Most people think of the homeless as disheveled adults with signs next to the freeway ramps begging for a handout. The staggering statistics that we don’t talk about is that 1 in 4 children are at or below the poverty level. There is some good news however; these numbers are changing due to the amazing efforts of some of the valley’s leaders.
Darlene Newsom, CEO of UMOM and Debbie Gaby, of Sleep America Charities met with me to discuss some of the ways the homeless have been able to successfully transition into society again. The idea that the majority of the homeless don’t work simply is not true. The biggest population of homelessness is created by families of the working poor. These families work hard, but due to the low wages of Arizona and the high costs of daycare it renders many incapable of sustaining themselves and their families.
Debbie Gaby and Darlene Newsom
UMOM has an all-inclusive program that not only shelters these families, but gives them the support they need but also the important life skills needed to further advance them into society. These life skills include programs such as counseling, parenting classes, interview skills, and safe daycare for their children. The shelter is almost fully self-contained with a beautiful daycare center, full medical center as well as a culinary school to help its residents learn valuable practices they can use in the outside world. The residents can stay up to seven years in transitional homes so that they can finish their education and gain the necessary skills to become self-supporting.
A great deal of planning and services has gone into the program to ensure the successful transition for its residents. Debbie Gaby, of Sleep America Charities was on hand to discuss her partnership with the UMOM organization. Sleep American Charities and Tempur-Pedic donated an astounding 140 beds. These are some of the most expensive luxury beds on the market and they are also made of hypoallergenic materials. Since dust mites and bed bugs cannot penetrate the mattresses, this makes them perfect for the homeless. The beds may be expensive but they will last longer and they don’t have to be replaced as often.
Homelessness is a problem but it does have a solution. If we all would write a check to organizations such as UMOM instead of giving our cash to the homeless we could actually make an even bigger difference. UMOM has a high rate of success for successfully transitioning the homeless.
Remember the donations that you make can put an end to homelessness and hunger for a child.
