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The
primary cause of homelessness is the lack of affordable
housing for low-income families. According to
the National Alliance to End Homelessness, there
are 4.7 million more low-income households that
need housing than there are affordable housing
units.
The
Mission offers a halfway house for men and women
who complete the seven-month life-recovery program.
Residents pay a nominal rent, and may stay as
long as necessary. A dormitory is reserved for
homeless men with mental illnesses under medical
supervision, who need short-term housing. The
Mission also refers clients to existing local
government or nonprofit agencies that provide
low-income housing.
Domestic abuse has been identified as another
cause of homelessness among families. Women and
children with few resources often leave abusive
spouses, boyfriends or relatives. Safe shelters
for such women are limited.
The Mission's women's
shelters provide safe temporary housing for abused
adults with children under age 12. More than 150
beds are available, along with faith-based programs
on residence.
Homelessness creates huge strains on families,
and increases the likelihood of marital separation
and divorce. Children of these families may temporarily
live with relatives or friends, moving from home
to home.
Men and women who enter life-recovery
at the Mission participate in Bible studies, daily
worship and work therapy. Such clients build self-esteem,
compassion and good character. Many program graduates
reconcile with estranged children and other family
members. If home or a new job is outside Metro
Nashville, the Mission's Travelers Aid program
dispenses Greyhound bus tickets and sack lunches.
Homeless children are more likely to be in poor
health and experience developmental delays than
children in stable housing. Such children have
higher rates of asthma, ear infections, and stomach
and speech problems. Depression, anxiety and other
behavioral problems disproportionately affect
homeless children.
The Mission provides basic
medical care and referrals for homeless children
under age 12. Mothers are taught good parenting
skills by the Mission staff. Parents with drug
or alcohol addictions stop self-medicating themselves
during life-recovery, and start serving as good
role models.
Almost half of all children in homeless shelters
are under the age of five.
The Mission's count of children
fluctuates weekly, but from five to 25 children
are generally present Most are toddlers or pre-school
age, although elementary and preadolescent children
routinely stay with their mothers.
School age homeless children face barriers to
enrolling and attending school. These barriers
include transportation problems, residency requirements,
inability to obtain previous school records, and
lack of clothing and school supplies.
Metro school buses stop at
the Family Life Center and Hope Center on school
days to transport homeless children to classes
and back. In addition, the women's shelter provides
children with school supplies, clothing and lunches.
During the summer, Metro agencies provide tutoring
sessions for homeless children, including those
at the Mission. |
