John has been homeless for most of his adult life. He is often seen on the medians of busy intersections asking for food and money or wandering through the park talking to himself. John used to seek housing in a homeless shelter but often chooses to sleep in the local park. During the winter, the local homeless coalition attempts to talk to John about staying in the shelter but he refuses. Staying out in the cold has led John to being hospitalized on several occasions, but he maintains that he is better off without anyone’s help.
If you were a case manager for the homeless coalition what would you do to try and help John seek appropriate housing during the winter months?
As a case manager working with John I would offer several possible solutions. During our conversation I would try and discover why he is so resistant to the help that is available. I would discuss the benefits of accepting the many housing possibilities available and together come up with a plan that is acceptable to John. There are multiple housing solutions available to the homeless. One would be shelters, which are free. The shelter offers a warm place to sleep, a hot meal, and some offer work placement opportunities. Another housing choice could be transitional housing, This options offers a slightly longer stay and focuses on rehabilitation of the individual or family. Such places offer career planning, job training, job placement, as well as other support services. I would also talk to John about any possible family connections he might have. We would discuss the possibilities of reaching out to family members for assistance until he is back on his feet and can support himself. Also, it may be necessary that I connect John with some form of mental health service to help him overcome the emotional obstacles that keep him living on the streets.
