The Truth
http://www.cubebreaker.com/rethink-homelessness-cardboard-stories/
Homelessness is linked to many poor health outcomes. There are many individuals who are homeless as a result of having poor health. Living with chronic illness that is difficult to manage may result in loss of employment and housing and ultimately result in homelessness. Living on the streets leaves people vulnerable to extreme temperatures, violence and assault that often result in poor health outcomes. Nearly 40% of homeless individuals are reported to have some type of chronic health problem (Murph, 2014)
concentration of Poverty in Milwaukee
According to the latest United States census data, Milwaukee is one of the most racially segregated large metropolitan areas in the United States. Milwaukee and its surrounding suburbs create a very noticeable black-white segregation line.
Milwaukee mayor Tom Barrett “reaffirms that the city itself is the most diverse city in terms of race, ethnicity and economics in the state of Wisconsin.”
However, Milwaukee is home to 73% of the poor people in the metropolitan area. Those 73% also are mostly people of color, coincidentally or not.
Milwaukee is home to the area’s poor population, and there is no doubt about that.
Tolan, Tom, and Bill Glauber. "Milwaukee Area Tops Brookings Segregation Study of Census Data." Journal Sentinel. Journal Sentinel, Inc., 14 Dec. 2010. Web. 18 Mar. 2015.
Milwaukee mayor Tom Barrett “reaffirms that the city itself is the most diverse city in terms of race, ethnicity and economics in the state of Wisconsin.”
However, Milwaukee is home to 73% of the poor people in the metropolitan area. Those 73% also are mostly people of color, coincidentally or not.
Milwaukee is home to the area’s poor population, and there is no doubt about that.
Tolan, Tom, and Bill Glauber. "Milwaukee Area Tops Brookings Segregation Study of Census Data." Journal Sentinel. Journal Sentinel, Inc., 14 Dec. 2010. Web. 18 Mar. 2015.
A homeless man's point of View
There are more homeless people now than there was three years ago, despite new initiatives put in place by local organizations and the government. James E. Causey, a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter, interviewed a local homeless man named David Baker.
Baker had recently become homeless after failing to get help with his alcohol dependency, which is what ultimately put him on the streets. Baker does make money, around $30 per day doing odd jobs and panhandling. He wishes that the city would initiate more drug and alcohol treatment facilities to help people like him, which make up most of the homeless population. Causey states that Milwaukee’s concern regarding the issue of homelessness has decreased since 2010. Citizens and officials have ignored the reality, and have let it continue. Homelessness has just become something to frown upon and turn your head away from, and until it gets more attention, the problem will continue to grow. Sadly, Baker adds, “I guess you can call us invisible. I mean we’re there, but most of the time people don’t want to look at you. It’s better that they pretend that you don’t exist.”
With the problem growing out of control, the federal government has cut the amount of aid given to Milwaukee for supporting shelters, homeless prevention services, and re-housing programs. The need for these programs is at an all time high as approximately 3,556 Milwaukee Public School students were homeless during the 2012-2013 school year.
Astonishingly, 20% of Milwaukee’s homeless population is actually employed. Milwaukee County Supervisor, David Bowen, points out the recent “living wage” proposal. It is sad that full-time working individuals still are poor and cannot afford housing prices. Either way, something needs to change in Milwaukee to decrease homelessness.
Causey, James E. "In Milwaukee, a Developing Crisis of Homelessness." Journal Sentinel. Journal Sentinel, Inc., 13 Sept. 2013. Web. 18 Mar. 2015.
Baker had recently become homeless after failing to get help with his alcohol dependency, which is what ultimately put him on the streets. Baker does make money, around $30 per day doing odd jobs and panhandling. He wishes that the city would initiate more drug and alcohol treatment facilities to help people like him, which make up most of the homeless population. Causey states that Milwaukee’s concern regarding the issue of homelessness has decreased since 2010. Citizens and officials have ignored the reality, and have let it continue. Homelessness has just become something to frown upon and turn your head away from, and until it gets more attention, the problem will continue to grow. Sadly, Baker adds, “I guess you can call us invisible. I mean we’re there, but most of the time people don’t want to look at you. It’s better that they pretend that you don’t exist.”
With the problem growing out of control, the federal government has cut the amount of aid given to Milwaukee for supporting shelters, homeless prevention services, and re-housing programs. The need for these programs is at an all time high as approximately 3,556 Milwaukee Public School students were homeless during the 2012-2013 school year.
Astonishingly, 20% of Milwaukee’s homeless population is actually employed. Milwaukee County Supervisor, David Bowen, points out the recent “living wage” proposal. It is sad that full-time working individuals still are poor and cannot afford housing prices. Either way, something needs to change in Milwaukee to decrease homelessness.
Causey, James E. "In Milwaukee, a Developing Crisis of Homelessness." Journal Sentinel. Journal Sentinel, Inc., 13 Sept. 2013. Web. 18 Mar. 2015.