Parting with Pets

Petco Place is one of two homeless shelters in the US that offer housing to both individuals and their pets. This innovative shelter recognizes that an estimated 5 – 10% of homeless people have pets, and many turn down housing in favor of keeping their only companions.

While some may argue that human life is more valuable, and that sustaining a pet is detracts from saving another human, a friend of mine presented a different take on the issue. She has a thought-provoking argument:

“Giving Face” to the Homelessness

Our Director of Development says we should change semantics when talking about the “homeless”—that generic, faceless, lumped-together group of ‘others’ who don’t seem to connect with our immediate lives. Instead, he insists, we should say “John” or “Maria” or “Karla--the 15-year-old junior high school student.” This way, the homeless have a face. A story. They become people just like us, with hopes and dreams and needs.

The Optimal Way...

Last week I learned that counties, rather than cities, are responsible for homeless services—but who would I contact, if I needed shelter?

I first call the county's general information number, asking for details on “homelessness services” and “emergency shelters.” I am transferred to a Housing Authority recording which lists 13 options.

Sorry...No Listing

I have a complaint. As a person with decent computer and research skills, it is downright difficult to find information on emergency, transitional, temporary, or low-cost permanent affordable housing in my city and county. Where are they hiding this information? Is it under a couch surrounded by dust bunnies? In the closet with other ‘out of sight/mind’ issues? Do they pass out brochures at county offices? Is it online on city or county websites? If so, what key words do I search under? Would I need terms like “Health and Human Services” or “Community Services” at the tip of my tongue? Or would I find it listed under simple, easy-to-find labels like “ “Homeless Services?” “Emergency Housing?”

Luckily, I have time and resources (computer and phone) to ponder these issues today. But if I found myself homeless tomorrow…how easy would it be?

Here’s what I found:
1. A computer and phone are necessary
2. Counties, not cities, are responsible for housing (who would know!) so city webpages are generally fruitless
3. County webpages bury the information (more in my next post)
4. There are no banners for “transitional housing” or welcome mats for “low-cost affordable housing”
5. A “211” call directory refers people to emergency shelters…who has ever heard of 211? (no me, apparently)

Wrong Turn: I unwittingly wasted time checking city web pages, starting with Fountain Valley (where I live), then neighboring Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach and Westminster. Some web pages were more generous with information than others.

Thought cities are not required to provide information on emergency, temporary or low-cost housing, it is nice when they do, or at minimum, re-direct one to that elusive ‘right place’for referrals.

Of the five city websites above, here's how many...
Had a formal “Housing” department: 3 of 5 (One listed under "Community Services")
Had referrals for emergency shelter & temporary housing: 1 of 5
Had referrals for rental assistance: 2 of 5
Had referrals to the county: 1 of 5

The ‘Helpful to the Homeless’ award goes to Huntington Beach, whose website lists Project Self Sufficiency, a homeless prevention program, affordable rentals and affordable properties among other related information.

More on my county search soon...