When people think about homelessness, their minds often jump to the image of someone sleeping and living on the streets. In reality, homelessness takes many forms and isn’t always obvious, even from up close. Homelessness can generally be broken down into four categories: chronic, episodic, transitional, and hidden. We’ll go into detail about each of these groups, and explore how to join and make a difference with your generous support.
The federal definition of a chronically homeless person describes them as either an unaccompanied homeless individual with a disabling condition who has been continuously homeless for a year or more, or has had a minimum of four episodes of homelessness in the previous three years. Based on the most recent data, on any given night there are roughly 86,962 chronically homeless individuals in the U.S., representing 24% of the total homeless population. Typically, these individuals are older, have complex, long-term health issues and often live on the street, in a car, park, or other location that is not suitable for human habitation.
Episodic homelessness refers to individuals who are currently homeless and have experienced at least three periods of homelessness in the previous year. These individuals are often younger and suffer from some type of disabling condition, such as substance abuse, mental illness, and/or medical problems.
Transitional homelessness is actually the most common type of homelessness. These individuals are also likely to be younger and generally enter a shelter or temporary housing system for only one brief stay. This situation could be the result of a catastrophic event or sudden life change.
There is also a fourth type of homelessness that often goes unreported and undocumented. These individuals are known as ‘provisionally occupied’ and are experiencing what is known as ‘hidden homelessness.’ This specifically refers to individuals temporarily living with others (or ‘couch-surfing’) without a guarantee that they will be able to stay long-term and without immediate prospects for acquiring permanent housing. This often describes people staying with friends or relatives because they lack other housing opportunities. This population is considered ‘hidden’ because they do not access homeless supports and services, despite their need for them. For this reason, they do not appear in standard homelessness statistics.
First Coast Community Development is committed to assisting veterans and civilians experiencing homelessness one community at a time.
Donations play a big role in keeping our doors open to those in need.
Financial help from people who care help pay for the housing of people and families in need. It also provides us with the opportunity to purchase things like clean clothing, and shoes. Without which, finding work can be a nearly impossible barrier to cross.
If you have any questions about ways that you can help, contact us at charlie.griffin@fccdinc.org.
It's a difference we can only make together.
Heeding a greater calling is something that many of us understand.
It's a difference we can only make together.
If you have any questions about ways that you can help, contact us at charlie.griffin@fccdinc.org.
First Coast Community Development partners are what makes us able to do what we do.
Partnerships give us the ability to purchase and refit buildings into communities of hope and dignity.
Interested in making a huge difference in your community? Look no further.
It's a difference we can only make together.
