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From Homelessness to Self-Sufficiency
There are many community organizations and social movements around the world who have chosen to take action on the issue of homelessness. They have sought to counteract the causes and the consequences by starting initiatives of organizing those affected by homelessness towards self-sufficiency in core areas of sustainability. Social movements tend to follow a grassroots model of organization. This form of movement is generally characterized by a loose, informal and decentralized structure, with an emphasis on radical protest politics. An interest group gives more of an emphasis on influencing policies and relies on formal organization. The goal of these different groups is that they are made up of and run by a mixture of allies of the homeless population as well as members of the population themselves to break stereotyped images of the homeless as being weak and excluded and to ensure that the voice of those most affected by homelessness is clearly heard.

Employment
The United States Department of Labor has sought to address one of the main causes of homelessness, a lack of meaningful and sustainable employment, through targeted training programs and an increase in access to employment opportunities that can lend themselves to self-sustainability. This has included the development of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, which addresses homelessness on the federal level in addition to connecting individuals to resources at the state level. All individuals who are in need of assistance are able, in theory, to access employment and training services under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), although this is contigent upon funding and program support by the government, with Veterans also being able to utilize the Veterans Workforce Investment Program. Under the Department of Labor is the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS), which offers a variety of programs targeted at ending homelessness among Veterans. The Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program (HVRP) is the only national program that is exclusively focused on assisting Veterans as they reenter the workforce. In addition, the VETS program also has an Incarcerated Veterans’ Transition Program as well as services that are unique to female Veterans.

Mainstream programs initiated by the Department of Labor have included the Workforce Investment Act, One-Stop Career Centers, and a Community Voice Mail system that helps to connect individuals around the country with local resources. In addition, targeted labor programs have included the Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Project, Disability Program Navigator Initiative, ending chronic homelessness through employment and housing projects, Job Corps, and the Veterans Workforce Investment Program (VWIP).

Community Organization Housing Initiative
Many housing initiatives have taken place that are orientated toward involving the homeless in the process of building and maintaining affordable shared housing. This process works as a double impact by not only providing housing but also employment. One example of this form of initiative is that of the nonprofit organization Living Solutions located in downtown San Diego, CA. This community organization initiative provides the homeless population with a source of housing as well as employment in the building of affordable homes. The initiative also builds empowerment by expecting residents to assume responsibility in maintaining these homes. Residents are responsible for all household duties, including: menu planning, budgeting, shopping, cooking, cleaning, yard work, and home maintenance. The environment of responsibility over a living space fosters a sense of ownership as well as involvement in all parts of the decision-making process.



Organizing Around Homeless Shelters
Homeless shelters can become grounds for community organization and recruitment of homeless individuals into social movements for their own cause by ensuring decent conditions at these shelters. Cooperation between the shelter and an elected representative from the homeless community at each shelter can serve as the backbone of this form of initiative. The representative presents and forwards problems, dissatisfaction, and new ideas to the director and staff of the shelters. A few examples of possible problems are ways to deal with drugs, alcohol, and conflict. SAND (The Danish National Organization for Homeless People) is one example of this form of organizational empowerment. Issues reported at the homeless shelters are then addressed by SAND at the regional or national level. To open further dialogue, SAND organizes regional discussion forums where invited staff from the shelters, homeless representatives, and local authorities meet to discuss dilemmas and practices at the shelters.

Political Action: Voting
The presence of influential allies is imperative to forming political opportunity structures for the homeless population. Equal access to the right to vote is a crucial part of maintaining a democracy. Voting gives people the option to play a part in deciding the direction of their communities by voicing their opinions on issues that are important and relevant to their lives. Each election, low income and homeless individuals vote at a lower rate than people with higher incomes, despite the fact that many policy decisions directly impact people who are economically disadvantaged. Currently, issues such as raising the minimum wage and funding certain social welfare and housing programs are being debated in the U.S. Congress and in communities around the country. In order for our government to represent the people, citizens must vote--especially those who are economically disadvantaged.

An example of how to overcome these obstacles and encourage greater voter participation among low income and homeless citizens was done by the National Coalition for the Homeless and other national advocacy and grassroots social movement groups. These groups collaborated in creating a manual that seeks to promote voting access for low income and homeless persons to ensure that those who are economically disadvantaged maintain an active role and voice in shaping their futures. The manual is designed to provide ideas to help overcome the many obstacles that prevent people experiencing homelessness from becoming registered, active voters. View manual here: By working together with homeless persons, low income individuals, and advocates around the country, grassroots social movement organizations can work alongside homeless and low income persons to make their voices heard on Election Day.

Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 and has grown into a world leader in reducing hoemelessness through buildling homes. Habitat is an international, nonprofit, Christian housing ministry that believes every person should have a place to live that is decent, safe, and affordable. Habitat homes are built and repaired all over the world through volunteer labor and donations. Partner families are able to purchase their homes at no-profit, no-interest mortage loans or other innovative financing options. Habitat runs on volunteer hours and donations, with homeowners investing hundreds of hours of their own time and labor into the building of their home and the homes of others. The mortgage payments paid by homeowners each month are used to fund the building of additional Habitat homes.

For those interested in connecting with the Habitat afilliate in their area about their eligibility and the application process, contact 1-800-422-4828.

The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that seeks to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ while meeting the needs of people without discrimination. Their housing and homeless services include group homes, emergency shelters, and transitional living centers that provide housing, food, and overnight shelter. They also provide educational, counseling, and vocational services to individuals, youth, and families who are experiencing homelessness. Families and needy individuals are also able to access emergency food, housing, and utility assistance. Programs and operations vary among the 7,546 centers across the United States, so individuals and families should contact their local Salvation Army through the national website to find out what is availalbe

National Coalition for the Homeless
The National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) is a national organization of people who are currently in the midst of homelessness or have experienced it in the past along with activists and advocates, community-based and faith-based providers of social services, and others. While coming from various backgrounds and perspectives, those involved are all committed to preventing and ending homelessness while also ensuring that the immediate needs are met for those who are currently experiencing homelessness and making sure that their civil rights are protected. The NCH strives to create a world where everyone has a home that is safe, decent, affordable, and accessible. As a result, the organization is committed to creating necessary changes in systems and attitudes so that homelessness can be prevented and ended. The NCH believes that people who have experienced homelessness in the past or are currently experiencing it must be actively involved in all of the work being done to counter the issue. Organizational programs involve public education, policy advocacy, and grassroots organizing with a focus on justice concerning housing, economics, and health care as well as civil rights.

If you are a teenager who lives on the streets or is thinking about running away from, called the National Runaway Switchboard at 1-800-621-400 or visit their website.