This document provides an overview of library services for the poor and homeless. It discusses who the poor and homeless are, common barriers they face in accessing information services, best practices for libraries, and resources on the topic. Key points include defining poverty thresholds, types of homelessness, discrimination the homeless may experience, addressing emotional and physical needs of patrons, developing policies that do not discriminate, training staff, and partnering with social services. The goal is for libraries to help change lives by providing access to information, programs, and services for those in need.
Reading comprehension 1 chapter 5 texts with thir answersJamalkaid
The document summarizes a new college course on altruism offered at Chico State University. For the course, students each shadowed a community member known for altruistic acts to learn about their motivations. Students helped at a homeless shelter, went shopping with those in need, and had discussions with altruists. Both students and altruists found the experience insightful. Though challenging, students felt the class provided valuable lifelong lessons about prioritizing helping others over careers and finding purpose through aiding communities.
Poverty Powerpoint by Vallnessa, Emily and Aliciasmuench
The document discusses poverty around the world and in China. It defines different types of poverty and notes that about 3 billion people live in poverty. It then discusses a student group called "Leap Over Poverty" that aims to raise money through fundraisers to sponsor a library in Shanghai through an organization called Shanghai Sunrise, in order to help break the cycle of poverty.
This document analyzes the economic cost of poverty in Ontario. It finds that poverty costs the Ontario government and households in the province $32-38 billion per year, or 5.5-6.6% of GDP. Poverty disproportionately impacts people with disabilities, children, Indigenous peoples, single parents and new immigrants. Reducing poverty through early intervention programs, childcare, skills training and credential recognition would generate economic returns and significantly reduce the social costs of poverty over time.
This document provides advocacy tips for library staff to help promote the value of public libraries. It outlines key talking points about how libraries provide free access to knowledge and resources for communities, including computers and internet access, books and materials, educational support, and genealogy resources, while only costing taxpayers a small amount each year. Staff are encouraged to advocate to local government and community influencers by sharing these messages about the positive impact and return on investment of public libraries.
Poverty is a major problem in South Asia, home to over 450 million of the world's poor. More than 22% of the world's population lives in South Asia, but the region contains over 44% of the world's impoverished. Poverty is caused by factors such as overpopulation straining limited resources, weak economic development due to poor government policies and corruption, lack of education and opportunities, and natural disasters. The large numbers of people in South Asia who cannot contribute to the economy due to poverty, illiteracy, and overpopulation pose challenges for economic growth in countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Maldives. Potential solutions include providing more education and opportunities, reducing corruption,
The document discusses issues of racial inequality and opportunity in Detroit and beyond. It argues that while some see Obama's election as signifying a post-racial era, racial disparities persist and disadvantage marginalized groups. Specifically, foreclosures have disproportionately impacted black and Latino communities. The document calls for a focus on targeted universalism, coalition building, and empowering community organizations like MOSES to promote social justice and equal opportunity.
This needs assessment examines homelessness among families and youth in Rochester, Minnesota. It finds that each year around 200-300 families and 60-100 youth under 25 experience homelessness. Key informants estimate that permanent supportive housing could benefit 30-50 families and 25-40 youth. The assessment also finds that the number of homeless students and families is rising. It identifies a need for affordable housing and supportive services for both populations, especially employment assistance for youth.
Community mapping presentation: Tk’emlups te SecwepemcJoelaab
The Tk'emlups te Secwepemc are a Secwepemc band located where the North and South Thompson Rivers meet in British Columbia. They have over 1000 members and have faced challenges such as the impacts of residential schools, loss of culture and language, poverty, and poor health outcomes. However, they are working to strengthen their community through initiatives in areas like education, housing, childcare, and economic development. Key community organizations supporting the Tk'emlups te Secwepemc include the Kamloops Native Housing Society, White Buffalo Aboriginal Health Society, and Tk'emlups Indian Band.
Reading comprehension 1 chapter 5 texts with thir answersJamalkaid
The document summarizes a new college course on altruism offered at Chico State University. For the course, students each shadowed a community member known for altruistic acts to learn about their motivations. Students helped at a homeless shelter, went shopping with those in need, and had discussions with altruists. Both students and altruists found the experience insightful. Though challenging, students felt the class provided valuable lifelong lessons about prioritizing helping others over careers and finding purpose through aiding communities.
Poverty Powerpoint by Vallnessa, Emily and Aliciasmuench
The document discusses poverty around the world and in China. It defines different types of poverty and notes that about 3 billion people live in poverty. It then discusses a student group called "Leap Over Poverty" that aims to raise money through fundraisers to sponsor a library in Shanghai through an organization called Shanghai Sunrise, in order to help break the cycle of poverty.
This document analyzes the economic cost of poverty in Ontario. It finds that poverty costs the Ontario government and households in the province $32-38 billion per year, or 5.5-6.6% of GDP. Poverty disproportionately impacts people with disabilities, children, Indigenous peoples, single parents and new immigrants. Reducing poverty through early intervention programs, childcare, skills training and credential recognition would generate economic returns and significantly reduce the social costs of poverty over time.
This document provides advocacy tips for library staff to help promote the value of public libraries. It outlines key talking points about how libraries provide free access to knowledge and resources for communities, including computers and internet access, books and materials, educational support, and genealogy resources, while only costing taxpayers a small amount each year. Staff are encouraged to advocate to local government and community influencers by sharing these messages about the positive impact and return on investment of public libraries.
Poverty is a major problem in South Asia, home to over 450 million of the world's poor. More than 22% of the world's population lives in South Asia, but the region contains over 44% of the world's impoverished. Poverty is caused by factors such as overpopulation straining limited resources, weak economic development due to poor government policies and corruption, lack of education and opportunities, and natural disasters. The large numbers of people in South Asia who cannot contribute to the economy due to poverty, illiteracy, and overpopulation pose challenges for economic growth in countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Maldives. Potential solutions include providing more education and opportunities, reducing corruption,
The document discusses issues of racial inequality and opportunity in Detroit and beyond. It argues that while some see Obama's election as signifying a post-racial era, racial disparities persist and disadvantage marginalized groups. Specifically, foreclosures have disproportionately impacted black and Latino communities. The document calls for a focus on targeted universalism, coalition building, and empowering community organizations like MOSES to promote social justice and equal opportunity.
This needs assessment examines homelessness among families and youth in Rochester, Minnesota. It finds that each year around 200-300 families and 60-100 youth under 25 experience homelessness. Key informants estimate that permanent supportive housing could benefit 30-50 families and 25-40 youth. The assessment also finds that the number of homeless students and families is rising. It identifies a need for affordable housing and supportive services for both populations, especially employment assistance for youth.
Community mapping presentation: Tk’emlups te SecwepemcJoelaab
The Tk'emlups te Secwepemc are a Secwepemc band located where the North and South Thompson Rivers meet in British Columbia. They have over 1000 members and have faced challenges such as the impacts of residential schools, loss of culture and language, poverty, and poor health outcomes. However, they are working to strengthen their community through initiatives in areas like education, housing, childcare, and economic development. Key community organizations supporting the Tk'emlups te Secwepemc include the Kamloops Native Housing Society, White Buffalo Aboriginal Health Society, and Tk'emlups Indian Band.
Edge of Amazing: Breakout Session B - From Swamps to Springboards: Breaking t...PIHCSnohomish
The document summarizes the transformation of East Lake Meadows, a neighborhood in Atlanta plagued by poverty, crime, and failing schools, into a thriving mixed-income community through the East Lake Initiative. Key aspects of the initiative included replacing public housing with mixed-income housing, implementing a cradle-to-college education pipeline including a high-performing charter school, promoting community wellness, and establishing a nonprofit to coordinate programs. The initiative served as a model for Purpose Built Communities, which aims to replicate this comprehensive approach across the US to revitalize neighborhoods of concentrated poverty.
