In a developed country like the USA, one expects cities to have minimal problems. The major problem faced by many cities in the USA is homelessness.
As of 2018, the Urban Development’s Annual Homeless assessment states that, about 553000 people were homeless. This is a serious situation, as every job requires a permanent residence for the applicant.
As a result, most of the homeless remain unemployed and helpless. This also leads them into the path of crime and substance abuse. To prevent such happenings, a volunteer foundation called the OOF (Other Ones Foundation) has come up with novel solutions.
Gov Abbott sent Mayor Adler a new letter regarding the homeless crisis in Austin. Abbott says he agrees with the police chief who has urge City Council to reinstate the camping regulations. Abbott warned his Nov 1 deadline for action remains in place @fox7austin pic.twitter.com/Rl1nWLlWQb
— rudy koski (@KoskionFOX7) October 10, 2019
The OOF has decided to bring homeless people forward and offer them employment without asking for permanent residences or addresses.
As a result, those groups of unfortunate people can live without being dependent on others. This foundation, aims to give the homeless with proper food, shelter and clothing.
The OOF believes that, the problem of homelessness and poverty arises due to the oppression of such people.
The only way to end poverty and unemployment is by allowing such people into the mainstream society. If such drastic measures are not taken, the rich will get richer while the poor remain poor.
The OOF has decided on employment drives, where the homeless people can enlist themselves without the need of a proper residence. This includes, large-scale city cleansing programs, public property maintenance, care of animal shelter etc. The various jobs are allotted based on the skill and the interest of the worker.
The foundation have also decided on providing an amount of 15$ for a day’s work. People who enlist are also provided with travelling allowances, covering transportation from their place to stay to the workplace.
More details on a program that honors the dignity of people experiencing homelessness and the need to protect the places we love in this city. #peopleANDplaces https://t.co/77E9hN90wZ
— Mayor Adler (@MayorAdler) October 4, 2019
Moreover, they also get access to a common property called the Golden Road. In the Golden Road, people can avail facilities like food, laundry, internet connectivity, clean running water and sleeping hours during the day. Further management programs are conducted to help people find permanent jobs and move into better housing facilities.
OOF has provided such homeless people with about $100000 in a year. Another 24 employees have found permanent jobs and moved to stable houses.
Based on the statistics provided by the Austin City council members, this program has grown to seven times its original size in a year.
It has also acted as a transformation for the needy in the city. The work crews consisting of several such employees, even work during the weekends.
They spend time in cleaning up walls defaced with graffiti and other homeless camps. Mr. Chris Baker is the executive director of the project.
He hopes that recent funding will help in the rehabilitation of more homeless people. He also states that more people are willing to work and the project has given dignity and a sense of hope to many employees.
The mayor of Austin has announced his support of the project. He encouraged several local bodies to collaborate with the project.
The OOF plans on expanding the project to other cities in the country. Thus, they believe through this model, they can eradicate poverty and unemployment in the US.
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