A new study from Maine shows the extent of homelessness in the rural parts of the state. It's probably the first study of rural homelessness -- and it's not a small problem:
Homelessness often means life in soup lines and on city streets, but as a new study commissioned by the state [of Maine] shows, it isn't confined to cities. It also can be found across rural areas, so concealed that some people are surprised it exists at all, the study finds.And, state budgets are in crisis. Maine's budget for the next two years had severe cuts in social services:
''It's the hidden homeless,'' said Melany Mondello of the Shalom House mental health housing organization, who headed the study and a resulting 32-page report called ''Cost of Rural Homelessness.''
The study, commissioned by the Maine State Housing Authority, is believed to be the first study in the nation to provide a look at the costs of rural homelessness in a state. It concludes that providing ''permanent supportive housing'' -- subsidized housing in combination with mental health, employment and other support services -- for homeless people is less costly than serving them while they're without a home.
Moreover, the report sheds light on a segment of society that is often overlooked.
Many of the rural homeless stay at shelters -- just like their urban counterparts -- but some counties don't even have shelters, forcing the homeless to live in encampments, abandoned buildings, barns or cars. Many move from place to place, sleeping on a friend's or relative's couch or floor until they move on to the next person willing to take them in for a while.
All told, 1,200 people sought help at Maine's rural shelters last year, but the number of rural homeless is thought to be much higher. Of those who were looked at for the study, 97 percent had mental illness, 18 percent were alcohol abusers and 16 percent were drug abusers. Eleven percent were veterans.
The budget is $500 million smaller than the last two-year spending plan – the first time the state budget has decreased in 30 years. To slash spending, legislators had to contend with a $1.4 billion drop in revenue in the current fiscal year and in the next biennium.It's the hardest hit who are the hardest hit by the economic crisis. And, the states have no money to help.
The reductions will be felt across the state in ways both big and small.
Less money will be spent on foster care and adoption services, residential care for older adults, educational services to blind and disabled children, higher education, public school aid, property-tax relief programs and legislative expenses.
Non-essential government will shut down for 20 days over the next two years – meaning, for example, that Mainers won't be able to renew their driver's licenses on those days. State employees' merit and longevity pay will be frozen.
Funds to cover services for children and adults with mental health problems also were reduced; children, in particular, may not be able to get the residential treatment they need.
Revenue sharing for local communities was cut by $34 million. That means residents might see town workers laid off, city services reduced or property taxes increased to make up the difference.
