The number of homeless people in Alameda County has dropped by 10 percent since 2007 because of new programs and stimulus funding from the federal government, according to Hayward’s social service planning manager, Anne Culver.

“The most effective way to end homelessness is to prevent it in the first place by making appropriate services accessible at the time they are needed,” said Everyonehome.org.

“Alameda County and the City of Hayward have created programs and resources that set out to help get people off of the street and into permanent housing as soon as possible,” said Anne.

“The solution to solving the problem has changed over the years,” said Anne Culver, Social Services Planning Manager for the City of Hayward, “In the 80s it was starting homeless shelters, in the 90s it was transitional housing and now it is getting them into permanent housing as quick as possible.”

The Hayward City Council recently approved Alameda county’s plan that for the first time allows different regions within the county to work together to address the homelessness problem, said Everyonehome.org.

With government support made available through the federal stimulus package in 2009, money has been made available for homeless prevention.

These funds may be used to move people into apartments and help with late rent and utility payments, which was not possible before, said Culver.

“The overall goal that the County and program leaders are looking to accomplish is that by 2020, Alameda County will permanently house 15,000 homeless households and also reduce the time that households spend homeless,” said Culver.
“Getting the precise number of homeless throughout Alameda County is difficult because there are so many different types and jurisdictions,” said Culver.

“Hidden homeless” are families that live with friends and family, in motels or are about to get evicted from their homes, said Everyonehome.org.

These families are off the radar, difficult to count and the number is up by 168 percent since 2003, said everyonehome.org.

“Nationwide, families with children comprise approximately 15 percent of the homeless population. In mid-Alameda County, 54 percent of homeless households are families with children,” said Culver, “Very few of those homeless families include two parents.”

Tony Thomas, the Coordinator at Second Chance Family Shelter, said 30 percent of the parents that stay there currently have a job.

The average monthly income for a sheltered homeless family is $1,220, said everyonehome.org

For families going through rough economic times and need guidance, there is a hotline number that provides easy access to information about housing, human services and critical health needs.

211 is available 24/7 and in many different languages.