The Summer Shelter Surge

Published July 08, 2009 @ 07:40AM PT

It's July and summer is in full swing with hot days, getaways, and... shelter stays?

It's a trend known as the "summer surge," when the number of homeless families seeking help increases during the summer months.

Why a summer surge? Naturally, it's different for each family, but there are trends. For example, a family without a home may be welcome on the couch of a friend or family member so long as school is in session. But once the kids are out of school, a small apartment can feel even more cramped. In addition, landlords who may be reluctant to evict in the cold winter months are less hesitant when the weather is pleasant.

The summer surge may not be new, but the NY Times reported this week that it's probably going to be much worse this year... record-setting, even. With the city's homeless population up 20 percent over the last year and with unemployment rates climbing, it's no wonder they are concerned about shelter capacity. New York isn't the only city witnessing this phenomenon, according to the NY Times:

Other cities are noticing a similar trend. In Toledo, Ohio, one overcrowded shelter has been turning away dozens of people each night. In Charlotte, N.C., a shelter that is typically open only in winter has stayed open for the summer to meet demand, which is 20 percent higher than last summer. Across town, a Salvation Army shelter is so full, it has set up mats on the floors.

There's no question that homeless advocates must get creative to meet the anticipated demand for shelter beds this summer. But this summer's surge in demand will no doubt test the limits of an already strained shelter system.

In the meantime, the summer surge is telling of the stark juxtaposition between the "haves" and the "have-nots" in our society. While the wealthiest among us will be "summering" on Cape Cod and Lake Tahoe, others will be struggling to survive in old apartment buildings, dingy motel rooms, and shiny blue mats on shelter floors.

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Summer most also mean less posters. Here in Maine its rain nearly everyday for over thirty days. Today light rain and overcast. seattle WA. has seen more blue sky then us this year.

I wish I saw more articles who told the readers of the homeless facts are they are. I have been yelling to the rafters that shelters in Maine been turning away nearly as many as they help.

Most of Maine media would rather BLAME the Homeless. There are stories on how millions of eligible people do not apply for food stamps. They don't want hand outs.

How many tells the fact some people are $5 over the income allowance? Media tells us only 25% of those eligible for housing vouchers, are aided. They do not tell the story of the long wait for those allowed to apply-so people think others who qualify for aid are merely to stupid to apply.

Even SSI and SSDI often takes an average of 5-11 months to get.

Posted by jan Lightfootlane on 07/08/2009 @ 11:42AM PT
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I break towards reality and the sign of the times.

Posted by Aaron Shaw on 07/08/2009 @ 06:28PM PT
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We live in a country that would rather spend 10 billion a month on war than help its helpless. We owe it all the corporations that run our country. Every where I look it is so prevalent in our society. The corporations have even taken our representation away from us or bought it I should say. We must end the special interest in Washington paying for decisions that are not in our best interest. Pleas help me take our country back it could be a cool place to live if.

WE COULD END GREED.

END THE WAR NOW.

END THE WAR ON US (DRUGS) WASTING 100 BILLION A YEAR

PROVIDE UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE

END POVERTY

STOP RACISM STILL IN CONTROL IN MANY AREAS

SAVE OUR PLANET CLEAN FUEL

PROVIDE FREE EDUCATION TO ALL

STOP ENSLAVING OUR OWN PEOPLE FOR FINANCIAL GAIN.

Cherokee Fred Jesus

Posted by Cherokee Fred Jesus on 07/08/2009 @ 09:31PM PT
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Having worked with the homeless/transient population in FL for most of my life as a social worker, I have always experienced the opposite cycle. It is important to understand that the SMALL percentage of chronically homeless, who choose a transient lifestyle and those young people, in the tradition of Woody Guthrie, who ride the rails or hitch around the country/continent, do add to our summer population. However the info in this article is something we will take into consideration as we advocate for the homeless/impoverished in our area.

Terry Buckenmeyer

People United to Stop Homelessness(PUSH)

St. Augustine, FL

Posted by Terry Buckenmeyer on 07/10/2009 @ 12:54PM PT
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After many efforts to end slavery,human right abuses, racism, religious conflicts among others of similar vices. we can now ask where are we? the book " it is time we truly know why Jesus wept" by N.k.David, it truly the beginning because we are the cause of our problems

Posted by faith ounha on 07/15/2009 @ 05:14AM PT
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Shannon has worked in homeless shelters and service organizations in San Francisco, the Triangle region of North Carolina, and currently in the greater Boston area. She is a graduate student studying housing and urban policy at Tufts University.