Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency, Community Resource Program

2013 Homeless Count Report

Marion & Polk Counties
Results of January 30, 2013 Homeless Survey

Table of Contents
2013 Homeless Count Totals Summary of Homeless Count Street Count Surveys Demographics Homeless Characteristics Medical/Dental Issues Incarceration Discrimination & Violence Shelter Count Sheltered Surveys Demographics Short Surveys Jail Surveys Demographics Before Incarceration After Release Medical & Treatment Issues Homeless Count Report prepared by 3 4 6 6 8 16 17 17 19 20 20 24 25 25 27 30 30 31

2013 Homeless Count Totals

Homeless Street Surveys Individuals Surveyed Observed (not surveyed) One Night Shelter Count Individuals Sheltered Households Sheltered Individuals Turned Away Households Turned Away Short Surveys 486 339 14 10 74 181 53 500 234

Jail Surveys Polk County Jail Survey Marion County Jail Survey School Counts Polk County School Districts Central Dallas Falls City Marion County School Districts Turner (Cascade) Silverton (Silver Falls) Stayton Woodburn Other Marion (St. Paul, Mt. Angel, Jefferson, North Marion) Salem-Keizer 82 15 7 79 75 27 103 44 400 28 112

140

*802

*30 school-age (K-12) children were reported as being sheltered and attending school on the One Night Shelter Count (Individuals Sheltered). Therefore, the total School Count was reduced by 30.

2013 Homeless Count Total

1,750

Summary
Each year, on a designated day during the last ten days of January, Marion and Polk counties conduct a comprehensive count of the homeless population. Thousands of individuals across both counties experience homelessness each year. The vast majority of these are individuals for whom life has dealt a crushing blow: serious illness, abuse, addiction, inability to work, collapse of a family, and ultimately the loss of a place to live. The Homeless Count serves the community in the following ways: Increases our understanding of homelessness, including information about the causes and impacts of homelessness. Provides us the information needed to plan and identify resources and services to better help individuals out of homelessness, and prevent it in the first place. Accurate homeless statistics are necessary to receive continued federal funding (almost one million dollars annually) for homeless programs in Marion and Polk counties.

The Count is a community-wide event facilitated by Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency, and supported by numerous community-based organizations. More than eighty community volunteers dedicated their time to assist with the surveys and provide outreach. The participation of partner organizations and volunteers is critical to the success of the Count, from the initial planning meetings, to the day of the count, and through the final stages of pulling the data together and reporting. The following organizations participated on the 2013 Homeless Count Planning Committee and many also volunteered as Team Leaders the day of the Count: City of Salem - Salem Housing Authority Marion-Polk Food Share Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency Northwest Human Services Salem Interfaith Hospitality Network Salem Leadership Foundation Serving our Veterans at Home Shangri-La Corporation St. Vincent de Paul Union Gospel Mission

The 2013 Homeless Count was conducted on Wednesday, January 30th and was comprised of the following components: One Night Shelter Count: a one-night (point-in-time) count of the number of beds being utilized through emergency shelters and transitional housing facilities and programs that are designated to serve homeless individuals and families. Homeless Street Surveys: included Street/Mobile Outreach teams and Stationary Sites. Small groups of people comprised the Outreach teams. They canvassed the streets, parks, under bridges, and in camps. Volunteers were also stationed at designated site locations, including: Polk County Connect Cascade Gateway Park 4

Marion Square Park MWV Community Action ARCHES Project MWV Community Action De Muniz Pine Street Resource Center MWV Community Action Home Youth and Resource Center Northwest Human Services HOAP Northwest Human Services Transitional Living Program