This document discusses the challenges of rural social work related to poverty. It notes that while rural areas are often depicted as idyllic, they actually have high poverty rates that deeply impact families. Rural areas face economic barriers like lack of good jobs, low wages, and loss of land to wealthier newcomers. Socially, rural children have less access to necessities, healthcare, and education opportunities. Geographical isolation limits access to services. Rural social workers aim to address these complex issues, but face their own challenges of lack of resources and privacy in tight-knit communities.
This document discusses research on financial resilience practices among Somali migrants in East London. It finds that 100% of survey participants supported charitable causes in the previous year, with motivations strongly linked to Islamic faith. Common practices included zakat (obligatory alms-giving), sadaqa (voluntary charity), and community fundraising. Donations were made despite high levels of poverty and unemployment. The research challenges views of this community as lacking resilience, instead finding resourcefulness and mutual aid. It calls for new conversations with literatures on responses to hardship in the global South.
This study involved collecting oral histories from 31 African Americans who had lived in Odessa, Texas for at least 25 years to understand the development of the African American community. Interviews were conducted in participants' homes and covered topics like family background, employment opportunities, community involvement, and advice for younger generations. The interviews revealed that African Americans who migrated to Odessa faced limited economic opportunities and segregated housing south of the railroad tracks. Over time, desegregation opened more opportunities, but also led to the loss of community institutions and landmarks. Participants hoped their stories would empower future generations and preserve the history of struggles and resilience of Odessa's early African American community.
Poverty Interrupted White Paper Final DigitalAnthony Barrows
This document provides an introduction to a white paper about applying behavioral science insights to poverty alleviation efforts. It discusses how the US has made some progress in reducing poverty but has ultimately failed to win the "War on Poverty." It argues that behavioral science has not been meaningfully applied to anti-poverty efforts despite its potential. The paper then puts forward three design principles for poverty programs grounded in behavioral science: 1) Cut the costs that poverty imposes on people's time, attention and cognition, 2) Create slack by providing cushions of time, money and resources, and 3) Reframe poverty and empower people by preserving their autonomy. The document aims to start a conversation about innovative ways to incorporate behavioral insights into policies
1) The Bhutanese Refugee Support Group in Atlanta was started by Leslie Sokolow to help the approximately 1,600 Bhutanese refugees who have resettled in Atlanta since 2008. The group provides assistance like clothing, school supplies, and connecting refugees to resources.
2) The support group relies heavily on online communication through email lists, Facebook, and a website to organize volunteers and distribute donations. It also works closely with Bhutanese community members like Tulasi Ghimirey to address needs and overcome language barriers.
3) In addition to basic necessities, the group helps refugees maintain their cultural traditions and find work, such as through a project where refugees wove and sold kudzu baskets. They
This document summarizes statistics on poverty in the United States. It reports that the poverty line for a family of 4 is $23,021 and 16% of the US population, or around 63 million people, live below this level. The document also discusses the cycle of poverty, with low income leading to lack of education and underemployment, perpetuating economic decline. It notes children in poverty face developmental delays and are less prepared for school.
Poverty Powerpoint by JD, Chris and Nathaliesmuench
The document discusses reducing poverty in Calcutta, India through education initiatives and charitable organizations. It notes that over 1/5 of the world's population lives in poverty and this causes issues like terrorism, disease spread, and discrimination. It recommends organizations like IPSL that provide direct care, education, and medical assistance to improve lives and end cycles of poverty.
This chapter discusses several key issues related to race and ethnicity in the changing American context. It outlines 3 important issues: 1) the changing ethnic configuration due to new immigration patterns, 2) the debate around cultural assimilation versus pluralism, and 3) the continued socioeconomic gap between white/Asian groups and black/Hispanic/Native American groups. Specific topics covered include the economic and social impacts of new immigration, challenges facing Arab Americans, debates around affirmative action and bilingualism, and perspectives on the future of race relations in the US.
This document discusses various concepts and definitions related to poverty. It defines absolute poverty as having income less than $2 per day, while relative poverty compares one's economic status to others in the society. Both concepts fail to consider non-income aspects of poverty. Other definitions discussed include income poverty, extreme poverty of less than $1 per day, and India's poverty lines. Causes and impacts of poverty are also outlined. Various poverty indices like the Human Poverty Index and Global Hunger Index are explained. Strategies to address hidden hunger and malnutrition are provided.
This document summarizes a white paper titled "Poverty Interrupted: Applying Behavioral Science to the Context of Chronic Scarcity". It was authored by Allison Daminger, Jonathan Hayes, Anthony Barrows, and Josh Wright from ideas42, a behavioral design firm. The paper argues that traditional approaches to fighting poverty have had limited success, and that insights from behavioral science could help design more effective policies and programs. It outlines three key design principles for interventions aiming to reduce poverty through a behavioral lens: cut the costs of poverty, create slack or buffers for families living with scarcity, and reframe poverty to empower individuals. The document provides an overview of the behavioral science perspective and an introduction to the more detailed principles
This document is a project report analyzing poverty in India during the post-independence period. It was submitted by 4 students in partial fulfillment of their Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics at Mar Ivanios College of Arts and Science. The report includes an introduction outlining objectives to study concepts of poverty measurement, analyze trends in rural, urban and total poverty rates since independence using data from different sources, identify causes and effects of poverty in India, and understand government poverty alleviation measures. It also includes chapters on literature review, methodology, concepts/theories of poverty, data presentation and analysis, conclusions and suggestions, and references.
Family and Community Engagement Webinar with ScholasticVanessa Avila
In this webinar we share information on our partnership with Scholastic under the Reading Action Program. We also discuss ways that your club can work with schools, families, and communities to make sure that every child has an opportunity to reach their full potential.
Special Guest Presenter: Jackie Harvey, Director of Community and District Wide Partnerships at Scholastic
An earthquake. A tsunami. A civil war. A public health crisis. The lives of millions annually are irrevocably altered in an instant when natural disasters or other calamities strike.
Wisconsin Stateof Philanthropy Report 2009 by DFWlitlelady9
Donors Forum of Wisconsin has released the first-ever Wisconsin State of Philanthropy Report highlighting the changes in the state’s philanthropic landscape.
The report provides a detailed looked at grantmaking in Wisconsin as well as a deeper look into how philanthropy is practiced in the state. The report on giving will enhance grantmakers’ ability to tell their giving stories, highlights the impact of Wisconsin’s grantmaking community, and accurately depicts the scope, diversity, and depth of Wisconsin philanthropy.
Rough sample project for class 12 on poverty its only rough project it will give 90% hint to all who use this project highly recommended for school project
This annual report summarizes the Housing Center's work in 2012 to promote fair housing and combat housing discrimination. Some key points:
- Conducted over 250 fair housing tests and filed 45 complaints of housing discrimination
- Increased outreach through various publications, community events, and a new marketing strategy
- Published reports on lending patterns, accessibility for those with disabilities, and other issues
- Relocated office to a more accessible location serving over 30,000 who experience discrimination each year
- Looking ahead to continued advocacy and entering its 30th year of working towards inclusive communities
Working Together to Relieve Hunger (Europe, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Singapore and South Africa)
In this webinar we share ideas, stories, and best practices for working together with our food banking partners to relieve hunger. We discuss the purpose, resources and project ideas for the Lions Relieving the Hunger Campaign, and we will feature special guest presenters from the Global Foodbanking Network.
Name ________________________Date ________________________.docxrosemarybdodson23141
Name ________________________
Date ________________________
Critical Reflection #4- “The Myth of the Culture of Poverty”
Gorski, P. (2008). The Myth of the Culture of Poverty. Educational Leadership, 65(7). Retrieved from http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/apr08/vol65/num07/The-Myth-of-the-Culture-of-Poverty.aspx
Read the assigned article(s), then answer the following questions honestly and completely in short answer form. Your response to EACH section of every question should be between 150-500 words. Answers that do not fulfill the minimum word requirement will NOT earn credit. Collegiate-level writing is expected, including, but not limited to, using complete sentences, appropriate punctuation, proper paragraph structure, and editing for spelling and grammar mistakes. Please cite any sources you use, and quotations are not counted in the word minimum.
