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Off the Streets & Out of Harm's Way
by Bob Waite, IMPACT 2-1-1 Program Director
Families are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. The need for emergency shelter and other crisis-housing services has been steadily rising over the last three years. According to our data, during the period of January 1 to March 31, 2012, the number of requests to IMPACT 2-1-1 increased 15% compared to the same period in 2011; 19% compared to 2010 Q1; and over 66% compared to 2009 Q1.
The Milwaukee County Continuum of Care (CoC) is coalition of over 100 individuals and organizations that work collaboratively throughout the year on issues related to homelessness and crisis-housing situations. The CoC is the only collaboration that works specifically with those in need of shelter or facing a housing crisis. IMPACT 2-1-1 has been involved in the CoC since 1997.
IMPACT 2-1-1 acts as a gateway for those seeking emergency shelter or other resources that help prevent homelessness, many of which are provided by other CoC members. Individuals and families who are experiencing a housing crisis or find themselves in need of emergency shelter contact IMPACT 2-1-1 throughout the day and evening. Our Community Resource Specialists are trained to assess the situation and determine the best available options to alleviate the crisis.
From the desk of an IMPACT 2-1-1 Community Resource Specialist:
I received a call from a woman who asked if there were resources available to help her pay her first month’s rent as a result of a domestic violence situation. She has never been in a relationship with the man, but he has threatened and harassed her throughout the years. Last week, he kicked in the door to her house and beat her up in front of her children. The police are unable to find him so they convinced her to file a restraining order. To protect herself and her family, she feels that it is necessary to relocate to another residence so that he cannot find her. She needs assistance to pay the first month’s rent so I helped her apply for an emergency assistance grant. The application has been accepted, and a letter sent to her new landlord states that a check will be mailed within two weeks. With this assurance, the landlord has allowed the woman and her children to move into the new apartment right away.
In follow up, the caller was doing very well and hadn’t had any contact with the man. She expressed that she is grateful that her plan to free herself from him was put into motion because of the help she received from IMPACT 2-1-1.