Posts Tagged ‘homelessness’
No Easy Answers: Richmond confronts a growing homelessness problem
At least 109 individuals living in Richmond city limits have no home to return. This is according to the annual Point in Time count, a county-wide assessment conducted on one night of the year that tallies the number of people sleeping outside.
But the Richmond Police Department reports encountering up to 800 separate individuals sleeping outside on any given night.
The situation is desperate. Research indicates that homeless individuals live shorter lives, endure higher rates of mental illness, drug addiction, poor health and injury than their sheltered counterparts. Still, people without homes are often dismissed as careless or crazy, the lasting legacy of a stigma that has its roots in the Great Depression era, when welfare programs were introduced in the United States.
Read MoreWith over 800 people on the streets every night, Richmond’s homeless task force brainstorms ways to tackle a persistent problem
The Richmond Police Department reports up to 800 live on the streets of Richmond every night, but there is currently no dedicated fund for the homeless in the city. Local advocate Kathy Robinson is the head of the city’s new homeless task force, and she’s determined not to let it go on like this.
Read MoreBay Area Rescue Mission helps local people get back on their feet
The Bay Area Rescue Mission team reflects on the achievements of its recent graduates and provides a readers with a look at the services it has to offer.
Read MoreA Richmond legacy of giving continues
Every day nearly two hundred of Richmond’s hungry are served free meals by the Greater Richmond Interfaith Project volunteers. This Thanksgiving, GRIP seeks to feed hundreds more. “We just want to help somebody,” volunteer Barbara Scott said. “We have all been blessed and this is our way to give back.” Scott is one of 8-10…
Read MoreRichmond homeless vigil a beacon of light for those on the street
On Saturday night a handful of Richmond and Bay Area residents gathered near the steps of the Civic Center Plaza for an overnight vigil to show concern about homelessness, what many in the group call a social justice and human right’s issue. Guest speakers gave inspirational speeches, and before it got too dark everyone shared…
Read MoreContra Costa homeless shelters unsure about effects of realignment
As the state starts to release prisoners into the supervision of the counties, Contra Costa County’s homeless shelters – where former prisoners often end up because they don’t have family or their identity reestablished upon their release – aren’t sure what to expect. Cynthia Belon, the Contra Costa Director of Behavioral Health Services, said it’s…
Read MoreRichmond to host homeless support event
An event aimed at helping Contra Costa County’s burgeoning homeless population is expected to draw nearly 1,000 people to the Richmond Municipal Auditorium Wednesday
Read MoreVolunteers fan out across Contra Costa to tally County’s homeless
Dozens of community volunteers fanned out across Contra Costa County early Wednesday morning to help with the county’s 2011 homeless count. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires all cities and counties receiving federal dollars for homeless services to conduct a count at least every other year.
Read MoreHundreds lace up to fight hunger, help the homeless
Richmond residents take part in the 24th Annual Greater Richmond Interfaith Program (GRIP) Harmony Walk to End Hunger.
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