Use appropriate supporting evidence for your statements. Answer each prompt question thoroughly. If you can ask "why?", "how so?", or "how do you know that?" after reading what you've written, you've got more work to do. Your answers are for your own reflection and will only be viewed by your instructor. Each question should address the information in the article, content from class, and your reflections of the material.
1. According to the article, “what is the so-called “culture of poverty”? What are some common stereotypes of people who live in poverty? What are some incomplete ideas you have or have had about people who live in poverty? Moving forward, how can you reevaluate these incomplete ideas and apply them to everyday life?
2. In what ways do or could the myths about poverty in the article affect the population with whom you work?
3. Gorski describes the deficit perspective in schools, the idea that teachers and schools may define students by their weaknesses rather than their strengths. Look through materials that your organization produces: their website, brochures, flyers, fundraising letters, etc. In what ways is the population you serve described in terms of weaknesses? In terms of strengths?
4. Based on our discussion in class and the article, what role do you think the government should play in providing assistance for its citizens? How is the Federal Poverty Line determined? Do you think that Line is fairly determined? Why or why not?
5. Gorski names a handful of American iconic persons or groups who have done significant antipoverty work in the U.S.: Martin Luther King, Jr., Helen Keller, the Black Panthers, Cesar Chavez. Choose one about which you know the least, and describe 1-2 of their antipoverty efforts: Who was it aimed to help? During which period of time did they operate? What was their work, and where did it take effect? What were the results of their work? (400 words minimum)
The Myth of the
Instead of accepting myths that
harm lo'w-income students, we
need to eradicate the systemwide
inequities that stand in their way.
Paul G.
The document discusses functionally illiterate adults and literacy programs in libraries. It describes the stories of three individuals, Rochelle Ford, Nelson Lauver, and John Corcoran, who struggled with illiteracy in school but later found help for learning to read in libraries. It also provides statistics on the number of functionally illiterate adults in the U.S. and discusses how public libraries can help by offering adult literacy classes, tutor training, and programs tailored to different skill levels.
This document summarizes research on online support communities for those experiencing perinatal loss (miscarriage or infant death). It finds that these communities provide validation, a sense of shared experience ("griefwork"), and help maintain authentic identities. However, digital inequities exist and offline support is still lacking. The researchers aim to further characterize these online social practices and roles to better understand their benefits and potential shortcomings.
The document discusses contemporary issues in Aboriginal education in Canada. It covers topics such as health and social wellness challenges faced by Aboriginal communities, lower income and higher poverty rates, and lower academic achievement. Regarding education levels, graduation rates for First Nations students are much lower than non-Aboriginal students. The lecture also discusses the difficult school choice parents in Aboriginal communities face in deciding whether to send their children to on-reserve or off-reserve schools. While off-reserve schools may provide better academic programs, children often face challenges like racism and loss of cultural teachings. Overall, the document examines the ongoing impacts of the residential school system and the intergenerational effects of colonization on Aboriginal communities and education.
Edge of Amazing: Breakout Session B - From Swamps to Springboards: Breaking t...PIHCSnohomish
The document summarizes the transformation of East Lake Meadows, a neighborhood in Atlanta plagued by poverty, crime, and failing schools, into a thriving mixed-income community through the East Lake Initiative. Key aspects of the initiative included replacing public housing with mixed-income housing, implementing a cradle-to-college education pipeline including a high-performing charter school, promoting community wellness, and establishing a nonprofit to coordinate programs. The initiative served as a model for Purpose Built Communities, which aims to replicate this comprehensive approach across the US to revitalize neighborhoods of concentrated poverty.
This document discusses the challenges of rural social work related to poverty. It notes that while rural areas are often depicted as idyllic, they actually have high poverty rates that deeply impact families. Rural areas face economic barriers like lack of good jobs, low wages, and loss of land to wealthier newcomers. Socially, rural children have less access to necessities, healthcare, and education opportunities. Geographical isolation limits access to services. Rural social workers aim to address these complex issues, but face their own challenges of lack of resources and privacy in tight-knit communities.
This document discusses research on financial resilience practices among Somali migrants in East London. It finds that 100% of survey participants supported charitable causes in the previous year, with motivations strongly linked to Islamic faith. Common practices included zakat (obligatory alms-giving), sadaqa (voluntary charity), and community fundraising. Donations were made despite high levels of poverty and unemployment. The research challenges views of this community as lacking resilience, instead finding resourcefulness and mutual aid. It calls for new conversations with literatures on responses to hardship in the global South.
This study involved collecting oral histories from 31 African Americans who had lived in Odessa, Texas for at least 25 years to understand the development of the African American community. Interviews were conducted in participants' homes and covered topics like family background, employment opportunities, community involvement, and advice for younger generations. The interviews revealed that African Americans who migrated to Odessa faced limited economic opportunities and segregated housing south of the railroad tracks. Over time, desegregation opened more opportunities, but also led to the loss of community institutions and landmarks. Participants hoped their stories would empower future generations and preserve the history of struggles and resilience of Odessa's early African American community.
Poverty Interrupted White Paper Final DigitalAnthony Barrows
This document provides an introduction to a white paper about applying behavioral science insights to poverty alleviation efforts. It discusses how the US has made some progress in reducing poverty but has ultimately failed to win the "War on Poverty." It argues that behavioral science has not been meaningfully applied to anti-poverty efforts despite its potential. The paper then puts forward three design principles for poverty programs grounded in behavioral science: 1) Cut the costs that poverty imposes on people's time, attention and cognition, 2) Create slack by providing cushions of time, money and resources, and 3) Reframe poverty and empower people by preserving their autonomy. The document aims to start a conversation about innovative ways to incorporate behavioral insights into policies
1) The Bhutanese Refugee Support Group in Atlanta was started by Leslie Sokolow to help the approximately 1,600 Bhutanese refugees who have resettled in Atlanta since 2008. The group provides assistance like clothing, school supplies, and connecting refugees to resources.
2) The support group relies heavily on online communication through email lists, Facebook, and a website to organize volunteers and distribute donations. It also works closely with Bhutanese community members like Tulasi Ghimirey to address needs and overcome language barriers.
3) In addition to basic necessities, the group helps refugees maintain their cultural traditions and find work, such as through a project where refugees wove and sold kudzu baskets. They
This document summarizes statistics on poverty in the United States. It reports that the poverty line for a family of 4 is $23,021 and 16% of the US population, or around 63 million people, live below this level. The document also discusses the cycle of poverty, with low income leading to lack of education and underemployment, perpetuating economic decline. It notes children in poverty face developmental delays and are less prepared for school.
Poverty Powerpoint by JD, Chris and Nathaliesmuench
The document discusses reducing poverty in Calcutta, India through education initiatives and charitable organizations. It notes that over 1/5 of the world's population lives in poverty and this causes issues like terrorism, disease spread, and discrimination. It recommends organizations like IPSL that provide direct care, education, and medical assistance to improve lives and end cycles of poverty.
This chapter discusses several key issues related to race and ethnicity in the changing American context. It outlines 3 important issues: 1) the changing ethnic configuration due to new immigration patterns, 2) the debate around cultural assimilation versus pluralism, and 3) the continued socioeconomic gap between white/Asian groups and black/Hispanic/Native American groups. Specific topics covered include the economic and social impacts of new immigration, challenges facing Arab Americans, debates around affirmative action and bilingualism, and perspectives on the future of race relations in the US.
This document discusses various concepts and definitions related to poverty. It defines absolute poverty as having income less than $2 per day, while relative poverty compares one's economic status to others in the society. Both concepts fail to consider non-income aspects of poverty. Other definitions discussed include income poverty, extreme poverty of less than $1 per day, and India's poverty lines. Causes and impacts of poverty are also outlined. Various poverty indices like the Human Poverty Index and Global Hunger Index are explained. Strategies to address hidden hunger and malnutrition are provided.