Homeless Observed but not surveyed: Outreach teams kept a log of individuals that they observed as homeless but did not have the opportunity to interview. Teams used their best judgment regarding the observation of homelessness. For example, an individual at a secluded campsite not interested in participating in the survey would have been included in this count. Short Surveys: conducted at the Department of Human Services (South Salem, North Salem, Keizer, Dallas, Sublimity, and Woodburn branches), Salem Hospital, food banks (Queen of Peace and Jason Lee), the NWHS Crisis Hotline, Salem Housing Authority, Salvation Army, and St. Joseph Shelter. Individuals and families seeking assistance were asked if they had already participated in the Count on January 30th (either through the Street Count or via the Shelter Count). If they responded no, they completed a brief version of the full survey. Jail Surveys: All inmates were given the opportunity to be surveyed. Those respondents that reported they would be homeless upon release were included in the report. Surveys were conducted at the Marion County Jail and the Polk County Jail. School Counts: Survey includes reports from twelve school districts in Marion and Polk counties. The school count represents the total number of homeless students who were enrolled in the Homeless Education Program for each school district on the day of the Count. The total number of homeless students was reliant on each districts definition of who is eligible for enrollment in their program.

The total number of homeless individuals counted in Marion and Polk counties on January 30, 2013 was 1,750. Comparatively, the total number of homeless individuals counted on January 25, 2012 was *718, and the total number counted on January 27, 2011 was 3,064.
* For the 2012 Homeless Count, HUD revised the method for calculating the total to exclude School Counts and certain shelters/housing providers that do not dedicate their beds for homeless individuals only. This produced a count that was drastically lower than the previous year.

2012
One Night Shelter Count School Counts Unsheltered Count Short Surveys Polk County Jail Survey Marion County Jail Survey Homeless Street Surveys Observed (not surveyed) Turned Away from shelters 456 (Not Included) 7 5 25 125 75 25

2011
897 1,483 193 5 31 286 139 30

TOTAL

718

3,064
5

Street Count Surveys

On January 30, 2013, over 80 community volunteers conducted 181 interviews with people who were homeless, with no permanent place to reside in Marion and Polk counties. The interviews were conducted on the street, in parks, under bridges, in camps, and at area homeless service organizations. All participants were informed that their names would not be collected and that their participation was completely voluntary. * Percentages are calculated based on the total number of respondents that answered each question.

Demographics

Street interviews resulted in data collected from 135 males, 42 females, and 4 that did not disclose. Single adults made up the majority of the household types at 146 or 90% of all households. The average age range for adults was 36-50. 81% of respondents described themselves as White for their Race/Ethnicity. Education level varied, but the majority of those surveyed (74%) did not have higher than a high school degree.

Household Type Single adult Couple without children Single parent with child(ren) Two parents with child(ren) Total Households Age Groups Under 21 21-35 36-50 51-65 Over 65 Total

Marion 120 14 1 1 136 88% 10% 1% 1% 100%

Polk 26 100%

26

100%

9 40 71 33 2 155

6% 26% 46% 21% 1% 100%

1 8 7 10

4% 31% 27% 38%

26

100% 6

Gender Male Female Other/dont know/wont disclose Total Race/Ethnicity Hispanic or Latino American Indian or Alaskan Native Asian Black or African American Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander White Refused/Unknown/Didnt Ask Total Education Level Still in school Grade 1-9 Grade 10-12 GED HS Graduate Some College College Graduate No Response Total 3 13 35 24 32 26 11 11 155 100% 2% 9% 24% 17% 22% 18% 8% 4 6 6 4 2 1 3 26 100% 17% 26% 26% 17% 9% 5% 15 9 0 2 3 125 1 155 100% 10% 6% 0% 1% 2% 81% 16 5 26 100% 76% 4 1 19% 5% 114 39 2 155 74% 25% 1% 100% 21 3 2 26 81% 11% 8% 100%

Miscellaneous Categories Veteran Farmworker Victim of Domestic Violence 24 20 27 15% 13% 17% 3 6 1 12% 23% 4%

