Oct. 2, 2023
BY JOHN BAILEY
The Census Bureau uses a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to determine who is in poverty.
But for many, being in poverty is about more than just how much money you have.
The path to poverty is unique for every individual/family, which means the solution is equally complex.
One obvious indicator of poverty is homelessness, and the Catawba County Interagency Council recently got a chance to see how the Roof Above program in Charlotte addresses this issue, using a multi-prong approach.
Gena Robinson, the VP of Single Site Housing at Roof Above hosted a tour of two of the agency’s programs – Moore Place and The Rise on Clanton.
“It was awesome being able to see their housing plan in action,” Strong Life Ministries Director of Case Management Rachel Dillingham said, who also helped organize the trip.
Roof Above is a comprehensive homeless service provider serving 1,200 people per day through a spectrum of services ranging from street outreach, day services, emergency shelter, and permanent supportive housing, according to their website - https://www.roofabove.org/about-us/.
It's the amount of wrap-around services connected to the housing programs that help Roof Above stand out.
“The concept of housing the homeless by lease and providing the resources to succeed was truly inspiring,” The Salvation Army of Greater Hickory homeless shelter director Cheri Bennett said. “The onsite nurse and facilitation of a psychologist/psychiatrist was impressive as we all know how important health (physical, emotional, mental) is to our clientele.
“This is a great need here in Catawba County as we continue to see the rise in the homeless population, especially in the elderly, who have some form of fixed income but simply cannot afford to live on their own.”
Robinson explained, it was the relationships Rise Above built with other non-profits, local government and public agencies that has been the cornerstone of their success and sustainability.
It’s a path Bonnie Harper, HUD Grant Housing Specialist with Partners Health Management in Hickory would like to see recreated in Catawba County.
“We are a rural area and the more voices and more of the vulnerable population we serve will make a difference,” Harper said. “It will give us a bigger voice for the population we serve. As well as cross over to other congressional players who will want to be involved in seeing a solution. We can show the teamwork we bring to the table.”
Inspired by its visit to Roof Above, the Interagency Council intends to continue this conversation of finding ways to address the growing problem of homelessness and poverty in Catawba County.
The next IA council meeting will be on Oct. 12, starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Catawba County United Way office in Hickory.