tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150850549853248790.comments2023-08-23T04:11:24.290-07:00invisible homeless kidsDiane Nilanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03886329898369901405noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150850549853248790.post-53117015583110425612019-02-12T05:09:13.168-08:002019-02-12T05:09:13.168-08:00ThanksThanksWillishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05564961257494071263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150850549853248790.post-63258516529513589762017-06-30T10:35:48.421-07:002017-06-30T10:35:48.421-07:00Diane and HearUs are amazing. I remember as a new ...Diane and HearUs are amazing. I remember as a new MCKV liaison coming across her work and knowing she was a godsend for training and advocacy. Am proud to be able to say I know her. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15377699282999123323noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150850549853248790.post-70907649382981327802016-11-26T06:11:15.295-08:002016-11-26T06:11:15.295-08:00It's not that these ripples do not take hold. ...It's not that these ripples do not take hold. They go deep. It takes some cogitation on a person's part to determine where, when and how to apply their own brand of help. That is to those who absorb it. I really feel that many more do let it all register than not. For many people it takes homework. And it should. The more you know, the more you know how you might make a difference. Maybe not here but out there somewhere, someone is smiling because what you said here made an impact. That smile carries forward to many others. When I heard that you were out there going from community to community in your van here is what I thought. Because of your gift of making contact and documenting what you see, you are sharing a huge and important gift. That of truth. Thank you.<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02395238653886879658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150850549853248790.post-82046879077575602612016-10-06T07:55:17.427-07:002016-10-06T07:55:17.427-07:00Being doubled up is typically a horrible way to be...Being doubled up is typically a horrible way to be homeless. And what makes it even worse is that HUD doesn't think it's homeless. And often people don't think it's so bad, but they don't have a clue. What state/city are you in? Are your kids in school? What are your most essential needs?Diane Nilanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03886329898369901405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150850549853248790.post-45630777574074086912016-10-06T06:01:54.456-07:002016-10-06T06:01:54.456-07:00This is true I have been homeless with my children...This is true I have been homeless with my children for a year. I have been treated.like trash and I'm very educated. Single mom of five. I would rather eat noodle in my own apartment then stay on the floor. Don't get me wrong it beats my van but they tell you if you don't like it leave by all means we are trying.life as mehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03087772928108076043noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150850549853248790.post-55603089245169560442016-02-23T11:53:22.819-08:002016-02-23T11:53:22.819-08:00Sadly you are correct, nothing much has changed. T...Sadly you are correct, nothing much has changed. Tomorrow my colleagues and I will hit the Hill, hoping to get through to those who don't grasp the realities you and too many others face. I'd love to have you join us as Congress needs to hear from you, an expert in homelessness. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Keep in touch. And don't give up! Diane Nilanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03886329898369901405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150850549853248790.post-82015575184609334202016-02-23T11:10:41.390-08:002016-02-23T11:10:41.390-08:00Not much has changed Diane since you wrote this gr...Not much has changed Diane since you wrote this great piece about HUD and their failure to provide clear effective guidance towards ending homelessness and the many a housing crisis across the nation. I have been in a Motel for 6 months with my 3 young children and Mother who is a disabled senior. We have been clawing our way since the unexpected passing of my wife in 2012. Exactly as you described we pay up to 1450 per month to all stay in this one room. We are sustainable but always under or over qualified for some leg-up program. It is infuriating to not only have unrealistic criteria when identifying eligible homeless families and youth but to have all those millions of dollars in HUD money go to outdated and ineffective programs when good fundable ideas, organizations, and effective solutions are right nearby. The Non-profits taking grant money from HUD and only offering assistance to a small subset of the homeless population to help them complete an application for the Asheville Housing Authority's Public Affordable Housing Program Application (a program with a two year wait and that is 80% ineffective or on moratorium) should rethink their strategies and morals. Glad to read such an insightful piece that has surely raised awareness and inspired the community to take action. Once I get my Family on stable ground, I would be glad to take a road trip with you to Washington DC to paint a picture for Congress or whoever holds the whipping stick over HUD. Moneymakerspyhttp://singleparentempire.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150850549853248790.post-75664424740587143972015-12-16T21:39:55.598-08:002015-12-16T21:39:55.598-08:00Thank you for you do as an activist and for writin...Thank you for you do as an activist and for writing and publishing on this very important subject! My four children and I have been homeless since August. For several years, I was fortunate to work from home as a remote Customer Service Rep, first for a small, online company and second for Uber(the mobile transportation app). But both my positions were outsourced to the Philippines and I was laid off. I'm also a vet, and even though the Governor of Virginia recently told media that every homeless veteran in our state had been offered housing, I've not had any assistance offered my family.