Homeless Characteristics
78 respondents (44%) indicated they have been homeless for less than 1 year. 27 (15%) had been homeless at least 5 years. The most common response for length of current episode of homelessness experienced by respondents was 0-3 months. The majority (67%) of respondents were staying on the street or camping (26%) the night the survey was conducted. Nearly three quarters of respondents reported they were able to eat regularly, and 68% were able to eat twice a day or more. More than a quarter of the respondents had no income. 37% reported making between $1 $500 a month. The most common method of gaining income was panhandling (19%), followed by Social Security/Disability (13%) and Government Assistance, most often food stamps (13%). More than half of survey respondents were looking for a job. More than half (56%) qualified as chronically homeless. Definition of Chronically Homeless: An individual who 1) is homeless and lives in a place not meant for human habitation, a safe haven, or in an emergency shelter; and 2) has been homeless (in one of the above mentioned locations) for at least one year or on at least four separate occasions in the last 3 years; and 3) can be diagnosed with one or more of the following conditions: substance use disorder, serious mental illness, developmental disability, post-traumatic stress disorder, cognitive impairments resulting from brain injury, or chronic physical illness or disability. The three most common reasons for homelessness were Couldnt Afford Rent (31%), Unemployed (36%), and Criminal History (13%). The two main factors respondents believe could improve their current situation are affordable housing and a job/income.

Length of Homelessness (in months) 0-3 3-6 6-9 9-12 1-3 yrs 3-5 yrs 5-10 yrs 10-20 yrs 20+ yrs No Response Total

Marion 33 14 13 15 31 21 10 10 4 4 155 100% 22% 9% 8% 10% 20% 14% 7% 7% 3%

Polk 1 1 0 1 17 2 2 1 0 1 26 100% 4% 68% 8% 8% 4% 4% 4%

Length of Homelessness (Marion and Polk)

20+ yrs 10-20 5-10 yrs yrs 6-9 mos 3-6 mos 9-12 mos 3-5 yrs 0-3 mos

1-3 yrs

Where will you stay tonight? Street Hospital Squatting 1 1% 9 96 67% 16 64%

Camping Motel/Hotel Staying with friends/family Car Other No Response Total Are you able to eat regularly? Yes No No Response Total How often do you eat? Less than 1 time a day 1x/day 2x/day 3x/day No Response Total What do you do for income? Social Security/Disability Panhandling Part-time Work Job Recycle Cans Odd jobs/Seasonal Work Government Assistance Unemployment Other (family, donate plasma, etc.)

37

26%

36%

10

10%

11 155 100%

1 26 100%

115 30 10 155

80% 20%

14 3 8

56% 12% 32% 100%

100%

26

9 35 58 37 16 155

6% 25% 42% 27%

1 6 9 4 6

5% 30% 45% 20%

100%

26

100%

may be more than 1 response per person

22 30 8 1 19 9 22 1 4

15% 21% 5% 1% 13% 6% 15% 1% 2%

2 4 1

9% 18% 4%

3 5 1

14% 23% 4%

10

No income No Response

39 11

27%

9 4

41%

Sources of Income (Marion and Polk)

40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0

How much income per month? $0 $1-$500 $501-$1000 $1000 or more No Response Total 44 57 21 3 30 155 100% 35% 46% 17% 2% 8 26 100% 9 8 1 50% 45% 5%

11

How much income per month?

$1000 or more

No Response

$0

$501-$1000

$1-$500

Are you looking for a job? Yes No No Response Length of Homelessness Continually homeless for a year or more Experienced at least four episodes of homeless in the past three years Qualifies as chronically homeless 103 100 66% 64% 24 11 92% 42% 76 65 14 54% 46% 7% 15 7 4 68% 32%

90

58%

11

42%

What caused you and/or your family to leave your last living arrangement?
Percentages (%) represent all respondents (e.g. 31% of Marion respondents left because they couldnt afford rent). Respondents could choose all factors that applied to their experience.

Couldnt Afford Rent Unemployed Evicted by landlord Kicked out by family/friends

48 56 17 17

31% 36% 11% 11%

8 13 2 1

31% 50% 8% 4% 12

Child Abuse Domestic Violence Drug/Alcohol at home Drug/Alcohol (self) Criminal History Poor Rental History Credit Gambling Mental or Emotional Disorder Medical Problem Homeless by choice Property sold Home foreclosed on Other No Response

1 9 5 14 20 9 7 1 11 8 8 2 1 15 5

1% 6% 3% 9% 13% 6% 5% 1% 7% 5% 5% 1% 1% 10% 3% 1 5 4% 19% 1 5 2 4% 19% 8% 1 1 2 6 1 4% 4% 8% 23% 4%

Top 9 Reasons for Homelessness

80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

13

What is the hardest part about being homeless?