This document summarizes a white paper titled "Poverty Interrupted: Applying Behavioral Science to the Context of Chronic Scarcity". It was authored by Allison Daminger, Jonathan Hayes, Anthony Barrows, and Josh Wright from ideas42, a behavioral design firm. The paper argues that traditional approaches to fighting poverty have had limited success, and that insights from behavioral science could help design more effective policies and programs. It outlines three key design principles for interventions aiming to reduce poverty through a behavioral lens: cut the costs of poverty, create slack or buffers for families living with scarcity, and reframe poverty to empower individuals. The document provides an overview of the behavioral science perspective and an introduction to the more detailed principles
This document is a project report analyzing poverty in India during the post-independence period. It was submitted by 4 students in partial fulfillment of their Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics at Mar Ivanios College of Arts and Science. The report includes an introduction outlining objectives to study concepts of poverty measurement, analyze trends in rural, urban and total poverty rates since independence using data from different sources, identify causes and effects of poverty in India, and understand government poverty alleviation measures. It also includes chapters on literature review, methodology, concepts/theories of poverty, data presentation and analysis, conclusions and suggestions, and references.
Family and Community Engagement Webinar with ScholasticVanessa Avila
In this webinar we share information on our partnership with Scholastic under the Reading Action Program. We also discuss ways that your club can work with schools, families, and communities to make sure that every child has an opportunity to reach their full potential.
Special Guest Presenter: Jackie Harvey, Director of Community and District Wide Partnerships at Scholastic
An earthquake. A tsunami. A civil war. A public health crisis. The lives of millions annually are irrevocably altered in an instant when natural disasters or other calamities strike.
Wisconsin Stateof Philanthropy Report 2009 by DFWlitlelady9
Donors Forum of Wisconsin has released the first-ever Wisconsin State of Philanthropy Report highlighting the changes in the state’s philanthropic landscape.
The report provides a detailed looked at grantmaking in Wisconsin as well as a deeper look into how philanthropy is practiced in the state. The report on giving will enhance grantmakers’ ability to tell their giving stories, highlights the impact of Wisconsin’s grantmaking community, and accurately depicts the scope, diversity, and depth of Wisconsin philanthropy.
Rough sample project for class 12 on poverty its only rough project it will give 90% hint to all who use this project highly recommended for school project
This annual report summarizes the Housing Center's work in 2012 to promote fair housing and combat housing discrimination. Some key points:
- Conducted over 250 fair housing tests and filed 45 complaints of housing discrimination
- Increased outreach through various publications, community events, and a new marketing strategy
- Published reports on lending patterns, accessibility for those with disabilities, and other issues
- Relocated office to a more accessible location serving over 30,000 who experience discrimination each year
- Looking ahead to continued advocacy and entering its 30th year of working towards inclusive communities
Working Together to Relieve Hunger (Europe, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Singapore and South Africa)
In this webinar we share ideas, stories, and best practices for working together with our food banking partners to relieve hunger. We discuss the purpose, resources and project ideas for the Lions Relieving the Hunger Campaign, and we will feature special guest presenters from the Global Foodbanking Network.
Name ________________________Date ________________________.docxrosemarybdodson23141
Name ________________________
Date ________________________
Critical Reflection #4- “The Myth of the Culture of Poverty”
Gorski, P. (2008). The Myth of the Culture of Poverty. Educational Leadership, 65(7). Retrieved from http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/apr08/vol65/num07/The-Myth-of-the-Culture-of-Poverty.aspx
Read the assigned article(s), then answer the following questions honestly and completely in short answer form. Your response to EACH section of every question should be between 150-500 words. Answers that do not fulfill the minimum word requirement will NOT earn credit. Collegiate-level writing is expected, including, but not limited to, using complete sentences, appropriate punctuation, proper paragraph structure, and editing for spelling and grammar mistakes. Please cite any sources you use, and quotations are not counted in the word minimum.
Use appropriate supporting evidence for your statements. Answer each prompt question thoroughly. If you can ask "why?", "how so?", or "how do you know that?" after reading what you've written, you've got more work to do. Your answers are for your own reflection and will only be viewed by your instructor. Each question should address the information in the article, content from class, and your reflections of the material.
1. According to the article, “what is the so-called “culture of poverty”? What are some common stereotypes of people who live in poverty? What are some incomplete ideas you have or have had about people who live in poverty? Moving forward, how can you reevaluate these incomplete ideas and apply them to everyday life?
2. In what ways do or could the myths about poverty in the article affect the population with whom you work?
3. Gorski describes the deficit perspective in schools, the idea that teachers and schools may define students by their weaknesses rather than their strengths. Look through materials that your organization produces: their website, brochures, flyers, fundraising letters, etc. In what ways is the population you serve described in terms of weaknesses? In terms of strengths?
4. Based on our discussion in class and the article, what role do you think the government should play in providing assistance for its citizens? How is the Federal Poverty Line determined? Do you think that Line is fairly determined? Why or why not?
5. Gorski names a handful of American iconic persons or groups who have done significant antipoverty work in the U.S.: Martin Luther King, Jr., Helen Keller, the Black Panthers, Cesar Chavez. Choose one about which you know the least, and describe 1-2 of their antipoverty efforts: Who was it aimed to help? During which period of time did they operate? What was their work, and where did it take effect? What were the results of their work? (400 words minimum)
The Myth of the
Instead of accepting myths that
harm lo'w-income students, we
need to eradicate the systemwide
inequities that stand in their way.
Paul G.
The document discusses functionally illiterate adults and literacy programs in libraries. It describes the stories of three individuals, Rochelle Ford, Nelson Lauver, and John Corcoran, who struggled with illiteracy in school but later found help for learning to read in libraries. It also provides statistics on the number of functionally illiterate adults in the U.S. and discusses how public libraries can help by offering adult literacy classes, tutor training, and programs tailored to different skill levels.
This document summarizes research on online support communities for those experiencing perinatal loss (miscarriage or infant death). It finds that these communities provide validation, a sense of shared experience ("griefwork"), and help maintain authentic identities. However, digital inequities exist and offline support is still lacking. The researchers aim to further characterize these online social practices and roles to better understand their benefits and potential shortcomings.
The document discusses contemporary issues in Aboriginal education in Canada. It covers topics such as health and social wellness challenges faced by Aboriginal communities, lower income and higher poverty rates, and lower academic achievement. Regarding education levels, graduation rates for First Nations students are much lower than non-Aboriginal students. The lecture also discusses the difficult school choice parents in Aboriginal communities face in deciding whether to send their children to on-reserve or off-reserve schools. While off-reserve schools may provide better academic programs, children often face challenges like racism and loss of cultural teachings. Overall, the document examines the ongoing impacts of the residential school system and the intergenerational effects of colonization on Aboriginal communities and education.
This document discusses teenage homelessness. It estimates that between 1.6-2.8 million teens experience homelessness in the US each year. Common causes of teen homelessness include family and economic problems. LGBT homeless youth face higher risks of drug addiction, abuse, and mental health issues than non-LGBT homeless teens. Effective outreach requires building trust, offering a range of services, and ensuring access to information.
This document discusses the importance of diversity and cultural competence in health care. It notes that the world's population is becoming more diverse, with non-Western countries accounting for most of the world's population growth. It also discusses how culture can impact people's experiences and expectations of health care, and the importance of addressing stereotypes and developing culturally appropriate services and policies to help reduce health inequalities. The document emphasizes partnership and community engagement to help build trust and tailor services to diverse patient populations and communities.
This document summarizes a presentation given by Dr. Barbara McNeil at the Saskatchewan Library Association Conference on the role of public and school libraries in supporting marginalized adolescent youth. The presentation discusses how literacy is key to participation in democratic processes and outlines a research project that used literature circles to promote literacy growth in struggling adolescent boys. The goals of the research were to engage school leadership and librarians to collaboratively support literacy development and examine how critical reading practices can influence literacy skills and understanding of social issues.
Selected challenge: Homelessness Zatambra JonesZatambra Jones
The document discusses homelessness among children in the United States. It notes that the number of homeless students has increased rapidly in recent years across both urban and rural areas. Homeless children face many challenges, as they are more likely to experience food insecurity, learning disabilities, mental health issues, and developmental delays compared to housed low-income children. However, the document emphasizes that schools can help foster resilience in homeless children by providing them a sense of belonging, linking their families to support services, and ensuring access to academic resources.
