Clinging to Shelters, and to Hope

[Southpaw Bookworm]

But I thought that Bush said if you got edumacated, you wouldn't be poor anymore?

Over bagels and coffee, the politicians and social workers agreed that Howard County should provide more help for the mentally ill, more affordable housing and more assistance to low-income families. It was a predictable discussion at a legislative breakfast until the final speaker rose and made her way to the podium.

"I have been a very strong advocate for human services and human rights all of my life," said Jan Hansen, clearly at ease behind the microphone and dressed for her appearance in black slacks, white knit blouse and sparkly silver brooch. Now, said this part-time English instructor and college graduate, she must be her own best advocate. She is homeless.

Hansen's personal crisis is unfolding in a county that has the nation's second-highest median household income, reported by the U.S. Census Bureau at $88,555. Despite a growing homeless population, Howard's lone, 32-bed shelter hasn't been expanded in 15 years. Counselors often buy the homeless bus tickets to find shelter in Baltimore and elsewhere. At the same time, more than 3,000 families linger on the county's waiting list for federally subsidized apartments.

"Prosperity actually contributes to the problem," said Andrea Ingram, executive director of Grassroots, the nonprofit group that operates Howard's shelter and crisis counseling center. "It's harder for people to even believe we have this problem. It's kind of invisible in this county."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A64715-2004Dec14.html