Percentages (%) represent all respondents (e.g. 20% of Marion participants find being judged or harassed the most difficult thing about being homeless). Respondents could list as many factors as applied to their experience.

Obtaining employment Judged/Public perception/harassment Loneliness/Hopelessness/Instability/Uncertain Future Medical Treatment/Medications Getting enough to eat Finding a place to sleep Staying warm/dry Hygiene Violence/Safety Concerns Not having own space Day-to-day needs (having money for gas, etc.) None/It's Easy Other No Response

5 31 14 2 6 15 33 15 8 15 18 5 18 7

3% 20% 9% 1% 4% 10% 21% 10% 5% 10% 12% 3% 12% 6 5 23% 2 6 8% 23% 1 7 3 4% 27% 12% 1 4% 6 23%

Hardest Part About Being Homeless

45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0

14

What can be done to improve your current situation?

Percentages (%) represent all respondents (e.g. 32% of Marion participants reported a job/income would help)

Job/Income Housing Shelter-related (no time limit, takes pets, for couples w/o kids, etc.) Assistance obtaining SS/disability Nothing/dont know Assistance moving in (deposits) Transportation Assistance obtaining clothing/hygiene supplies Assistance obtaining ID Medical/Dental Other (go to college, storage for belongings, etc)

49 44 10

32% 28% 6%

11 4

42% 15%

9 7 6 5 3

6% 5% 4% 3% 2%

3 1 1 5

12% 4% 4% 19%

2 2 32

1% 1% 21% 1 5 4% 19%

Top 7 Things that Could Improve Current Situations (Marion andPolk)

70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

15

Medical/Dental Issues
More than half of respondents had medical problems (69%) or dental problems (58%) Obtaining medical care is much more common than obtaining dental care: over half (57%) have seen a doctor in the past year while only 16% have seen a dentist in the last year. More than a third (42%) of respondents have not seen a dentist in the last 5 years compared to only 8% who havent seen a doctor in the last 5 years. 119 participants (74%) reported having a disability, the most common one being a mental health problem (28%).

Do you have medical problems? Marion Yes No No Response Total 102 42 11 155 100% 71% 29% Polk 12 10 4 26 100% 55% 45%

Do you have dental problems? Marion 87 55 13 155 100% 61% 39% Polk 8 14 4 26 100% 36% 64%

When was the last time you saw a doctor? Marion Past year More than 1 year 2-3 yrs 4-5 yrs 5+ yrs Dont Recall No Response Total 78 23 15 4 11 6 18 155 100% 57% 17% 11% 3% 8% 4% Polk 9 1 1 1 4 0 10 26 100% 57% 6% 6% 6% 25%

When was the last time you saw a dentist? Marion 23 13 20 9 55 9 26 155 100% 18% 10% 16% 7% 42% 7% Polk 1 5 3 1 7 0 9 26 100% 6% 29% 18% 6% 41%

16

Persons with a Disability

Specific disabilities reported (data not available by county)

% of all respondents

Marion Yes No No Response 108 27 20 80% 20%

Polk 11 14 1 44% 56% Chronic Alcohol Abuse Chronic Drug Abuse Mental Health Problem Person with HIV/AIDS

34 19 50 10

19% 10% 28% 6%

Incarceration
About a third of respondents had been previously incarcerated: 34% of all respondents had been to jail and 35% to prison. 8% were released from incarceration within the next 90 days.

Have you ever been to jail? Marion Yes No No Response Total 41 106 8 155 100% Marion 14 141 155 9% 91% 100% 28% 72% Polk 17 6 3 26 100% 74% 26%

Have you ever been to prison? Marion 52 95 8 155 Polk 1 25 26 4% 96% 100% 100% 35% 65% Polk 7 14 5 26 100% 33% 67%

Released Offender (90 days) Yes No Total

Discrimination & Violence

A great majority of households (73%) reported they felt discriminated against because they were homeless. Almost half (42%) said they have experienced violence since becoming homeless. 17

Have you ever felt discriminated against because you are homeless? Marion Yes No No Response Total 96 31 28 155 100% 76% 24% Polk 13 9 4 26 100% 59% 41%

