Homelessness in Mahaska County

The Mahaska County Homelessness Coalition says that nearly 100 people took part in a community forum on Thursday night.

The Mahaska County Homelessness Coalition says that nearly 100 people took part in a community forum on Thursday night.

by Ann Smith

On Thursday night around 100 people came out to the ISU Extension office to hear a panel talk about the homeless population growing in our community; services that are being offered, what the future looks like for our area, and how we, as community members, can help.

Amy Meyer, United Way Executive Director, led the night by giving a brief overview on why the forum was happening, overall needs, and then a question and answer time from the panel. The panel consisted of: Meyer; Marty Ryan, Executive Director from Section 8 Housing Agency; Heather Gross, Mahaska County Coordinator Disability Services; Marcy DeWitt, Intake Services at Behavioral Health; Kelli McQueen, Treasurer of Mahaska Homeless Coalition; Debbie Howe, LOVE Inc; Nancy Robertson, Director of Crisis Intervention Services; and Melissa ONeil, CEO of Central Iowa Shelter Services (CISS), from Des Moines, Iowa.

Each service representative was given a few minutes to tell the group who they were, what they did in the region, and how we, the people, could help them. The biggest take away for the group was that these services need volunteers, financial support, a willingness to be involved, and to be an advocate for the homeless.

After all the services explained how they were helping the community, the first question asked was “So with many of your services overlapping, why not just open a smaller CISS here in Mahaska County, combine the services all together for Southeast Iowa?”

Melissa ONeil responded with a very stern warning, “If you build it, they will come.” CISS sees approximately 2000 women and men come through their doors every year. The facility has 207 beds, transitional housing for Veterans, 38 Section 8 efficiency apartments, a health clinic, food pantry, clothing closet, and classrooms. The majority of people come to CISS from the Des Moines area (54%) but 19% come from outside of Iowa. It is one of the top five homeless shelters in the nation. Melissa explained to the crowd that if we built a homeless shelter in the area you would then be available to take homeless people from the surrounding communities, people just released from jail, among other people who need help. Melissa shared a heart-wrenching story of an 83 year old woman who was not able to stay in a nursing home, so her family decided to drop her off in the parking lot of CISS. “Be careful in wanting this.” Melissa cautioned the group.

One lady in the crowd suggested a tiny house village. Melissa then explained that that is a great idea, but who is going to maintain them and check in on the people who are staying there. Volunteers are an important part of the equation to make these programs work. Blaine Vos, Director of New Hope, did speak up and mentioned that they do have one tiny house that can be used.

Debbie Howe of LOVE Inc stated that there are 15 to 20 churches who are involved and want to be a part of the solution in the area. The idea was brought up of having churches open their basements during harsh weather; extreme cold or heat. At this time, no church has volunteered their building.

The issues of funding was brought up. Melissa from CISS stated that 17 individuals from Mahaska County have stayed at the CISS facility in the last year. The average stay is 41 days and has cost the program roughly $30,000 to take care of the 17 people.

Homelessness is expensive. A constant homeless person can cost the programs and county around $44,000 per year; between hospital care, court costs, food, housing, and educational classes. Melissa suggested everyone read the book When Helping Hurts, if anyone in the community really wants to help.

Towards the end of the evening each service was given a chance to share what their needs are. Marcy, from Mahaska Health Partnership, stressed the fact that everyone should attend the free Mental Health and First Aid Class that MHP offers. Be active in your community. Volunteer to do mental health intakes, anyone can do it. LOVE Inc needs volunteers to answer phones and give rides. Kelli McQueen from the Homeless Coalition needs volunteers and people to serve on the board.

Amy closed the night off by talking about how we as a community can help. “United Way receives a lot of phone calls stating, ‘I see a person walking down the street and they look hungry, what can you do for them?'” Amy suggested that you go up to that person and ask if you can help. Can you take them to grab something to eat, take them to an appointment, or help fill out an application for employment? The overall impact of the community is important, but we need to build relationships.

Melissa reminded everyone, before the forum came to an end, that we have to invest in human capital to be successful and to see success.

Posted by on Mar 18 2018. Filed under Local News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Comments are closed

         

Search Archive

Search by Date
Search by Category
Search with Google
Log in | Copyright by Oskaloosa News