Unemployment EligibilityUnemployment Insurance provides unemployment benefits to eligible workers who have been laid off through no fault of their own. Those that can meet their states eligibility requirements may be able to qualify for unemployment benefits. Eligibility for unemployment and the benefits amounts available are determined by state mandate and funded by federal government assistance.
Those who were not fortunate enough to qualify for unemployment benefits have nowhere to turn. A growing number of them have been the self-employed whose business tanked and who now find themselves unemployed and homeless. Many of these otherwise qualified middle-aged workers are finding themselves unemployable and without access to unemployment benefits.
Unemployed Face Raising Cost Of LivingBetween the escalating cost in food and energy, combined with sharply rising unemployment, the threat of being rendered homelessness is becoming a frightening reality for an ever-increasing number of low and middle class income families.
Amidst the severity of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, middle-class families are rapidly being faced with poverty. With jobless rates skyrocketing and government safety nets dwindling, a single unfortunate misstep, a job loss or injury, can radically change a persons life and that of their family. Homelessness is no longer the domain for those suffering from drug addiction or mental illness. Instead it is hitting most of America and it is likely to get worse in the next few years.
Homeless Shelters Under ResourcedHomeless shelters that were once dominated by victims of domestic violence and drug abuse are facing an avalanche of applicants from the ranks of the unemployed and those who have underwent home foreclosure. According to the Federal Reserve, between 2010 and 2012, it is anticipated that as many as 7.4 million more homes will enter the foreclosure process.
For every homeless individual we see walking the streets aimlessly, there are hundreds of thousands more you don’t see who are just trying to survive unnoticed. If they are fortunate enough, they will be able to find a local shelter to help them through the financial storm. If not, they live in parking lots, under freeways and in urban alleys.
Most local shelters only provide short-term relief for the homeless. Usually there is a maximum stay of three months or less notwithstanding the persons actual need for shelter. Many times it means having to move on to another shelter when there time is up. Most of these shelters ask their temporary residents to leave during the day to make room for others. Meals and other supportive services are available and currently most of these shelters offer their services free of charge but this may be changing, as the homeless crisis worsens.
Day Shelters assist both homeless and low-income people when the shelter their living at only offers overnight stays. Most day shelters provide laundry and shower facilities. Nearly all day shelters offer their services without charge.
Families Are Being Forced To Double-UpAs bankruptcy filings and unemployment rates rise to epidemic levels the ranks of the American homeless have grown in record number. According to the Labor Department the number of homeless families rose 4 percent in 2009, and 9 percent in 2010 and many economists believe these numbers may reach up to 17% or more by the end of 2011. Yet these numbers do not tell the whole story – not even close. Mostly because they do not include the many people who find themselves without an income and are forced to live with friends and family as their last resort.
Instances of people living with others between 2008 and 2010 climbed to 12 percent. But as we all know hospitality and generosity can have their limits, especially when financial trouble hits the entire household and everyone begins to scramble. As of 2011, it is believed that nearly 15 percent of all U.S. homes are housing more than one family.
For more information on unemployment and strategies for surviving homelessness, including information on how to apply for food assistance and unemployment benefits visit
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