Since you have been homeless, have you experienced any violence? Marion 50 78 27 155 100% 39% 61% Polk 13 8 5 26 100% 52% 32%

18

Marion/Polk Shelter Count

Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing & Safe Haven January 30, 2013

Organization

Individuals Sheltered 14 2 60 10 6 5 5 8 3 3 11 21 20 12 36 39 6 107 43 23 9 43 486

Mid-Valley Womens Crisis ES Mid-Valley Womens Crisis TH Mid Willamette Valley Community Action Agency ARCHES Transitional Housing Program TH Mid Willamette Valley Community Action Agency Marion-Polk Transitional Housing Program TH Moving Forward TH Northwest Human Services Safe Haven SH Northwest Human Services HOST ES Northwest Human Services Transitional Living Program TH Polk County Parole & Probation ES River of Life TH Salem Interfaith Hospitality Network TH Salvation Army TH Shangri-La - New Options TH Shelly's House TH St. Francis Shelter TH St. Joseph - Family Shelter TH Titus 3 TH Union Gospel Mission Mens Shelter ES Union Gospel Mission Mens Shelter TH Union Gospel Mission Simonka Place ES Union Gospel Mission Simonka Place TH YWCA Salem Outreach Shelter TH TOTALS

Individuals Turned away 1

9 4 14

19

Shelter Surveys
On January 30, 2013, 326 households and 486 individuals were surveyed at 20 different emergency shelters and transitional housing/shelter locations, including one safe haven location. See all participating shelters/housing providers listed on page 18.

Demographics
Single adults made up the majority of sheltered families, followed by 45 single parents with children. Approximately 28% of those sheltered were under 21 years of age. 56% were male and 43% were female. 30 (7%) of the respondents were children of K-12 age. The majority (85%) of respondents described themselves as White and 18% were Hispanic or Latino. Almost a quarter (21%) qualified as chronically homeless. Almost half (44%) of respondents reported having a disability, the most common one being chronic drug abuse (20%).

Household Type Single adult Couple without children Single parent with child(ren) Two parents with child(ren) Total Households Age Groups Under 21 21-35 36-50

Marion 254 3 42 15 314 81% 1% 13% 5% 100%

Polk 3 43%

3 1 7

43% 14% 100%

127 115 120

28% 25% 26%

6 5 2

43% 36% 14% 20

51-65 Over 65 No Response Total Gender Male Female Other/dont know/wont disclose Total Race/Ethnicity Hispanic or Latino American Indian or Alaskan Native Asian Black or African American Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander White Refused/Unknown/Didnt Ask Total Miscellaneous Categories Veteran Farmworker Victim of Domestic Violence Children (K-12 age) still in school Released Offender

82 11 17 472

18% 2%

7%

100%

14

100%

256 195 21 472

57% 43%

10 4

71% 29%

100%

14

100%

87 23 14 17 15 378 25 472

18% 5% 3% 4% 3% 85% 13 1 100% 14 100% 100%

39 18 106 30 27

9% 4% 23% 7% 6% 2 14%

21

Homelessness Continually homeless for a year or more Experienced at least four episodes of homeless in the past three years Qualifies as chronically homeless 130 72 27% 15%

101

21%

Persons with Disability

Specific disabilities reported (data not available by county)

% of all participants

Marion Yes No No Response 207 171 94 55% 45%

Polk 2 10 2 17% 83% Chronic Alcohol Abuse Chronic Drug Abuse Mental Health Problem Person with HIV/AIDS

76 95 56 3

16% 20% 12% 1%

What caused you and/or your family to leave your last living arrangement?
Percentages (%) represent all respondents (e.g. 34% of Marion respondents left because they couldnt afford rent). Data includes 14 turn-away surveys. Respondents could choose all factors that applied to their experience.

