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Frequently Asked Questions
• Who are the homeless?
• What is the profile of the average homeless
individual in Phoenix?
• How many people does CASS serve?
• What kind of services does CASS provide for
its clients?
• Are all of the homeless unemployed?
• Why is there a lack of affordable housing?
• What do you see as the answer to ending homelessness?
• What makes CASS different from all the other
homeless shelter organizations in the Valley?
• What Can You Do to Help the Homeless?
Who
are the homeless?
Maricopa County reports at least 10,000 homeless
people at any given time.
CASS provided shelter to over 4,500 (unduplicated) homeless men, women and children last year.
By engaging these individuals, Maricopa County and CASS have found:
•One in five is under the age of 18.
•Approximately 50% of the homeless community are substance abusers.
•At least 25% have serious mental health disorders such as depression or schizophrenia.
•11% are considered dual diagnosed for both substance abuse and mental health problems.
•25% are female victims of domestic violence
•25% are veterans.
•40% of the homeless are families with children.
What
is the profile of the average homeless individual in Phoenix?
This person would be a single white male between
30-39 years old with at least a high school education or better. He is
employable, a year-round resident of Phoenix and homeless for the first
time. Most homeless men say that loss of a job is the primary cause of
their homelessness. The majority of homeless women cite eviction, financial
crisis, and domestic violence as the contributors to their situation.
What
kind of services does CASS provide for its clients?
• In addition to a bed, blanket, hygiene items
such as soap, toothbrushes, deodorant, etc., clients are able to shower
and wash their clothes and access the CASS clothing bank.
•CASS supportive programs also include case management, employment
services, and developmental childcare services for families with children
and free dental care at the CASS Dental Clinic.
•Case managers and shelter staff distribute cab vouchers and bus
tickets on an as-needed basis to help clients get to medical appointments,
job interviews, etc.
•Working men and women are given bicycles as available.
•Food services or supplies are provided off-site by St. Vincent de
Paul, André House, and St. Mary's Food Bank. Food is brought on-site
for female clients, clients with full time jobs, and client volunteers
on the days they do chores.
Are
all of the homeless unemployed?
No. It is estimated that 30% of the homeless are
employable although this figure includes those working at temporary and
day labor positions as well as those working at full-time jobs. CASS Employment
Services, CASS' employment assistance center, placed more than 600 clients
in full-time positions with an average wage of almost $9.00 an hour.
Why
is there a lack of affordable housing?
Although there is a housing boom in the Valley of
the Sun, there is not an adequate inventory of affordable housing. In
the downtown Phoenix area, the destruction of over 30 SRO (single room
occupancy) hotels since 1970 has left many of the working poor, disabled,
and elderly without a place to live. In addition, many single-family residences
were razed in the redevelopment of downtown Phoenix.
What
do you see as the answer to ending homelessness?
The regional plan to end homelessness requires
a comprehensive community effort. The solution to homelessness must include
rebuilding an inventory of affordable, supportive housing and ensuring
access to affordable medical and behavioral healthcare. In addition, an
effective mass transit system is needed that will help the working poor
get to and from the parts of the Valley that offer employment.
What
makes CASS different from all the other homeless shelter organizations
in the Valley?
CASS is the largest organization in the state aiding
the homeless. With over 24 years of experience, we have built relationships
throughout the valley to create services and support that we believe are
the best tools to end homelessness.
• Largest on demand emergency shelter - over 50% of beds in the valley.
• Continuum of services.
What
Can I Do to Help the Homeless?
•To volunteer your time or services,
Call (602) 256-6945, ext. 3008 to learn more about volunteer opportunities
at CASS.
•Donate household items, clean, gently used clothing, hygiene products
or a tax-deductible monetary contribution. Contact our Development Office
at (602) 417-9800.
* * Demographics sources: Arizona Department of Economic Security, Morrison Institute, Phoenix Health Care for the Homeless Coalition, National Coalition for the Homeless, MAG Homeless Plan Update.
