Build the Infrastructure

STRATEGY 1:

Dispel the Misconceptions about Homelessness.

In order for the Task Force to understand community perceptions of homelessness, our Public Awareness working group conducted a survey of randomly selected Evansville and Vanderburgh County residents in September 2003. The survey was conducted in conjunction with University of Southern Indiana social work students. 

View survey results.

While nearly 73% of those surveyed believed that Evansville has a problem with homelessness, over half of the respondents vastly underestimated the total number of homeless people in Evansville. Over a third personally knew someone who had experienced homelessness, yet nearly 90% believed that the incidence of homelessness is the same or smaller than in other cities of similar size.

The first myth that must be dispelled is the inaccurate perception many people have regarding the number of homeless individuals and families in Evansville. While we average almost 400 on any given night, nearly two-thirds of those surveyed believe there are less than 300 homeless people in our community.

We will publicize the results of this survey in order to help area residents recognize and acknowledge their own perceptions – and misperceptions – regarding homelessness in Evansville.

We will seek to utilize existing educational curricula on homelessness with local schools and community organizations in order to help young people and other community members more fully understand the realities of homelessness, the factors that lead to a loss of housing, and the ways homelessness impacts all of us.

STRATEGY 2:

Promote Destination: Home--A Ten-Year Journey to End Homelessness in Evansville & Vanderburgh County.

This plan has been developed over two years with the assistance of over 200 individuals. We will promote the vision, goals, and strategies that make up the plan to community service agencies, communities of faith, mainstream providers, and the public at large.

We will develop a "Housing Matters" campaign that promotes safe and affordable housing as the alternative to homelessness.

STRATEGY 3:

Discourage Community Support of Panhandling.

We are a community that responds to need. Direct cash donations to panhandlers, however, do not effectively address the needs of homeless individuals and can, in fact, help perpetuate homelessness. To address this problem, we propose the development of resource cards and/or tokens that area residents can give individuals instead of cash.

The Task Force to End Homelessness proposes the promotion of donations to community service agencies that assist the homeless population by regularly communicating with the public regarding their work.

STRATEGY 4:

Develop Awareness of the Special Needs Population.

In order to more effectively address the unique risks for homelessness faced by individuals with special needs, programs that build community acceptance and understanding of persons with special needs will be encouraged.