This document discusses considerations for rural healthcare providers regarding cultural competency. It begins by explaining the benefits of healthcare providers understanding their patients' history and culture, which can improve compliance. The document then outlines some benefits of "culture classes" for providers, such as becoming more culturally competent and sensitive. It also discusses key concepts like social capital, stereotypes of Appalachian culture, and barriers to healthcare in rural areas. Overall, the document emphasizes the importance of cultural awareness and sensitivity for rural healthcare providers to best serve their patients.
This document discusses homelessness through statistics, alternative arguments, and proposed solutions. It provides statistics showing that the average homeless person is 40 years old, many become homeless after job or housing loss, and about one-third have substance abuse issues. It acknowledges arguments that homeless people are lazy or on drugs, but says homelessness results from a lack of living-wage jobs, affordable housing, and healthcare. Proposed solutions include donating to shelters, volunteering, and government programs to ensure employment, housing, and healthcare for all.
Phenomenon Of Elderly Homelessness (Latest Ed.)lealexander
In a Social Work class, my group and I were assigned to pick a topic of interest regarding social issues. We chose elderly homelessness. Partaking in this project really opened our eyes to how homelessness is a phenomenon that everyone should learn about.
Keynote address for the Fair Housing Center of Southeastern Michigan's 2nd Annual Fair Housing Breakfast Event on March 25, 2015, in Ann Arbor MI. Slideshare of the presentation given by Jason Reece, Director of Research for the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race & Ethnicity. www.fhcmichigan.org
This document provides resources for teaching students about homelessness, including internet content, podcasts, videos, books, and organizations. Students can learn about the causes and impacts of homelessness from statistics, images, and personal stories online. They are then assigned a discussion and activity to apply what they've learned by creating an organization to help the homeless in their community. The resources aim to educate students about homelessness and eliminate stereotypes.
Are you passionate about literacy and improving education?
Come connect with others who share your interests. Learn
how to start a hands-on reading project in your community,
and find experts to strengthen your global grant project or
education initiative. If you have resources that would help
improve an education project, come and share your best
practices with people who are just getting started. Members
of the Literacy Rotarian Action Group will facilitate roundtables to help you trade ideas, explore the potential of
partnerships, and collaborate with others who share your
passion to improve literacy and education.
Annotated BibliographyGonzález, M. (2005). Access to Mental Heal.docxdurantheseldine
Annotated Bibliography
González, M. (2005). Access to Mental Health Services: The Struggle of Poverty Affected Urban Children of Color. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal,22(3), 245-256.
In this peer reviewed article, the author discusses that urban children of color especially those from low income families are at a greater risks of developing mental health problems. These children are also less likely to receive effective child mental health services as a result of poverty and so their health conditions continue to deteriorate. In this article the author put forth the barriers to mental health care as experienced by children of color together with their families. Gonzalez also stresses on the role of the social work in helping the children of color in urban areas access and benefit from mental health services.
De los Reyes-Aragon, C., Amar Amar, J., De Castro Correa, A., Lewis Harb, S., Madariaga, C., & Abello-Llanos, R. (2016). The Care and Development of Children Living in Contexts of Poverty. Journal of Child and Family Studies,25(12), 3637-3643.
The authors of this articles discuss that the circumstances under poverty can influence a child’s development. The study examines the development level of children that living in low income rural regions in Northern Colombia. Through their research, 18% of the assed children had developmental delay for their respective age groups. According to them, there is need for the improvement of the environmental conditions to help parents improve their caregiving practices.
Wong, Ma, & Chan. (2017). The impact of poverty on children in out-of-home care services in a Chinese context and the application of multiple family group therapy to enrich their family lives. Children and Youth Services Review,
This article focusses on Chinese children who were placed in out of home care in Hong Kong. These are children for disadvantaged families. The authors discuss that these children suffered mental illness, and substance abuse. The authors discuss on the best practices to rehabilitate these children.
Loha, E., Deressa, W., Solomon, T., Atsbeha, H., Hailu, A., & Lindtjørn, B. (2017). Anaemia among children in a drought affected community in south-central Ethiopia. PLoS One,12(3), E0170898.
This articles in addition discuses that children from low income families and poor regions are most likely to be diagnosed with anaemia. An increase in the prevalence of anaemia was observed in regions that had experienced draught and food shortage. Malaria is another disease they found out to be common in children living in low income areas.
Machell, Kyla ; Disabato, David ; Kashdan, Todd .Social Indicators Research, 2016, Vol.126(2), pp.845-861.
According to this article, the poor neighborhoods have little support from the government as far as developmental of rehabilitations centers, vocational training centers and guidance and counselling centers. These are the places useful for youths who did not complete school .
This document provides an overview and summary of a presentation by Dr. Henry Doenlen on parenting Millennial children. It discusses key characteristics of Millennials such as being motivated, hard-working, and group-oriented. It also outlines factors that influenced Millennial development such as improvements in infant nutrition, increased focus on early brain growth, technology advances, and higher educational standards/expectations. The document summarizes adolescent brain development processes and challenges of parenting Millennial children, including the importance of listening without interrupting, focusing on areas of agreement, and appealing to ideas of fairness rather than authority.
This document discusses empowering minority populations through better health. It begins by defining diversity and noting the various ways people can be diverse, such as by age, religion, ethnicity, gender, and education. It then discusses issues like language barriers and cultural diversity in healthcare. Specific challenges are outlined, such as a lack of funding for translation services and little public support for minority groups. Laws aimed at addressing language barriers, like Title VI and Executive Order 13166, are also summarized. Finally, strategies for healthcare professionals to better serve minority populations through cultural competence are presented.
Discussion board Health insurance in the United States.docxwrite5
Several populations in the United States face challenges accessing healthcare, including the homeless, those living in rural areas, racial/ethnic minorities, and refugees. The homeless population lacks stable housing and contact information, causing fragmented care. They also feel stigmatized in healthcare settings. Rural communities have few local doctors, requiring long travel for routine care. Minorities experience higher rates of health issues and poverty. Refugees are unfamiliar with the healthcare system and often do not speak English. To improve access, barriers faced by these vulnerable groups must be addressed.
The document discusses homelessness in the United States. It defines homelessness as lacking a fixed, regular place to live. An estimated 2-3 million people experience homelessness annually in the US, including families, veterans, the mentally ill, and the working poor. Homelessness can negatively impact physical and mental health due to lack of shelter, hygiene resources, and social support networks. The document also outlines federal and local programs that aim to assist the homeless population.
Similar to Services for the Poor and Homeless Kelly's Edit (20)
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
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Indira awas yojana housing scheme renamed as PMAYnarinav14
Indira Awas Yojana (IAY) played a significant role in addressing rural housing needs in India. It emerged as a comprehensive program for affordable housing solutions in rural areas, predating the government’s broader focus on mass housing initiatives.
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Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
UN WOD 2024 will take us on a journey of discovery through the ocean's vastness, tapping into the wisdom and expertise of global policy-makers, scientists, managers, thought leaders, and artists to awaken new depths of understanding, compassion, collaboration and commitment for the ocean and all it sustains. The program will expand our perspectives and appreciation for our blue planet, build new foundations for our relationship to the ocean, and ignite a wave of action toward necessary change.
Bharat Mata - History of Indian culture.pdfBharat Mata
Bharat Mata Channel is an initiative towards keeping the culture of this country alive. Our effort is to spread the knowledge of Indian history, culture, religion and Vedas to the masses.
3. Library Services for the Poor and Homeless:
Brief Overview
“Libraries are a haven for the
homeless. They are dry,
warm, have bathrooms,
services, and a sympathetic
staff.”
