Poverty Law 1 Adjunct Professor Monica Bogucki 2007 Copyright Monica Bogucki

Wilder Research Center What is the definition of homelessness? Being precariously housed, in shelter, cars, sub-standard structures or doubled-up in housing 20, 347 people were precariously housed in Minnesota

Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless 10,600 children are either homeless or living in temporary shelters on any given night Over the course of one year, an estimated 10,000 or 12,00 unaccompanied youth experience at least one episode of homelessness

Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless 34% of homeless adults (46% of women) reported that they had stayed in abusive relationship because they had nowhere else to live 24% of homeless adults have less than high school education 30% of homeless adults have some amount of post- secondary education 59% are homeless for the first time in their life

National Low Income Housing Coalition and Minn. Coalition for the Homeless The hourly wage to afford a One bedroom--$ Two bedroom- $ (Minneapolis and St. Paul $17.85)

Faces of Homelessness DVD Presentation

Issues for Lawyers Laws that criminalize being homeless Unconstitutional vagrancy laws, loitering laws, illegal camping, and panhandling

Types of homeless shelters Family only shelters Adult shelters Youth shelters Battered women’s shelters and safe homes Transitional housing Public funding, private funding and combination of funding

Obstacles and Hardships What are obstacles to getting out of a homeless shelter?

Thoughts and tips on working with those who are homeless? Take your time in getting to know the client as an individual Build rapport and trust Be flexible and listen, listen, listen Be patient when clients do not make appointments Make services as seamless as possible Understand the client’s past history

What can you do? Advocacy and legal counseling regarding: Conditions of the homeless shelter Continuity of education for children Helping families or individuals get out of the shelter Helping families get into the shelter Affordable housing Helping families find support services

More opportunities Volunteer to serve on homeless shelter boards or work in the homeless shelter Serve at meal sites such as Loaves and Fishes Lobby to change the laws Educate others on poverty and its impact on families, individuals and children

General Assistance Program Minn. Stat. 256D. et. seq. Covers individuals and couples without children Monthly grant is $ for an adult Monthly grant for emancipated youth is $

General Assistance Categorical Eligibility Exercises Small group