Concrete Beds and Cardboard Pillows

For the past 31 years, the City of Boston Emergency Shelter Commission has conducted an annual homeless census. Dozens of volunteers, including many from United Way, will once again gather tonight at City Hall and then disperse in groups to engage people living on the streets and residing in emergency shelters. This year's census will provide us with current information to better tailor our long term approach to homelessness in Boston and throughout our region.

Homelessness is an equal opportunity issue. It does not discriminate. It's not racist or sexist and it will take individuals or entire families. People of every age live on our streets, in our alleyways, over our heating vents and in the nooks and doorways of our cities and towns.

Our region's dispossessed residents have lost their homes for varied reasons and through compounding circumstances. There are misconceptions that the backgrounds of homeless individuals and families chronically include domestic violence, mental health issues and substance abuse treatment to name a few. However, the continuing recession has worn down the finances of many individuals and families, stripping away the stability that allows many other residents to pull through these tough times, sometimes just barely, and make it out the other side.

So how do you combat an enemy that preys on all members of society, skulking in the shadows and waiting for a series of unfortunate events, ready to pull the comfort out from under someone's feet?

The answer is simple and the solution difficult. A consistent strategy supported by the community is needed. That's the easy part. It is more difficult to roll out the solution that involves financial stability training. United Way supports the most far reaching network of organizations that help families. We are at work with them all year long, not just during the holidays or when the temperature drops.

We estimate that there are over 500,000 residents in our region, who are living on the cusp of homelessness. Much of our work is making sure that they can build financial stability not only for a better future but to weather the effects of the recession.

The United Way's Family Financial Stability Fund provides swift emergency assistance to families in crisis in our community. However, families frequently need up to 21 months to recover, we stand by them as they rebuild and provide a proven path to lasting financial stability. It's an approach that helps today, while creating a stronger tomorrow for everyone in our community.

Find out more about United Way's Family Financial Stability Fund.