collaboration – it’s working in rural areas!. what is rural? communities less than 100,000...
TRANSCRIPT
Collaboration – It’s Working in Rural Areas!
What is rural?
• Communities less than 100,000 people• Located 100 miles from a major urban area• Large geographic areas with many small towns or communities• Large areas which are dependent on one industry such as agriculture,
timber, mining, tourism, etc.• Higher poverty rates• Lower levels of educational attainment• An area that is described as “country”
Rural Homelessness: Do we have homeless people
HERE????• Homelessness is assumed to be an urban problem – More geographically concentrated– More visible– Media depictions
• Understanding rural homelessness requires an open mind– Fewer shelters– Fewer people “on the street”– More families, fewer single adults
Difficulties
• Rural America often lacks the resources required to identify individuals and families who are homeless.
• Isolation• Distance
• Insufficient local resources (housing, transportation, social services, shelter, etc.)
• Local attitude (denial or blame)
Rural Communities Strengths
• Multi-service mainstream agencies• Good access to local political leaders• Involved and supportive church communities• Rural culture of community• Extended family support
Challenges for Service Providers in Rural Communities
• Lack of transportation infrastructure (Public transportation)• Single agencies providing many services• Individuals wear several different “hats”• Sense of isolation• Fewer dollars when funding decisions are based on population• Difficult for staff to attend “state-wide” meetings/trainings/workshops• Less public awareness due to “invisibility” of homeless• Less existing research about what works in rural areas
Where Do They Go For Help?
• Small towns have both formal and informal resources available– BUT Rural Homeless prefer to seek assistance
from:– Relatives– Friends– Neighbors– Churches– Schools– Shelters
Building Connections
What is working ?
• Working individually with school districts:• Liaisons• Principals• Guidance• Superintendents• Getting to know the school and the community• Helping with school supplies and other items when needed• Hang posters throughout each school
Connections
• Meeting with all of the shelters:• Visiting each shelter and get to know the staff• Talking about what services are provided• How to work with the school districts• Regional and Site Coordinators helping to set up
services with the schools • When needed, taking supplies such as: hygiene
products, bedding, school supplies, when feasible, paying for items that they to help with education
• Hang posters
Projects
• No Sew Blankets– Various schools have
participated in making blankets that have been donated to homeless shelters and to students in their districts.
Projects
• Talking with students about Homelessness and Poverty
• Senior Class Projects• School fund drives: school supplies, hygiene
kits
Community
• Get involved in community activities• Serve on boards• Visit the Food Banks, Soup Kitchens,
Clothing Shops, other Local Charities• Hang posters in Community Agencies
For Assistance Contact:
Andrea SheesleyRegional Coordinator, Region #6Education for Children and Youth Experiencing HomelessnessARIN IU 282895 W Pike Indiana, PA 15701724.463.5300 X 1235Fax: [email protected]
Maureen BourkeSite Coordinator, Region # 6Education for Children and Youth Experiencing HomelessnessARIN IU 282895 W Pike Indiana, PA 15701724.463.5300 X 1208Fax: [email protected]
For Assistance Contact:
Bobbi MackCoordinator of Special Programs
Indiana Area School District
Indiana, PA 15701
724.463.8718
Billie Jo WeyantExecutive Director
C.A.P.S.E.A., Inc.
PO Box 464
Ridgway, PA 15853
814.772.3838
FAX: 814.772.9270