Home Sweet Home
For the average working American, nothing quite compares to coming back home after your typical 9-5 grind. Its knowing that you can slip off your shoes and socks and let go of all the exhaustion that has been bearing down on you since you woke up this morning. While it might feel like your home is there for you when you need it, be sure to realize that there are others that completely lack shelter entirely.
According to statistics, as of January 2019, California had an estimated 151,278 experiencing homelessness on any given day, as reported by Continuums of Care to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Of that total, 7,044 were family households, 10,980 were Veterans, 11,993 were unaccompanied young adults (aged 18-24), and 41,557 were individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.
These are some staggering numbers to say the least and when you compare it to the big picture. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to notice that there is a huge homelessness issue in the state of California. Luckily, there are a group of people willing to create a big change in the rift.
Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission is a non-profit organization that has a created a mission for all – to meet the needs of the “whole” person: spiritually, emotionally, and physically. They’ve decided to construct small houses for the simple reason of trying to house as many homeless people as possible.
These small homes contain every small feature needed to carry on with basic living. It has space for a bed, a small office, and even a restroom to flush out your bowels. There’s enough space for two beds to fit with 4 windows for clear visibility. In addition, each unit contains air conditioning and heating for changeups in the season.
This is a huge lifesaver for so many people who are going hungry and can’t even munch on food without the protection of a building
Not only do the homes provide protection, but the organization is also offering job training as well as mental health assistance to help combat severe addiction problems.
Many of these destitute people who wander aimlessly are riddled with severe problems that likely stem from drug abuse. That coupled with the fact that some don’t have clean enough records to maintain a job causes a huge obstacle when trying to get ahead in life. Most don’t want to continue the painful existence of the everyday struggle.
Those who have experienced the small homes have nothing but positive things to say
“I was homeless for about 6 years before I seen this opportunity.” Jonathan Campbell said. “It means a lot to me. It’s a stress reliever and gives a lot of assurance.”
Hope of the Valley diligently strives to reduce, and eventually, eliminate the issue of homelessness that has been stifling areas like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and other parts of California and the entire country.
It is with the belief that people need to be equipped with basic human needs that fuel the organization’s determination in achieving its mission. So far, we’d say they’re doing a fantastic job at it.
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