Don’t stop at the first step

A homeless person is in a constant struggle for survival. However, with Washington County nabbing $2 million for homelessness, it could be just the start needed to combat homelessness in Oregon.

Not only is there a large homeless population in Washington County, but there is also a large homeless student population. In September, the Beaverton School District was on top with 1,580 students identified as homeless. The Medford and Portland School Districts followed.

As of Jan. 11, there are 1,059 students who identify as homeless in the Beaverton School District. Clearly, something needs to be done about student homelessness as well as homelessness in general.

One way to address homelessness could be to focus on a specific homeless population. With Beaverton School District having a higher rate of student homelessness than any other school district, it was fortuitous timing that Washington County received funding to help fight the homelessness throughout the county, which includes the Beaverton School District.

Another problem among students facing homelessness is the difficulty of identifying those students who need help. Homeless students can appear just as their peers do and all too often, they do not approach people for help. Faculty and staff at schools need to realize the prominence of the homeless student problem. If this problem is acknowledged, it can help aid in getting resources for those homeless students.

The fight to end homelessness just got a much-needed kick in the ass with nearly $2 million that will help to provide services and shelter for people in need. While this is a fantastic start and it cannot be argued that $2 million won’t do a lot for many people and programs, it is important to not get complacent.

There is another prominent problem that lies within the definition of a homeless student. A homeless student is one who lacks a “fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence,” as defined by the federal McKinney-Vento Act.

This could mean a multitude of things, including, but not limited to, students living in shelters, motels or a shared house doubled up with family or friends, regardless of whether a parent or guardian is present or not.

The definition of a homeless student excludes many students who actually do have a stable home, but because of the amount of people that might be living there, their situation would be considered homeless.

While it is important to realize that the definition of a homeless student is something that needs to be worked on, we cannot ignore those who still need help, and that is why the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s decision to put up $2 million is a really big deal, and a step in the right direction.

Some of the programs to which the funds will go include The Boys and Girls Aid Transitional Living Program for runaway and homeless youth ages 18 to 23 years, HopeSpring Transitional Living Program, Hillsboro Graduated Independent Living Program and the mental health outreach provided by Open Door Counseling Center. Along with all of these programs are several others that will help provide support services and shelter for those homeless who are struggling.

Homelessness is definitely an issue that needs to be addressed. The nearly $2 million being funneled through a variety of different programs to help combat homelessness is truly an amazing start. The programs that are receiving this funding are truly phenomenal and can help so many people.

There is one particular program that is specifically directed toward youth, and that is The Boys and Girls Aid Transitional Living Program for runaway and homeless youth ages 18 to 23 years. While it is not specifically directed to those who are in high school or below, it is important to realize that this population is still in need because many students get kicked out of their homes once they leave high school.

The fact that this is occuring in a county that contains the school district (Beaverton) with the highest number of homeless students is also another step in the right direction.

It is still important to recognize that while this is a great step, it is still just the beginning and should be viewed as a first step. More needs to be done to tackle such a huge issue. ?