Couldnt Afford Rent Unemployed Evicted by landlord Kicked out by family/friends Child Abuse Domestic Violence Drug/Alcohol at home Drug/Alcohol (self) Criminal History Poor Rental History Credit

167 174 67 78 2 53 56 87 90 78 52

34% 36% 14% 16% 1% 11% 12% 18% 19% 16% 11%

8 13 2 1

57% 93% 14% 7%

1 1 2 4

7% 7% 14% 29%

22

Gambling Pregnancy Mental or Emotional Disorder Medical Problem Runaway Homeless by choice Property sold Home foreclosed on Other

9 5 39 22 1 12 8 6 29

2% 1% 8% 5% 1 3% 2% 1% 6% 4 29% 1 7% 1 4 7% 29%

Top 10 Reasons for Homelessness

200 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0

23

Short Surveys
74 short surveys were conducted by volunteers at various locations around Marion/Polk counties (see all locations on page 4). *2 single individuals (one female and one male from 36-50 yrs. old) were surveyed at the Dallas Social Security office and have been combined with Marion County for this data.

Household Type Single Adult Couple w/o children One Parent Two Parents Unaccompanied child Total Households 48 2 5 2 1 58 83% 3% 9% 3% 2% 100%

Age Groups Under 21 21-35 36-50 51-65 Over 65 No Response Total Individuals 16 22 17 12 2 5 74 100% 23% 32% 25% 17% 3%

Gender Male Female Total Veteran Yes No Total 5 69 74 7% 93% 100% 40 34 74 54% 46% 100%

Where will you be staying on Wednesday January 30, 2013? Car Hospital Street Abandoned Building With friends/Family Camping Shelter Other No Response Total 9 2 5 1 26 3 15 1 12 74 100% 24 14% 3% 8% 2% 42% 5% 24% 2%

Jail Surveys
Surveys were conducted at the Marion County and Polk County jails. All inmates were given the opportunity to participate in the survey. 313 surveys were completed at the Marion County jail and 67 surveys were completed at the Polk County jail. 140 respondents total (Marion112 and Polk28) said they would be homeless with no designated place to live at the time of their release from jail. 18 (Marion15 and Polk3) of these respondents were scheduled to be released within the coming week.

Demographics
48% of respondents were 21 35 years of age. Almost 80% of the respondents were males. 29% of respondents did not complete high school or receive a GED. Only 23% had a valid Oregon drivers license and less than half (44%) had an Oregon ID card. Half of the respondents had children under the age of 18. The range of ages was wide from 1 to 17 yrs. Most families had 1 or 2 children. Half of the respondents had a faith community affiliation.

Age Groups Under 21 21-35 36-50 51-65 Over 65 Total Gender Male Female Other/dont know/wont disclose

Marion 4 55 44 9 4% 49% 39% 8%

Polk 5 13 8 2 18% 46% 29% 7%

112

100%

28

100%

88 21 3

81% 19%

23 5

82% 18%

25

Total Education Level Still in HS or MS Grade 1-9 Grade 10-12 GED HS Graduate Some College College Graduate No Response Total Miscellaneous Categories Veteran Has a valid Oregon drivers license Has an Oregon ID card Been to prison Inmates with children Has children under 18 How many children? 1 2 3 4 5-6 More than 6

112

100%

28

100%

1 15 17 29 16 23 8 4 112 100% 28 14% 16% 27% 15% 21% 7% 1 6 7 3 8 2

4% 4% 21% 25% 11% 28% 7%

100%

5 27 45 54

4% 24% 40% 48%

4 5 16 7

14% 18% 57% 25%

53

47%

19

68%

13 17 8 4 1 2

25% 32% 15% 8% 2% 4%

12

75%

3 1

19% 6%

26

Ages of children 0-3 yrs 4-6 yrs 7-10 yrs 11-14 yrs 15 or older Faith Affiliation Has a faith community affiliation How active? Very active Somewhat active Not active 16 36 6 28% 62% 10% 5 7 2 36% 50% 14% 56 50% 14 50% 14 18 21 24 17 15% 19% 22% 26% 18% 12 3 3 6 1 48% 12% 12% 24%

Before Incarceration
50% of the respondents had a job immediately before incarceration, and 43% had a permanent place to live. For respondents who reported being homeless or unstably housed (58%) prior to incarceration, living on the street (30%) or temporarily with a friend (33%) were the most common places. Of programs and services accessed in the past by respondents, food stamps (90%), food boxes (48%), and the emergency room (48%) were the most common. Participants were asked what led to their present circumstances, and Drug/Alcohol (49%) and Bad Choices (54%) were the most frequent answers.

