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Governor Henry's Weekly Column Families and Children Among the Homeless
Governor Henry's Weekly Column “Our Oklahoma” -- Families and Children Among the Homeless
FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
January 13, 2006
The face of homelessness is changing. Homelessness does not confine itself to singles or urban areas. Homelessness affects men, women, and children in every community across the country.
At some point each year, approximately 1.35 million children in the US experience homelessness. That shocking number represents 39 percent of the total homeless in this country. In the past decade, families with children were the fastest growing segment of the homeless population.
Women — many victims of domestic violence — are increasingly experiencing homelessness. This is especially true in rural areas where families, children and single mothers make up the largest segment of the homeless population. Nearly one quarter of all homeless persons have jobs that simply do not pay enough to cover the cost of housing.
These figures are useful not only in illustrating the problem but in charting a course of action. While we have estimates for the United States, similar information specific to Oklahoma is scarce. Hopefully, our data will soon improve.
On January 19, a point-in-time survey will be conduced. The survey aims to find out how many homeless persons reside in Oklahoma and who and where they are. The survey will go out through regional Continuum of Care groups to shelters and other service providers, and to law enforcement agencies which will count on the streets.
Everyone has a meaningful role to play in ending homelessness. While the holidays and the season of giving may have just passed, the needs have not. Shelters, food banks and other are always in need of donations such as food, clothing, blankets, or volunteered time. I encourage you to call a local shelter or nonprofit charity and ask what you can do to help less fortunate Oklahomans have a warm and safe winter.
If you have questions or comments, please write me at the Office of the Governor, Room 212, Oklahoma City OK 73105 or visit the "Contact the Governor" section of my website, www.governor.ok.gov.
FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
January 13, 2006
The face of homelessness is changing. Homelessness does not confine itself to singles or urban areas. Homelessness affects men, women, and children in every community across the country.
At some point each year, approximately 1.35 million children in the US experience homelessness. That shocking number represents 39 percent of the total homeless in this country. In the past decade, families with children were the fastest growing segment of the homeless population.
Women — many victims of domestic violence — are increasingly experiencing homelessness. This is especially true in rural areas where families, children and single mothers make up the largest segment of the homeless population. Nearly one quarter of all homeless persons have jobs that simply do not pay enough to cover the cost of housing.
These figures are useful not only in illustrating the problem but in charting a course of action. While we have estimates for the United States, similar information specific to Oklahoma is scarce. Hopefully, our data will soon improve.
On January 19, a point-in-time survey will be conduced. The survey aims to find out how many homeless persons reside in Oklahoma and who and where they are. The survey will go out through regional Continuum of Care groups to shelters and other service providers, and to law enforcement agencies which will count on the streets.
Everyone has a meaningful role to play in ending homelessness. While the holidays and the season of giving may have just passed, the needs have not. Shelters, food banks and other are always in need of donations such as food, clothing, blankets, or volunteered time. I encourage you to call a local shelter or nonprofit charity and ask what you can do to help less fortunate Oklahomans have a warm and safe winter.
If you have questions or comments, please write me at the Office of the Governor, Room 212, Oklahoma City OK 73105 or visit the "Contact the Governor" section of my website, www.governor.ok.gov.
