For the majority of Americans homelessness conjures images of someone holding a cardboard sign on a corner, or a tattered shape slumped under a bridge. Though these images have some basis in reality they are really cartoon representations of a much more layered problem. We work hard to stress there are many types of people who experience homelessness with the operative word being 'experience'. Only a fraction of individuals live a life of chronic homelessness (3 or more bouts of homelessness during a 3 year period). The vast majority experience homelessness as a transition between states of self-sufficiency.
During January 2011's One Night Shelter Count for Central Oregon, 2,271 individuals were identified as homeless! And that is just those that could be found and were willing to identify themselves as such. Many of those counted probably never pictured themselves as being in the midst of this growing problem.
To many of us, knowledge of the homeless problem starts and stops with the person holding a sign on the street corner. That person represents the very tip of the iceberg.
With almost 2,300 individuals in Central Oregon experiencing homelessness, there are as many reasons as there are people and not all of them are in this predictament because of bad habits or poor choices. To learn more, check out our About Homelessness page.
Helping someone move forward in life will absolutely change yours! Being part of the solution is as rewarding as it gets. And it's much easier than most people think.
If you have any questions about the Bethlehem Inn, would like a tour of the facility or are interested in us speaking to your group or organization, please give us a call. We'd love to hear from you!