homelessness.

Just educating myself. You should too! Don't you see homelessness all over Dallas? This is quite interesting. I found it here.

Dear Citizens of Metropolitan Dallas:

There are a number of frequently asked questions about the status of homelessness in Dallas. The 2009 Homeless Count and Census helps provide some answers:

(1.) Given the state of the economy are there more homeless in the Dallas area?

The actual number went down this year. The number of homeless persons counted in Dallas decreased from 5,869 in 2008 to 5,675 in 2009. However we learned that the number of people who reported that they became homeless because of unemployment increased from 51% in 2008 to 65% in 2009. We are of course concerned that the economic downturn does put Dallas and most American communities at risk for increased homelessness.

(2.) How is Dallas doing towards our goal of ending chronic homelessness?

The number of chronically homeless people counted was only slightly down this year (611 in 2008 compared with 601 in 2009). When we compare the number of chronically homeless individuals in 2004 to those in 2009, however, the number has dropped by almost 50% in the last 5 years.

( 3.) Are there still many homeless people sleeping outdoors in Dallas?

Yes; and just one would be too many. We counted 145 people sleeping outdoors this year; down 21% from last year before the Bridge opened. Five years ago we counted 358 persons sleeping outdoors.

(4.) Is Childhood Homelessness on the rise?

Yes. Since 2007, the number of homeless children has increased by over 15% (1,139 in 2007 compared with 1,319 in 2009.) This is consistent with the trend nationally; women and children are the fastest growing population of homeless individuals. This year MDHA is working on a strategic plan to better identify the services gaps which have contributed to this disturbing trend.

(5.) What is working well?

Public and privately funded homeless services providers and other health and human service agencies are increasingly better organized and working collaboratively to help people recover from homelessness. We have many terrific agencies in Dallas, including those working in partnership at the Bridge, that play a key role in enabling people to move towards permanent housing.

(6.) What more can Dallas do to end homelessness?

We need to evidence more commitment to developing permanent housing with services attached for people who are homeless and need extra help because of disabilities. We consistently see that the more permanent supportive housing units we develop in Dallas, the fewer chronically homelessness individuals we count.

As a community we need to support and welcome the addition of new housing with state of the art services for our citizens who need our support the most. And creating additional affordable housing for low income people in Metropolitan Dallas and a better funded system of mental health and substance abuse services will help prevent the tragedy of homelessness in the first place.

(7.) Is the Homeless Count accurate?

Yes, it is a valid count that identifies trends, progress and setbacks. The census is a point in time count but can’t count every homeless person throughout the year. Each year during one night in the fourth week of January, Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance conducts a count & survey of the homeless population. We strive to keep the structure and process of the count exactly the same every year so that our results are as consistent as possible. This information is used to monitor our progress as a community in preventing and ending homelessness. The process also provides us the opportunity to hear what large numbers of homeless persons wish to tell us about themselves and their needs.

The Count is conducted both indoors and outdoors. The indoor counting and interviews are conducted by each local homeless program facility (emergency shelters, transitional housing, permanent Supportive Housing) as well as other locations including hospitals and treatment programs.

The outdoor count is carried out by over 100 community volunteers and agency professionals who are accompanied by Police Officers. Along with the count, a structured interview or survey is conducted with each homeless person who consents to participate. The interview is administered by agency staff or trained community volunteers. The sample size of homeless persons who share information with us exceeds 50% of the total population counted (58% this year). Given the large sample size, we are able to draw some conclusions about our homeless neighbors and their needs. So the Count is an important way for us to gather information that can help provide solutions.

Thanks for taking the time to read this report. We have come a long way over the last five years as the numbers reflect. Because of the economic downturn, risks to our continuing progress have increased. However, we truly believe that an informed and caring public will continue to create the solutions and political will needed to end homelessness in Metropolitan Dallas.

Sincerely,

Michael M. Faenza President & CEO Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance