PITTSBURG, KS.--- "When you think about homelessness, a lot of people have a stereotype in mind and the data that we found shows that's clearly not the case in Southeast Kansas," states Becky Gray, SEK CAP Research Director.
Workers say preliminary data just released from the count shows alarming outcomes. Out of the 200 people counted, around 70 children and more than 100 young women are homeless.
"How come we let this most vulnerable population that's so critical to our success in the future, be dealing with these circumstances," asks Gray.
What's even worse to SEK Community Action Program workers is that 30% of those women are pregnant.
"We're doing something incredibly wrong, our future is dependent upon the children that we raise," says Gray.
These findings could prompt change. Since the number of homeless doubled since 2011, the Department of Housing and Urban Development could increase funding for centers like SEK CAP.
"If we had more funding, we could have better programs that can better help the homeless population in Southeast Kansas," says Timi Myers, SEK CAP Housing Director.
Like education, about 25% of the women surveyed have a job, but it's part time and the income is not enough to live on. 25% of the 200 people surveyed said they are homeless because of a sudden job loss. The Regional Homeless Providers Network is worried this number is artificially low and is considering another homeless count in the summer.
Workers say preliminary data just released from the count shows alarming outcomes. Out of the 200 people counted, around 70 children and more than 100 young women are homeless.
"How come we let this most vulnerable population that's so critical to our success in the future, be dealing with these circumstances," asks Gray.
What's even worse to SEK Community Action Program workers is that 30% of those women are pregnant.
"We're doing something incredibly wrong, our future is dependent upon the children that we raise," says Gray.
These findings could prompt change. Since the number of homeless doubled since 2011, the Department of Housing and Urban Development could increase funding for centers like SEK CAP.
"If we had more funding, we could have better programs that can better help the homeless population in Southeast Kansas," says Timi Myers, SEK CAP Housing Director.
Like education, about 25% of the women surveyed have a job, but it's part time and the income is not enough to live on. 25% of the 200 people surveyed said they are homeless because of a sudden job loss. The Regional Homeless Providers Network is worried this number is artificially low and is considering another homeless count in the summer.