<br /><br />Our community is small, but in a fairly "rich" county, about 60 miles west of Washington, DC where the median annual income is over $70K. As a result, our county has NO services or assistance for homeless families or women and children. Its a growing problem and I've seen the rents rise over 20% in the past two years. Our local United Way is working to regain a shelter in our town for women and children, but contributions are down. <br /><br />You are correct to point out that our government has shown how little they care for homeless children, as evidenced by their lack of funding. It seems housing costs have gone ballistic nationwide these past few years! But the elite running our country have no concern for those struggling to survive! <br /><br />Thanks again for bringing this issue to light! Good luck in your continued work.Ruth Annehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09278747106418115850noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150850549853248790.post-17296774264032614792015-11-01T21:02:12.753-08:002015-11-01T21:02:12.753-08:00Pope Francis is one of my heroes.Pope Francis is one of my heroes.Agent Xhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10478751219282855503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150850549853248790.post-76661138445557233782015-09-17T16:38:10.979-07:002015-09-17T16:38:10.979-07:00He restores Faith! I'm adding eggs to the bas...He restores Faith! I'm adding eggs to the basket, and lifting your wishes up! He COULD be the key.nancym2703https://www.blogger.com/profile/16372884879705150787noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150850549853248790.post-85469576784826482782015-08-23T18:35:07.279-07:002015-08-23T18:35:07.279-07:00Actually, everything we can do to end homelessness...Actually, everything we can do to end homelessness while respecting human dignity is good. It's not a one-size-fits-all problem. Tiny houses will be good for some, permanent supportive housing for others. Some families need help coping with trauma and other challenges, others will be fine once they return to permanent housing. Employment opportunities are essential. Those with mental and physical health issues may be able to work in appropriate work settings, and all should have a chance to have an income that provides dignity. Diane Nilanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03886329898369901405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150850549853248790.post-4505045114644885672015-08-23T17:43:57.828-07:002015-08-23T17:43:57.828-07:00Ms. Nilan, what do you think of the idea of ending...Ms. Nilan, what do you think of the idea of ending homelessness by providing homes? Utah has had some success with this, as has I believe it's Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in providing tiny home villages. I think a public/private model is what will ultimately end homelessness, as well as a better economy, jobs that pay a living wage (many people who are homeless have jobs), etc. When I was in Boston last May, I saw city street workers (all black, as it were) whose shirts identified them as part of a dignity of work crew of formerly homeless men. I'm not sure such a thing will end homelessness, but it would seem the structure of a daily job would help their potential mental health issues. Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06640645678024965652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150850549853248790.post-25160502213095127582015-08-21T12:32:41.947-07:002015-08-21T12:32:41.947-07:00Thank you, Ms. Nilan, for the kind words, however,...Thank you, Ms. Nilan, for the kind words, however, it is I who needs to thank you for the passion and diligence you offer to this population. Sadly, as the gap increases in this nation between the "haves" and "have-nots," I fear that this condition will only worsen. Governmental responses have always been "reactive" and, as only a proactive approach will reduce/eradicate homelessness, I fear that the worst is yet to come. While I appreciate the utilization of funding to open shelters, I would certainly prefer to devote funding to helping prevent homelessness...to better our educational system...to offer vocational training and employment opportunities...to build affordable housing. However, when the city of Fort Lauderdale passed a law, late last year, to prohibit feeding the homeless, it became abundantly clear that this population was seen merely as a "nuisance" and that it is far easier to sweep them under the rug than to better their lives. Until this mentality changes, I don't foresee any positive changes. Gary Levine - Naples HeraldGary Levinehttp://www.naplesherald.com/author/garylevinenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150850549853248790.post-21688183072059755742015-05-19T20:22:16.279-07:002015-05-19T20:22:16.279-07:00These times are an indictment of our political sys...These times are an indictment of our political system and those false Christians who twist religion to justify 'PUNISHING" THE POOR.Shame on them. I am disgusted by what is clearly a ME-FIRST society that turns it's backs on needy people. We must rise up and get political or get active helping one another. You are a saint to keep on helping....<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150850549853248790.post-35376418207125668812014-12-09T06:55:21.989-08:002014-12-09T06:55:21.989-08:00cool blog. child homelessness is a devastation but...cool blog. child homelessness is a devastation but often neglected in america. love what you're doing to raise awareness and suggest how to help!