Maury Kendall, representing the Emergency Housing Consortium at a September 28, 2003, multi-
paneled staff workshop on homelessness (Hill, 2011, p.13)
5. According to U. S. Department of Commerce’s Income and Poverty in the
United States: 2017 (Issued September 2018)
Weighted Average Poverty Thresholds in 2017 by Size of
Family (Dollars)*
One person 12,488
Two people 15,877
Three people 19,515
Four people 25,094
Five people 29,714
Six people 33,618
Seven people 38,173
Eight people 42,684
Nine people or more 50,681
* weighted average based on relative number of families of each
size and composition
(Holt, 2010, p. 6)
6. • (1) an individual who lacks a fixed, regular,
and adequate nighttime residence: [or]
• (2) an individual who has a primary nighttime
residence that is—
• (A) a supervised or publicly operated
shelter designed to provide temporary
living accommodations (including welfare
hotels, congregate shelters, and
transitional housing for the mentally ill);
• (B) an institution that provides a temporary
residence for individuals intended to be
institutionalized; or
• (C) a public or private place not designed
for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping
accommodation for human beings.
P.L. 100-77, the Stewart B.
McKinney Homeless
Assistance Act, enacted in
July 1987 (U.S. Congress,
House, 1987):
(Committee on Health Care for Homeless
People, & Institute of Medicine, 1988, p. 2)
7. Types of
Homelessness
• No Home
• No Access to Support
Total Homeless
• Extended
Chronic Homeless
• Cyclical
Periodic Homeless
• Disaster
• Relocation
Temporary Homeless
(Hersberger, 2005, p. 200)
8. • Poverty and homelessness cut across all sectors of the population
• Increasing problem in the United States
• Libraries are in a position to help this population
• ALA’s Policy 61 focuses on the “urgent need to respond to the increasing
number of poor children, adults, and families in America”
(Committee on Health Care for Homeless People, & Institute of Medicine, 1988, p. 2)
(Lilienthal, 2001, p. 30)
9. Some
Statistics on
the Poor and
Homeless
58% Report having trouble getting enough food
23% Are veterans
22% Have serious mental illnesses or are disabled
30% Have substance abuse problems
46% Have chronic health conditions.
50% Report receiving less than $300 a month in
total income
5% Are under 18, accompanied by an adult
(Hill, 2011, pp. 14,17)
10.
11. Why Are
People
Homeless?
• Domestic
Violence
• Mental Illness
• Lack of
Employment
Opportunities
• Addiction
Housing Poverty
Decline in
Available
Public
Assistance
Lack of
Affordable
Health
Care
(National Coalition of Homeless, n.d.)
14. From their experience:
Lack of Stability Presents Difficulties
Difficulty finding appropriate resources
Difficulty getting library cards - due to lack of permanent address
Emotional and Physical State
Environment
(Mars, 2012, p. 12, 34)
(Hersberger, 2005, p. 200)
(Hill, 2011, p. 14)
(Committee on
Health Care for
Homeless People,
& Institute of
Medicine, 1988, p.
2, 15-17)
16. Library Services for the Poor and Homeless: Key
Issues – Discrimination/Poor Attitudes
Treating
Homeless as
Less Worthy
Victim
Blaming
Unequal
Weight
(Hersberger, 2005, p. 199-200)
18. ….then
why is it
ok to
force this
one out?
Photo Credit: Leroy_Skalstad
https://pixabay.com/photos/people-homeless-
male-street-1010001/
(Hersberger, 2005, p. 200)
20. Legal Implications
Kreimer v. Bureau of Police
for Town of Morristown (1992)
•Homeless Patrons Can Be
Banned for Disruptive
Behavior
•Library is a Limited Public
Forum
Armstrong v. District of
Columbia Public Library
(2001)
•Homeless Can NOT Be Barred
Entry Because of Prejudice
•Library is a Public Forum
Protected by First
Amendment
(Mars, 2012, p. 32-33)
22. Library Services for the Poor and Homeless:
Best Practices – ALA Policy
“People experiencing poverty or homelessness constitute a significant
portion of users in many libraries today and this population provides
libraries with an important opportunity to change lives. As the numbers of
poor, children, adults, and families in America rises, so does the urgent
need for libraries to effectively respond to their needs.”
“Access to library and information resources, services, and technologies is
essential for all people, especially the economically disadvantaged, who
may experience isolation, discrimination and prejudice or barriers to
education, employment, and housing.”
"Poor and/or Homeless Library Patrons", American Library Association, Nov. 21, 2012. http://www.ala.org/tools/atoz/poor-andor-homeless-library-
patrons (Accessed March 8, 2019) Document ID: 270b44a5-e2bb-c834-213f-4f72ffaee92b
23. Library Services for the Poor and Homeless: Best
Practices – Libraries Strive to Change Lives
The poor and homeless are not problem patrons, “they are patrons in need
of your help, because you are a civilizing agency. The library has the
power to help. . .”
“It is a moral imperative that we be responsive to the needs of the
community and provide opportunities for people to change their lives.”
“The public library programs designed to reach low income groups,
especially children, who are the fastest growing segment of the poor, are
prevalent and are having a positive effect on many lives.”
(Venturella, 1998, p.33)
25. During an Interaction:
• Show the patron how to use the library, don’t just tell
them.
• Don’t use specialized language
• Be especially aware of language barriers or other
difficulties
• Don’t assume happy body language means comprehension
• may be a defensive measure.
• Always offer additional help.
• Be encouraging
(Gehner, 2010, pp. 44)
(Hersberger, 2005, p. 201)
(Smith and Wong, 2016, pp. 341, 346)
26. This patron is
_____________
and homeless
• Gay
• A Parent
• A Child
• An Immigrant
• A Veteran
• Mentally Ill
• A Man
• A Woman
• A Wife
• Kind
• Disabled
• Elderly
• A Husband
• Employed
• Unemployed
• Caucasian
• African-American
• Asian
• Young
• Hispanic
• Educated
• Dyslexic
• A Voter
• A Person
27. During an Interaction:
• Remember this interaction is not about you.
• It’s ok to factor in a patron’s financial difficulties
when considering services or materials
• But DO NOT boil the patron down into “homeless”
as all that they are.
• Don’t make assumptions about what they know
(Gehner, 2010, pp. 39-40)
(Venturella, 1998, p.33)
28. Be Proactive
Don’t expect
members of a
marginalize group
to identify
themselves
Treat all patron
requests like they
have weight
Always determine
if transportation
or cost matters
Be ready with the
information a
homeless person
needs
Don’t wait until the
patron is in front of
you
•Don’t assume that a
pamphlet is enough
30. Work
Together
Don’t separate the budget
Outreach is critical
Adopt attitude of striving
to change lives
Develop helpful, barrier-
free programs
build collections, provide
access and information
(Lilienthal, 2011, p. 34-35)
(Smith and Wong, 2016, pp. 339, 347)
(Hill, 2011, p. 18)
(Hersberger, 2005, p. 201)
31. Library Services
for the Poor and
Homeless: Best
Practices
Partner with Social
Workers and other
agencies
Allow homeless
patrons to tell their
story
Train staff on
working with
impoverished sectors
of population
Develop fair policies
that do not
discriminate
(Hill, 2011, p. 18-21)
(Lilienthal, 2011, p. 34-35)
36. Obama Launches ConnectHome
Luxury vs
Necessity
Digital
Literacy
Peet, L. (2015). Obama launches ConnectHome initiative. Library Journal, 40(13), 12-13.
37. Public Library Services for the Poor
Holt, L. E. & Holt, G. E. (2015). Library card campaigns and sustaining service: How
do public libraries best serve poor children? Public Library Quarterly, 34(3), 270-277
How to Develop
Effective
Programs
How to
Understand
Impoverished and
Homeless Patrons
What Makes good
Policy
38. Library Services for the Poor and Homeless:
Best Practices - Inspiration
“My notion of democracy is that
under it the weakest should have
the same opportunity as the
strongest. – Mohandas Gandhi”
(Venturella, 1998, p. 29)
40. Library Services for the Poor and Homeless:
Resource List
Committee on Health Care for Homeless People, & Institute of Medicine. (1988).
Homelessness, Health, and Human Needs. Washington, D.C.: National Academies Press.
Retrieved from
https://login.proxy.lib.fsu.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=t
rue&db=nlebk&AN=14422&site=eds-live&scope=site
Hersberger, J. (2005). The homeless and information needs
and services. Reference & User Services Quarterly,
44(3), 199-202.
