This article discusses homelessness in Cowlitz County, Washington. It profiles several homeless individuals, including Misty who suffers from anxiety and agoraphobia. The author describes trash-filled tents and camps along the Cowlitz River where many stay. The article also mentions that Faithful Servants Ministry operates shelters and programs in Kelso and Longview aimed at helping the homeless and reuniting families.

1. Homeless in Cowlitz
By Lloyd Smith

2. • Homelessness is the circumstance when
people are without a permanent dwelling,
such as a house or apartment. People who are
homeless are most often unable to acquire
and maintain regular, safe, secure and
adequate housing due to a lack of, or an
unsteady income.
• Domestic violence
• Mental – Love the lifestyle
• Drugs – Crime

3. • 3.5 million people each year in shelters
• 8 million have lost their homes
• 2.5 million kids are homeless
• 63% male; 37% female
• 12% are veterans
• 15% are domestic violence
• We feel 50% never want to leave that lifestyle

4. I have wandered the camps
Here are a few of their faces

5. Some faces show the hardships

6. Some can look pretty good

7. We find them in the rest stops

9. They beg enough for cheap beer

10. Dogs and kids help bring in the cash

11. Let’s walk the Cowlitz River

12. Homelessness causes lots of trash

13. They have all day to pack in junk

14. My friend searched for Misty

15. Misty – 5 years on the run – drugs

16. Jamie was so happy to find Misty

17. Trash is everywhere

18. Lives in a hole

19. The tents are wet inside

20. The tents are trash-filled

21. A million dollar view out the door

22. Misty suffers from anxiety-Agoraphobia

23. Dumpster diving is one way to keep
them supplied

24. Very creative use of milk crate

25. Abe has been out here for 7 years

26. The draw of drugs is strong

27. Misty showered & fed but fled…

28. Ryan is homeless –
we need a women’s house

29. So…what is the
answer?
There are many…
None easy

30. One answer is
Faithful Servants Ministry - 710 S Pacific

31. We have another home at –
1114 South Sixth Ave, Kelso

32. Few faces of Faithful Servants Ministry

33. One goal is to put families
back together

34. Kids are caught in the middle

35. Historical homelessness – Dust Bowl

36. Ken Roberts
Executive Director
Faithful Servants Ministry