Prior to incarceration Had a job Had a permanent place to live 56 50 50% 45% 14 10 50% 36%

27

If you did not have a place to live, which best describes where you were staying?
Respondents could list all factors that applied to their experience.

Shelter Street Camp Park Vehicle Temporarily with a friend Other

6 20 2

9% 31% 5% 7 2 1 26% 7% 4% 7% 37% 19%

5 20 10

8% 31% 16%

2 10 5

How long did you live in this situation? Less than 1 month 1-3 months 4-12 months 1-2 yrs 3-9 yrs 10-19 yrs 20+ yrs No Response Total Alone or with family? Alone Family Both Other people No Response Total 26 11 2 4 19 62 18 60% 26% 5% 9% 9 5 2 2 50% 28% 11% 11% 9 13 14 13 4 2 1 6 62 16% 23% 25% 23% 7% 4% 2% 1 18 4 3 1 5 2 2 23% 18% 6% 29% 12% 12%

28

What programs/services have you accessed in the past?

Percentages (%) represent all respondents (e.g. 19% of Marion respondents accessed housing programs)

Housing Alcohol/Drug TX Food stamps Energy Assistance Counseling Services Food boxes Head Start Emergency Room West Salem Clinic OHP Health Department Other medical/dental Other

21 44 93 16 21 46 15 47 15 39 8 12 11

21% 44% 92% 16% 21% 46% 15% 42% 15% 39% 8% 12% 11%

5 10 20 4 5 14 1 13 3 6 4 4 1

21% 42% 83% 17% 21% 58% 4% 54% 13% 25% 17% 17% 4%

What led to your present circumstance?

Percentages (%) represent all respondents (e.g. 48% of Marion participants believe drugs/alcohol led to their present circumstance). Respondents could list as many factors as applied to their circumstance.

Drug/Alcohol Lack of Employment Medical/Physical Disability Felony conviction DV/Relationship issue Education/Job Skills Lack of housing Bad Choices Other

54 22 19 25 26 6 22 52 14

52% 21% 18% 24% 25% 6% 21% 50% 14%

10 7 2 10 3 2 7 19 6

36% 25% 7% 36% 11% 7% 25% 68% 21%

29

After Release
Only 34% of respondents knew when they would be released. Of those, 37% were scheduled to be released within one week. When asked what they needed to remain clean, sober, and crime-free, the two most common responses were housing and employment.

Release Knows release date Will be released in one week Upon Release Has a job to go to after release 15 13% 4 14% 37 15 33% 41% 11 3 39% 27%

What do you need when you are released to stay clean and sober and crime free? (Most Common Responses)
Percentages (%) represent all respondents (e.g. 32% of Marion respondents believe they need housing after theyre released to stay clean, sober, and crime-free). Respondents could list as many factors as applied to their circumstance.

Housing Employment Family Fresh Start Church/Jesus Support Treatment

36 23 14 3 8 19 15

32% 21% 13% 3% 7% 17% 13%

11 11 2 3 3 5

39% 39% 7% 11% 11% 18%

Medical and Treatment Issues

About 43% of respondents report having a disability, the most common being a mental health disability (44%). Less than half (41%) of respondents said they had medical issues, and 40% of respondents stated they had dental problems.

30

Persons with a Disability Marion Yes No No Response Total 44 58 10 112 43% 57% Polk 11 16 1 28 41% 59%

Specific disabilities reported Marion Mental Health Physical More than one 24 13 18 55% 30% 36% Polk 7 5 1 64% 46% 9%

Medical/Dental Issues Has medical problems Has dental problems 49 43 44% 38% 8 12 29% 43%

The 2013 Homeless Count Report for Marion and Polk counties was prepared by: Amber Reeves, MWV Community Action Agency Community Resource Director amber.reeves@mwvcaa.org Diane Merry, MWV Community Action Agency Community Resource Manager diane.merry@mwvcaa.org Emily Ward, Western Oregon University Student Volunteer

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency Community Resource Program

31