Gehner, J. (2010). Libraries, Low-Income People, and Social Exclusion. Public Library
Quarterly, 29(1), 39–47. https://doi-org.proxy.lib.fsu.edu/10.1080/01616840903562976
Hill, N. M. (2011). Public libraries and the homeless. Public Libraries,
50(6), 13-22.
41. Library Services for the Poor and Homeless:
Resource List
Holt, L. E. & Holt, G. E. (2010). Public library services for the poor:
doing all we can. Chicago, Illinois: American Library
Association.
Holt, L. E. & Holt, G. E. (2015). Library card campaigns and
sustaining service: How do public libraries best serve poor children?
Public Library Quarterly, 34(3), 270-277.
Lilienthal, S. M. (2011). The problem is not the homeless. Library
Journal, June 15, 2011, 30-34.
42. Library Services for the Poor and Homeless:
Resource List
Mars, A. (2012). Library service to the homeless. Public Libraries,
51(2), 32-35.
Overall, P. L. (2009). Cultural competence: a conceptual framework for
library and information science professionals.
Library Quarterly, 79(2), 175-204.
Peet, L. (2015). Obama launches ConnectHome initiative.
Library Journal, 40(13), 12-13.
American Library Association (2012) Poor and/or Homeless Library Patrons.
Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/tools/atoz/poor-andor-homeless-library-patrons
(Accessed March 8, 2019) Document ID: 270b44a5-e2bb-c834-213f- 4f72ffaee92b
National Coalition of Homeless (n.d.) Homelessness in America. Retrieved from
https://nationalhomeless.org/about-homelessness/
43. Library Services for the Poor and Homeless:
Resource List
Racelis, A. (2018). Library Services for the Poor: Theoretical Framework for Library
Social Responsibility. Pedagogical Research, 3(2), 06.
https://doi.org/10.20897/pr/90831
Rovito, J. (2012). Crossing the threshold into the private space: the TD
summer reading club outreach to shelters project.
Feliciter, 58(2), 59-61.
Smith, L. C. & Wong, M. A. (2016). Reference and information services:
an introduction (pp. 346-348). Santa Barbara, California:
Libraries Unlimited.
U. S. Department of Commerce. (2018). Income and Poverty in the United States: 2017.
Retrieved from:
https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2018/demo/p60-
263.pdf
44. Venturella, K. M. (1998). Libraries and poverty. Poor people and
library services (pp. 29-33). United States of America:
McFarland & Co.
West Virginia Library Association. (2013). Library service to
the homeless: a few ways to get started.
West Virginia Libraries, 66(2), 5.
Editor's Notes
According to U. S. Department of Commerce’s Income and Poverty in the United States: 2017 (Issued September 2018):
In 2017, there were 39.7 million people in poverty
(not statistically different from the number in poverty in 2016)
Between 2016 and 2017, people with at least a bachelor’s degree were the only group to have an increase in the poverty rate or the number of people in poverty
Some feel the poverty standards are flawed, meaning poverty may impact more people than the government statistics reflect:
. Due to the increasing costs of food, housing, child care, health care, and transportation, the poverty level does not reflect the true cost of supporting a family
. The method used to determine whether a family is poor does not accurately count family resources – for example income is counted before taxes are taken out
(Holt, 2010, p. 6)
This definition refers specifically to homeless individuals, but it is equally applicable to homeless families.
You can still be considered homeless if:
You are staying with a friend
Living in a shelter
Are Employed
Are Squatting
No access to government programs or family support
Can be runaways
ALA’s Policy 61 focuses on the “urgent need to respond to the increasing number of poor children, adults, and families in America”
Homeless people are a diverse and varied group in terms of age, ethnicity,family circumstances, and health problems. Moreover, the characteristics of thehomeless population differ dramatically from one community to another. Eventhe recent increase in homeless families is not uniform throughout the country.Homeless people are a diverse and varied group in terms of age, ethnicity, family circumstances, and health problems. Moreover, the characteristics of the homeless population differ dramatically from one community to another. MLA (Modern Language Assoc.)Committee on Health Care for Homeless People, and Institute of Medicine. Homelessness, Health, and Human Needs. National Academies Press, 1988.
23% are veterans, compared to 13% of overall population
. 46% have chronic health conditions (high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer)
Homelessness has no set profile. Individuals, families, and children are homeless. The homeless include those who hold jobs and those who are unemployed. Some may have substance dependencies or are disabled. Lack of affordable housing and sufficient income are two main causes of homelessness, and many factors can contribute to an individual’s situation (unemployment, underemployment, flight from domestic abuse, illness. . .)
(Hill, 2011, p.14)
Homelessness has no set profile. Individuals, families, and children are homeless. The homeless include those who hold jobs and those who are unemployed. Some may have substance dependencies or are disabled. Lack of affordable housing and sufficient income are two main causes of homelessness, and many factors can contribute to an individual’s situation (unemployment, underemployment, flight from domestic abuse, illness. . .)
(Hill, 2011, p.14)
– one estimate says kids are undercounted - their figure may be closer to ‘2 of every 5’ of the homeless
(Hill, 2011, p.17)
(National Coalition of Homeless, n.d.)
Special needs often surround information requests for those facing poverty and homelessness:
“For example, some of the homeless are seeking job information, but simply providing information on available jobs is not always enough. If public transportation does not stop near the place of work, then a list of jobs might be useless information.”
(Hersberger, 2005, p. 200)
Difficulty:
“Homeless patrons’ access to library collections is limited by their often nomadic or unstable lifestyle since many libraries require proof of residence to check out materials.”
Possible Solution:
“Libraries, such as Worcester (Mass.) Public Library, have begun to allow homeless patrons to use shelter addresses to obtain library cards, an option to consider when designing library policies that are barrier-free.”
(Mars, 2012, p. 34)
We must be aware –
“There is no material relevance to whether the library user who requests information concerning who won the World Series in 1961, for example, is homeless or housed. There are, however, environmental issues that surround the everyday life experiences of homeless persons that might prove useful when thinking about providing library services to the homeless” (Hersberger, 2005, p. 199)
“To be without a home is to be without stability.”
Children face difficulties functioning well in school
Adults face difficulties finding and keeping jobs
Parents face difficulties caring for children
Adults face difficulties finding resources
(Hill, 2011, p. 14)
Stereotypes
Difference between Toddler and Homeless
The concept of unworthiness
Poverty blame/shame
But patrons who are homeless can be a problem
They just shouldn’t treated as such unless there is a true rule violation
Julie Hersberger described the following anecdote in The Homeless and Information Needs and Services (2005):
In the course of teaching a reference workshop, a colleague would hold up photos of users, and attendees would provide a profile. She showed a photo of an older gentleman in a plaid flannel shirt with his white hair sticking out at odd angles. Every public librarian in attendance identified the user as a homeless man. Every academic librarian saw a professor emeritus.
(Smith and Wong, 2016, pp. 346)
Sometimes the information needs of those facing poverty and homelessness are similar to others, but they may be treated differently:
“A CEO and a homeless person who both need to find a new place to live are basically asking the same question. However, the CEO will have many more options and thus seeks – and receives – much more information. And, often, there are more information providers able and eager to provide that information to the CEO.”
(Hersberger, 2005, p. 200)
The attitude of the information service provider matters:
“A decade of studying the homeless as an information-user population has frequently called attention to the subject of the attitude of the information provider. In one study, those who provided information in a friendly manner were referred to as ‘friends.’ However, in many circumstances, the homeless were very sensitive to a feeling of unworthiness in the perception of the information provider.”
(Hersberger, 2005, p. 200)
“Categorizing an entire class of people as ‘problem patrons’ is outright discrimination. Inappropriate behavior is a legitimate reason for asking a user to leave the library, but this is a separate issue from the user’s social status.”
“Toddlers, who can be smelly and loud, are not in the library reading anything and are often asleep, but no one advocates that this is a problem patron group unworthy of library services.”
