United Way for Southeastern Michigan | 2-1-1 On the Go!: Your soapbox on homelessness and 2-1-1

Your soapbox on homelessness and 2-1-1

By Unknown user - Feb 2, 2010 10:56:14 AM ET

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I'm assuming most can agree that the system of care for the homeless is not set up to be an adequate solution to the problem. 2-1-1's role in this issue is to help people navigate through this fragmented system, and access resources that will lead to stability through its mobile outreach effort: 2-1-1 On the Go!. But we're by no means the experts.

So we're asking those who have a voice on the issue to weigh in on this topic. Your responses will be used to improve our work with the homeless in Detroit:

In your view, what are the major gaps in services for the homeless, and how can 2-1-1 be better at addressing those gaps?

If you're not familiar with how 2-1-1 works, before you respond, give us a call and present a need - could be for yourself or on behalf of a client experiencing homelessness (in the Metro Detroit area, just dial 2-1-1 from a landline, or 800-552-1183 from a cell phone). Then let us know in the comments section whether or not the call was worthwile, and your thoughts on the above question.

John Azoni is a homeless outreach associate with 2-1-1 On the Go! and United Way for Southeastern Michigan. He welcomes additional fluff-free conversation about homelessness on Twitter: @UnitedWayJohn

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2-1-1 operates within a broken system

By Unknown user, Feb 5, 2010 at 4:42:06 PM ET (Updated: Feb 5, 2010 at 4:42:06 PM ET )

I've seen your outreach program in action, so I'm sure that 2-1-1 is doing everything it can within the current system. In my opinion, the fact we're talking about 'outreach' already spells doom -- we're assuming that mere counseling will suffice, and presupposing levels of autonomy, sanity, literacy and morality that simply doesn't exist on the street. I'm sure you know that about half the homeless are mentally ill, half are from prisons, a good fraction are addicted to something, etc. And for me, all this means that only a spiritual solution will work; that 2-1-1's most efficacious role would be to link people with some Church or religious group that can: (1) take a personal, not professional, interest in their life; (2) provide some kind of job or role in society, even if unpaid; and (3) adopt them into a new, spiritual family. Because without a purpose or a family, why not remain homeless? So I'd say that, to truly fix the problem, 2-1-1's partners need to either provide a meaningful life (not just food stamps), or provide a well-funded mental institution for therapy.

Re: 2-1-1 operates within a broken system

By Unknown user, Feb 6, 2010 at 12:24:40 PM ET (Updated: Feb 6, 2010 at 12:24:40 PM ET )

Interesting thoughts. Thanks for sharing. I agree that the homeless have needs that can't be solved by mere services. Personal relationships are the only way to restore people to mainstream life. A big part of what makes someone successful in the mainstream is their support network of friends, family, and acquaintances that encourage, challenge and guide a person through life. No amount of funding or collaboration of services can create this unless regular people step up to the plate.