Homelessness

HOMELESS CAMP OUTREACH TEAM:

Mission: To go into the woods, under the bridges, highways, & byways, seeking the homeless camps. To minister to them through relational evangelism. This team's purpose is not about the food we give them, but rather this team's purpose is to form relationships with the homeless and to remind them that God has not forgotten them-To give them a hope for their future-Salvation through Jesus Christ. And to offer them a way off the streets, a way out, a chance to change their lives-through our Lighthouses, Christian Transitional Restoration Homes.

Interested in Volunteering? Contact Us for More Info.


FEEDING THE HUNGRY
OUTREACH TEAM:

Mission: To set up a consistent  feeding program thereby being a blessing to the homeless and less fortunate in our community.  These outreaches will also be a time to share the Gospel and offer a way off the streets through our Lighthouses, Christian Transitional Restoration Homes.

Interested in Volunteering? Contact Us for More Info.

The NEED in FLORIDA:

Daily, nearly 60,000 Floridians live on the street or stay in emergency shelters. Florida has the third largest population of homeless persons of any state in the nation.

Not included in the above figure are over 49,000 school-aged children who were identified by
the public school districts as being homeless during the 2009-2010 school year.

With the unemployment rates over 10 percent, and the continuing volume of home foreclosures displacing families, the crisis of homelessness continues to grow and claim more victims with no place to live.

Factors Contributing to Homelessness

Decline in Public Assistance - Current TANF benefits and food stamps combined are below the poverty level in every state; in fact, the median TANF benefit for a family of three is approximately one-third of the poverty level. Thus, contrary to popular opinion, welfare does not provide relief from poverty.  Divorce - Divorce often leaves one of the spouses homeless. Most often it’s the father, but sometimes it’s the mother and children or everyone involved.  Domestic Violence - Battered women who live in poverty are often forced to choose between abusive relationships and homelessness.  Drug and Alcohol related problems - Rates of alcohol and drug abuse are disproportionately high among the homeless population.  Illness - For families and individuals struggling to pay the rent, a serious illness or disability can start a downward spiral into homelessness, beginning with a lost job, depletion of savings to pay for care, and eventual eviction.  Job loss - No income to pay rent.  Lack of affordable housing- The lack of affordable housing has lead to high rent burdens (rents which absorb a high proportion of income), overcrowding, and substandard housing.  Lack of child support - In families where child support is ordered but not paid, the decrease in income can lead to an inability to pay rent, utilities, or both.  Low wages - Declining wages have put housing out of reach for many workers: in every state, more than the minimum wage is required to afford a one- or two-bedroom apartment at Fair Market Rent.  Mental Illness - Approximately 20-25% of the single adult homeless population suffer from some form of severe and persistent mental illness.  Natural Disaster / Fire - Situations where due to chance a fire, tornado, flood or hurricane renders housing inhabitable.  Physical Disabilities - Disabled individuals may be unable to work or find appropriate employment. For those receiving SSI, they often struggle to obtain and maintain stable housing.  Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - This disorder is common with veterans and those that have been in violent situations. It can make it difficult to have a stable life.  Poverty - Being poor means being an illness, an accident, or a paycheck away from living on the streets. Roommates - When one or more roommates falls through with their end of the bargain, they can be a reason for others becoming homeless.  Severe Depression - Can make it impossible for an individual to maintain a stable life.  Tragedy - It is surprising how many people just quit functioning because their families died or were killed...sometimes recently...other times 15 years ago...other times 30 years ago.