<br /><br />https://homelesshumanity.wordpress.comcpppppppppp455https://homelesshumanity.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150850549853248790.post-28571709635086209582014-06-30T04:09:43.796-07:002014-06-30T04:09:43.796-07:00Diane, Good suggestion to share. I shared this ...Diane, Good suggestion to share. I shared this to my (our) Linkedin connections with my personal childhood homeless story. Catherine M. J. EvansAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150850549853248790.post-15161016035644542872014-02-18T00:45:56.516-08:002014-02-18T00:45:56.516-08:00Reality is hurtful, but we must take a step to mak...Reality is hurtful, but we must take a step to make a difference to other people's life.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sbg.org.au/" rel="nofollow">How to Help the Homeless</a><br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00995736440587563789noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150850549853248790.post-70547095098654522452013-10-24T21:09:56.456-07:002013-10-24T21:09:56.456-07:00Amen. Amen. abbiehttp://www.abbieaw.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150850549853248790.post-16301390203234375052013-07-17T10:24:00.810-07:002013-07-17T10:24:00.810-07:00 Hey, read your story and am very moved by it,
... Hey, read your story and am very moved by it,<br /> My name is Joshua Manstein, I am a senior at the Interdisciplinary Center in Herzliya, Israel. I am involved in part of an on-going year workshop involved in helping to spread and raise awareness for global empathy and fair ethical treatment of all mankind. <br /> If you could just take some time out of your busy schedule to check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. It would be greatly appreciated if you could like and support what you see to help share and hopefully contribute to our on-going campaign.<br /><br />Thank you for you time, and have a wonderful day,<br />Sincerely,<br />Joshua Manstein<br /><br />https://www.facebook.com/GlobalEmpathyExperiment <br />https://twitter.com/GlobalEmpathyEx<br />http://instagram.com/globalempathyexperiment<br />http://www.youtube.com/user/GlobalEmpathyExp?feature=watchAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150850549853248790.post-49882777488414206772012-12-24T01:06:22.558-08:002012-12-24T01:06:22.558-08:00Nice thoughts ..great article..Nice thoughts ..great article..Play angry Birdshttp://www.parksonsgames.com/abtradingcards/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150850549853248790.post-61008692027698256802012-10-26T11:57:08.929-07:002012-10-26T11:57:08.929-07:00Heard from someone who knows: "The only HUD l...Heard from someone who knows: "The only HUD limitations are related to sex offenses and meth production. After that it is a local PHA decision. About two years ago, Secretary Donovan sent a letter to PHA's asking them to give considerable thought to limiting the barriers they create to housing. It might be good to remind the local PHA of that encouragement."Diane Nilanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03886329898369901405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150850549853248790.post-12320973552451343522012-10-02T12:38:00.452-07:002012-10-02T12:38:00.452-07:00Shocking and horrible. Thanks for sharing what see...Shocking and horrible. Thanks for sharing what seems to be secret stories of how bad things are for families, especially those with far more on their plates than we can imagine. Kudos for your insights! Diane Nilanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03886329898369901405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150850549853248790.post-8472384704410726712012-10-02T12:32:14.766-07:002012-10-02T12:32:14.766-07:00I just recently completed my student teaching in a...I just recently completed my student teaching in a Chicago suburb that is considered pretty high-income. I had two placements, one for five weeks and one for ten weeks. I was shocked at how many children I met in that short time who were in situations like this! One family was staying in a motel room with their four children under the age of 5, one of whom had autism. In fact I've known multiple homeless families that included children with special needs... not being able to put their kids in traditional child care centers, plus all of the additional therapies and services and medications the children require, can make it extremely hard for parents to make ends meet! When people think of homelessness, they don't often think of situations like that. Angel The Alienhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16158672957404194956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150850549853248790.post-76218027835937102092012-05-04T12:35:36.333-07:002012-05-04T12:35:36.333-07:00Diane, I can always count on you to make my alread...Diane, I can always count on you to make my already dropped jaw...drop even more! Thank you for all that you do...You continue to inspire me in more ways than I have words. Thank you.<br /><br />One love<br />Kelly HunterKelly Hunter - Speakers' Bureau Coordinatorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06375787598478287813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150850549853248790.post-18237997018049065192012-05-02T04:20:24.845-07:002012-05-02T04:20:24.845-07:00Mayors who typically know little about homelessnes...Mayors who typically know little about homelessness (actually fear the issue) tend to claim the "everyone will come to our community if we have services." It's in their mayoral textbook. <br /><br />Kathryn, I passed on the info to the family about Housing Choice. My recollection is the waiting list is closed...we'll see. Thanks for your kind words!Diane Nilanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03886329898369901405noreply@blogger.com