Homelessness 101
What is homelessness?
Lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate residence specifically nighttime
What is one common financial factor contributing to homelessness?
What is one common financial factor contributing to homelessness?
What type of crisis can occur after an unexpected eviction?
A situational crisis.
What is the name of the Maryland information and referral service reached by dialing 211?
211 Maryland.
What is an appropriate first step when helping someone experiencing homelessness?
Assess immediate safety, urgent needs, and the person's priorities without judgment.
True or False: Everyone experiencing homelessness sleeps outside
False: People may stay in shelters or other temporary arrangements
True or false: All people experiencing homelessness have a substance use disorder.
False. Homelessness has many causes and does not imply substance use.
True or false: Homelessness is always a developmental crisis.
False. It is often a situational crisis, although developmental transitions can increase vulnerability.
Name one Anne Arundel County organization listed in the 2018 report that provides housing or shelter-related services.
The Light House, Sarah's House, Arundel House of Hope, or the Housing Commission of Anne Arundel County.
Name two basic needs to address during an immediate homelessness crisis.
Examples: safe shelter, food, water, medical care, and protection from danger.
What is the difference between sheltered and unsheltered homelessness?
Sheltered homelessness involves emergency or transitional shelters; unsheltered homelessness involves places not meant for habitation
Name two health-related challenges that can be worsened by homelessness.
Examples: difficulty managing chronic illness, interrupted healthcare, sleep deprivation, and psychological distress.
What is a developmental crisis?
A crisis connected to life-stage transitions or developmental changes.
What was the purpose of Anne Arundel County's 2018 Homeless Resource Day?
To connect individuals and families experiencing homelessness with benefits, healthcare, housing-related resources, and social services.
What is one trauma-informed way to communicate with someone experiencing homelessness?
Listen without judgment, offer choices, and respect the person's autonomy.
Name two challenges that can make escaping homelessness difficult
Examples: Unaffordable housing, limited income, transportation barriers, discrimination, or difficulty accessing services.
How can a lack of identification make homelessness harder to overcome?
It can prevent access to employment, benefits, housing applications, and other services.
Give an example of how a developmental transition can increase homelessness risk.
A young adult aging out of foster care may lose housing support during the transition to independence.
True or False: 307 guests, including 267 adults and 40 children all attended the 2018 Homeless Resource Day
True
Why is coordinated case management useful for someone experiencing homelessness?
It can connect housing, benefits, healthcare, employment, and other supports into a coordinated plan.
Why is homelessness considered a crisis rather than simply a housing problem?
It can threaten safety, health, stability, relationships, and a person's ability to meet basic needs.
Explain how homelessness can create a cycle of crisis.
Housing instability can disrupt employment, health, and access to services, making it harder to secure stable housing.
A family loses housing after a parent's job loss. Identify the crisis type and one immediate priority.
Situational crisis; assess immediate safety and connect the family with emergency housing or assistance.
In the 2018 report, can you guess what percentage of guests were staying with family or friends?
between 20-30%
A person experiencing homelessness has no ID, no income, and untreated medical needs. Describe three appropriate interventions.
Help obtain identification, connect them with benefits or income resources, and arrange medical care while addressing immediate shelter and safety needs.