Facts

There are approximately 2,000 people who are homeless in Memphis on any given day.

There is no one reason someone ends up homeless. Typically, a whole multitude of factors go into landing someone on the street. It may be a combination of substance abuse, job loss, personal or family tragedy, mental illness, or other factors.

Matthew 26:11  'For Ye have the poor always with you, but me Ye have not always'

 

Facts about Homelessness

Homelessness is defined as a person that don't have a place of residence.  Homelessness is a difficult number to measure, especially when you count families in shelters and/or living in cars.

A study from the "National Alliance to End Homelessness" states California has the highest rate of homelessness at 65,001 to 100,060; Tennessee rates at 10,000 to 25,000; in Memphis there are 2,000 or more homeless.

Facts about Youth Homelessness

The Coalition for homeless youth defines youth homelessness as an individual who is under the age of 18, who has no supervision, no parent or role model, or is in a foster home.  For the female girl, homelessness is stated to lead to a life of drugs, unwilling sex acts, and prostitution.  For the male boy, homelessness is stated to lead to a life of crime. 

• A third of runaways commit suicide or will be killed from an assault.
• A tenth of runaways were reported pregnant or had sexually transmitted disease. 

WHY DOES THIS PROBLEM EXIST?

Runaways are usually abused before they leave home.  Most people confronted with homelessness reach for a waiting hand for help.  This is where POWER TO THE PEOPLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION comes in.  We provide supportive services to people in need of housing.  This has proven to be good and effective in achieving residential stability as well as improving mental health in our community.

Ending homelessness will require closing the gap between housing costs and earned income.  In conclusion, this helps individuals productive citizen of society.

What should you do when approached by a panhandler?

1. Don't give cash

2. Talk to the person with respect

3. Share the word of God and his love whenever you can

4. Pray for or with the person

5. Be aware of your own safety 

6.  Support Power To The People Community Development