2 minute read
HALF A MILLION
More Than
HALF A MILLION
by Kelly Gesick
In 2020, there were 580,466 people in the United States that were homeless. This number has continued to rise over the last two years as challenges with the coronavirus pandemic have presented themselves. In 2020, Nevada had an estimated 6,900 experiencing homelessness on any given day–159 were family households, 924 were Veterans, 570 were unaccompanied young adults (aged 18-24), and 1,369 were individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. In California, the worst state in the country for homelessness, there were an estimated 161,548 individuals experiencing homelessness on any given day–8,030 were family households, 11,401 were Veterans, 12,172 were unaccompanied young adults, and 51,785 were individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.1
There are an estimated 11 million more people on the brink of losing their homes.2
There is no quick solution to end homelessness or solve poverty but there are many people and organizations operating with an outpouring of love and finding unique solutions to help solve the basic needs of people struggling to get by, finding a place to sleep, and discover how to change their lives for the better.
1 https://www.usich.gov/tools-for-action/ 2 https://www.consumerfinance.gov/data-research/researchreports/housing-insecurity-and-the-covid-19-pandemicmap/#fn[ ]=1300&fn[]=2900&fn[]=6400&fn[]=10200&fn[]=1340 Karma Box Project A community initiative that allows people to give non-perishable food, hygiene products, toiletries, and other useful items to those in need through little boxes located throughout the city of Reno and Sparks. Each Karma box is stocked entirely by donations and is available for anyone to take what they need when they need it. The project creates a compassionate connection between the community and the homeless.
To learn more or get involved
karmaboxproject.org
Acres of Hope A one-of-a-kind program for both women and children. It walks families through the process of change, healing, and growth that they need to completely overcome the cycles of homelessness, trauma, addiction, and poverty. Using a holistic approach they address the whole-person, whole-family health and the skills needed to have continued success after graduating from the program. The Gathering Inn From our humble beginnings in 2004 as a winter only shelter program serving 40 homeless people per night, The Gathering Inn (TGI) is now a multifaceted, multi-location agency serving over 185 homeless men, women, and children each and every day right in Placer County through programs at four separate locations. Our Vision is to end homelessness in our community. Rebuilding Together Northern Nevada Rebuilding Together Northern Nevada (RTNNV) is a newly formed nonprofit focused on assisting homeowners (especially seniors, veterans and people with disabilities) with needed safe and healthy home repairs. They have assisted 22 homeowners with a number of repairs all since January 2021. It is their mission to repair homes, revitalize communities and rebuild lives through service.
To learn more or get involved
acresofhopeonline.org
To learn more or get involved
thegatheringinn.com
To learn more or get involved
