeless families to become financially independent and maintain that independence by offering support services.
Family Promise works with twelve local congregations that serve as host sites for the homeless to stay. The organization prepares dinners and sets time aside for help with homework and fun activities for the kids, but only three families are allowed to use these services at a time to guarantee privacy.
“We also make sure they keep up with their payments,” said Maureen Bradish, Director of Family Promise in Clinton Co.
However, certain criteria can sometimes limit the amount of help a homeless or low-income family receives because each state and organization has different rules, said Bradish. Many times, the problem can be the availability of room as well.
Families go through an interview process before being placed in a host site to ensure following of rules and regulations. A few stipulations of being admitted into Family Promise is that one cannot have a current alcohol or drug problem, anyone with a mental illness or anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse. The organization has a separate program for those with domestic violence problems. Another key rule is that there cannot be just one individual because Family Promise only helps family units; pregnant women are considered a family unit.
Family Promise receives different kinds of aid. Funds from DSS and the state come to them in the form of a grant such as Temporary Assistance Grant and Emergency Shelter Grant. United Way, FEMA and formerly from Assembly woman Betty Little and Senator Janet Dupree contribute money.
“This year we were denied funding (from Little and Dupree) because there isn’t enough state aid,” Bradish said.
In 2007, Little and Dupree contributed $10,000 each. Although fundraising and donations can amount to nearly $20,000, losing funds puts a big dent into what Family Promise can do to help the homeless situation in Plattsburgh.
When Family Promise is unable to temporarily house the homeless, the commissioner of Social Services makes sure that they are put up in motels which are usually grungy, Bradish said. Due to a sharp increase in taxes in the city of Plattsburgh, many can’t afford their rent anymore she said. Plattsburgh Housing Authority sometimes finds homes for Family Promise’s clients, but the waiting list is too long to wait for.
“It’s not an option for my families,” Bradish said. “Finding safe, affordable housing is a hardship in Plattsburgh,”
There is an obvious increase in the number of homes going up for sale, said Donna Trombley, who used to donate money to Family Promise.
“Just on my street you can see it,” she said. “We are in a bad predicament and times are getting even harder.”
“(Overcoming homelessness) depends on someone’s situation and their personality,” said Dr. Carol Shuttleworth, Plattsburgh State’s Senior Counselor of Psychological Services. “Some may become dependent on social services while others may be too embarrassed to even receive help. It also depends upon the support someone has,” she said.
Cornell Cooperative Extension makes parenting, budgeting and after school programs available to the public. There are eight educators that provide programs in Jefferson Co. whereas Clinton Co. only has one, said Stephanie Graf, Youth and Family Program Leader for Cornell Cooperative Extension in Jefferson Co.
“Cornell Cooperative Extension is small in Clinton Co. so program services are limited,” she said.
Graf also mentioned that Social Services may even have some unreported cases of homelessness.
“The homeless situation is different in NYC than it is in the North Country,” she said.
Bradish, Family Promise’s Director, also commented, “Plattsburgh isn’t in your face. If people aren’t sleeping in the street, no one sees it,” she said.