What do the Homeless of Elkton, MD Need to Succeed?

The homeless problem in Elkton, Maryland has grown to extensive heights. There were approximately three homeless people in town when I was growing up. There are now between one and two hundred. We can’t be sure because there hasn’t been a proper count that I am aware of. If someone knows where to find the information on the study, please inform me so that I can be more accurate.

There are a lot of programs in place for those who do not have a place to call home. Those are mentioned in a previous post and kudos to those who volunteer the time, money and other services for those in need. There is plenty of clothing and food. There is enough clothing, shoes, blankets and toiletries available, but there are other things needed that will help in the long-term.

Shelter- There are two shelters in Elkton. Those are run by Meeting Ground. The problem is that the space is very limited and there are still a lot of people in need of shelter. I do not know the answer to this other than to say that if the community really wants to get rid of the homeless, they need to get together and decide how to best do it. It is not to send them to other places because that is passing the problem, not getting rid of it. You are either a part of the solution or a part of the problem.

Job Training- It is not enough to pass a list of job openings to the homeless. Helping them get job training in order to obtain viable job options is essential to success.

Ability to Obtain Jobs- On the same note, it is most often difficult for the homeless to land a good job opportunity if an employer knows that person does not have a home. To employers: Look at the person as a whole and not just on whether they have a home or not. Those who have been able to get work got the job because they were clean, well-dressed and skilled enough to get the position. The majority of people that I met over the last few months care about their appearance and abilities. Give them a chance.

Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation- It is a very expensive undertaking to get drug and alcohol rehabilitation for most people. Fortunately, insurance coverage is available for those who wish to stop using substances. Unfortunately, there aren’t many options in the local area to help those people. One such center is planned for Elkton and will take a few years to build. It will have, just like anything else, limited space, especially for people who cannot afford it or whose insurance will not cover it. Many people who use heroin are getting methadone treatments at one of the two clinics open in Elkton. From what I have seen in the homeless world is that the program does not work. It only exasperates the problem. Stop fighting against the real solutions out of fear and get rid of the things that cause more problems than they solve.

The above listed things are the main issues that the homeless face on a daily basis. If you really want to get rid of the homeless and get them “out of sight, out of mind” then give them what they really need more than anything else; a chance at success.

For now, this is Dawn signing out until next time.