Some say our nation is suffering in a revolting way and that homelessness is on the rise and knocking at our doorstep. Although the “unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” has been affordable, the American population has been unable to afford poverty.
A panel of six individuals was formed to bring diverse perspectives on the surging topic of homelessness at the Oxnard College Literature, Arts & Lecture Series on March 24 entitled “Homelessness in Ventura County: Problems & Solution”.
Will Reed from the Oxnard’s Commission on Homelessness, Jan Christian from the Unitarian Ministry, Lynn Bulock from the County House & Homeless Coalition, and Tina McDonald from R.A.I.N Traditional Living Center were part of this tremendous group, along with two people who have fallen victim to homelessness.
Christian led the discussion from the podium with a very serious and direct approach about the fundamentals of ending homelessness. Each person on the panel took turns answering questions both from Christian and from the audience.
“One of the things that transitional centers are doing is assessing the barriers for the homeless,” explained McDonald. “Some of these barriers include debt, eviction, lack of work and sometimes people just can’t come back from that.”
Subject matter also discussed included fiscal responsibility, transition programs, housing services, safe houses, stereotypes, prevention/awareness and volunteer opportunities.
According to Reed, some of the major factors that contribute to homelessness are often very familiar to many of the social issues that others are faced with today. Mental illness and substance abuse are among the highest factors that are attributed to these situations. In fact, adults that suffer from these issues frequently put their children at risk and they themselves are affected.
“Children have also been victimized from homelessness and abuse – and this is a radical reality,” said Reed. “Without intervention, children will grow into homeless adults and will not develop the skills to succeed.”
Janelle Espinoza, a 27-year-old panelist affected by homelessness, spoke about her experiences with mental illness and substance abuse. Her children were taken from her, she has no family and is still struggling to find medical care for herself.
“My priority right now is to get my mental illness in order so that I can get my kids back,” said Espinoza. “I have lost so much in my life and now it is time for me to change the cycle. Change starts with me.”
In Ventura County alone, there are 15,000 residents at risk of becoming homeless. In 2009, there were approximately 351 children who were homeless, which actually accounts for 16 percent of children who are under the age of 18. Everyone on the panel shared the same feelings about this fact and agreed that although this was a harsh reality, it was unacceptable.
There was an emphasis on preventing this rising epidemic as well as providing the most tangible and progressive services that we as a community should aid in. The panel also spoke on the adversities that military veterans also fall victim to and add that the Department of Veteran Affairs is doing a great job in assisting the vets.
Will Reed left the audience with one last note speaking on being unbiased.
“We should all remain open-minded,” said Reed. “Homeless people will begin to see society as accepting and they will begin to trust us enough to help.”