(Hersberger, 2005, p. 200)
We must be aware –
“There is no material relevance to whether the library user who requests information concerning who won the World Series in 1961, for example, is homeless or housed. There are, however, environmental issues that surround the everyday life experiences of homeless persons that might prove useful when thinking about providing library services to the homeless” (Hersberger, 2005, p. 199
Special needs often surround information requests for those facing poverty and homelessness:
“For example, some of the homeless are seeking job information, but simply providing information on available jobs is not always enough. If public transportation does not stop near the place of work, then a list of jobs might be useless information.”
(Hersberger, 2005, p. 200)
We must be aware –
“There is no material relevance to whether the library user who requests information concerning who won the World Series in 1961, for example, is homeless or housed. There are, however, environmental issues that surround the everyday life experiences of homeless persons that might prove useful when thinking about providing library services to the homeless” (Hersberger, 2005, p. 199)
“Richard Kreimer, a homeless man, sued the public library for violating his First Amendment rights after he was evicted based on his appearance, hygiene, and repeated behavior problems.”
Initially the court ruled the library cannot discriminate based on hygiene and other standards that are at risk of being applied in a prejudicial manner. Later this was overturned and the court ruled that libraries do have the right to bar conduct that inhibits other patrons’ ability to utilize the library for its intended purposes.
“Although it can be difficult to provide day in and day out, a cheerful, helpful attitude goes a long way in making a homeless person’s day.”
As the homeless are often treated with disapproving attitudes or as if they are invisible, let us (librarian professionals) “assess service needs in the context of a person’s homeless environment while not making personal judgments of their situations.”
(Hersberger, 2005, p. 201)
When you are vulnerable, it take everything you have to walk up to someone who is not like yourself and ask for help
. If a poor or homeless person reacts badly, it’s not because they are being difficult. You may have hit an inadvertent cultural land mine. Adapt and don’t take it personally.
The poor and homeless are not problem patrons, “they are patrons in need of your help, because you are a civilizing agency. The library has the power to help. . .”
“It is a moral imperative that we be responsive to the needs of the community and provide opportunities for people to change their lives.”
“The public library programs designed to reach low income groups, especially children, who are the fastest growing segment of the poor, are prevalent and are having a positive effect on many lives.”
(Venturella, 1998, p.33)
If a patron can get agitated while you take a long time to look up something mundane, imagine how upsetting it is to watch you fumble with food assistance programs
Budget may be cut when times get tough. Argue equal cervices for variety of groups, the tailor those resources per patron.
“Interacting with the homeless, mentally ill, or otherwise impoverished in a compassionate yet effective manner can be assisted with training.”
“Libraries should also gather information that will aid in the planning of programming and other services, for example, information about shelter hours in the area should inform decisions on when to plan programming.”
“In order to eliminate barriers relating to cost, the ALA recommends the removal of fees for service, particularly overdue charges. Another option is to create fine exemptions for people of low incomes.”
“Transportation barriers can be alleviated in a few different ways. Bookmobiles can be used to provide convenient service, or libraries may choose to provide supplemental services at shelters in their area.”
“Allow homeless patrons to use shelter addresses to obtain library cards, an option to consider when designing library policies that are barrier-free.”
(Lilienthal, 2011, p. 34-35)
Have library professionals “get out of the library and get to know this diverse user group in such a way that enables them to look beyond appearance to understand deprivation and the causes (and not symptoms) of poverty and homelessness.”
With deeper understanding of circumstances, barriers can be removed that socially exclude certain groups. “Library staff need to understand that ‘charity is not dignity; dignity is inclusion.”
(Smith, 2016, p. 347)
Libraries can build collections which feature books on building resumes, and other topics of interest
Libraries can provide access to computers (a ‘day-pass’ - no library card required)
Libraries can provide help with job search skills & technology skills, and hold it during the day, (a time when shelters are closed and homeless may be available)
Libraries can build ‘new adult reader’ (low literacy) collections
Libraries can provide Library Guides to Local Services – where to find help with basic needs, housing, government assistance, etc.
Libraries can feature displays and book club selections which would appeal to diverse sectors of the population
(Hill, 2011, p. 18)
Libraries can reach out to poor and homeless by meeting them in homeless shelters and soup kitchens
“Think Outreach. If your children’s department provides story times at various locations, such as nursery schools and daycare centers, why not consider providing a similar service to local family homeless shelters?”
“Homeless children living in family shelters are a great example of a very deserving user population. Libraries can make a difference in these young lives. . . These children need to discover their ability to believe.”
(Hersberger, 2005, p. 201)
Libraries can outreach homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and food pantry
“Policies must be applied in an equal manner and based on clear guidelines, so as to target the behavior and not the patron.”
“Library staffers are finding it difficult to handle situations involving these (impoverished) customers, and they are desperately in search of ideas of how to help them.”
“Social Workers in the Library (SWITL), initiated in 2009 by the San Jose Public Library (CA), links services to other users, not just the homeless.”
Monthly sessions are held at a library where National Association of Social Workers (NASW) members volunteer their time as counselors, providing information and referrals.
This concept is similar to Lawyers in the Library (LITL) and “more libraries should form partnerships with professional associations” . . .because “people migrate to the library.”
(Lilienthal, 2011, p. 34-35)
“Enacting policies that amount to little more than ‘poverty profiling’ and labeling the homeless individuals as problem patrons are ineffective and negative measures that do little to create an inclusive and welcoming public library environment.”
(Lilienthal, 2011, p. 34-35)
Allow the homeless to share their stories, in order to break down barriers and foster understanding.
A great example is the “Your Story Has a Home Here” project, which began in 2009 at the District of Columbia Public Library (DCPL) and set out to help teens put a face on homelessness by utilizing oral history interview techniques. “If our teens could learn more about the homeless as people, perhaps they would be more understanding and accepting of them.”
“More than anything, the teens seemed in awe of the incredible struggle for survival that the presenters faced, both in their home lives before becoming homeless, and during their experiences of homelessness. They were concerned about the presenters. It was truly a touching thing.”
(Hill, 2011, p. 19-21)
The article “Crossing the threshold into the private space: the TD summer reading club outreach to shelters project” provided a great example of the Toronto Public Library’s effort to bring story time visits to family shelters across Toronto.
The effort was “seeking to build trust with socially excluded community members and engage them respectfully” (Rovito, 2012, p.59)
This project basically brought the library to families in the shelter. The ‘bookmobile’ allowed the library to register patrons in the shelter for library cards, bring story time to the children, inform patrons about services of which they might not be aware, and bring books and materials for check-out.
Something I really loved about the article was that the librarians were very flexible with their programming as they never knew exactly which age group would be present to serve at any given time.
Rovito, J. (2012). Crossing the threshold into the private space: the TD summer reading club outreach to shelters project. Feliciter, 58(2), 59-61.
The article “Obama launches ConnectHome initiative” provided a great example of the ConnectHome initiative, launched on July 15, 2015, which is a widespread initiative to provide broadband access to low-income households.
The effort will provide “high-speed home Internet access to nearly 200,00 children in more than 275,000 low-income households.” (Peet, 2015, p.12)
Something I really loved about the article was that the ALA plans to collaborate with this effort through local libraries. The ALA wants to deliver support for adults and children using the broadband access in the form of instruction in “digital literacy, privacy issues, and technical skills” (Peet, 2015, p. 13)
I also loved this quote from President Obama: “The Internet is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.” (Peet, 2015, p.13)
This is so true!
Peet, L. (2015). Obama launches ConnectHome initiative. Library Journal, 40(13), 12-13.
Holt & Holt’s 2010 book entitled Public Library Services for the Poor: Doing All We Can is a great resource for libraries.
It covers the commitments libraries should make to serve the poor, discusses public perceptions about the poor and how to overcome them, and also discusses the ways we can implement programs to serve the poor. It is very comprehensive and thorough.
I think it would serve as a great handbook for libraries, and I hope to fully read it!
Holt, L. E. & Holt, G. E. (2010). Public library services for the poor: doing all we can. Chicago, Illinois: American Library Association.