Homelessness is one of those subjects no one really wants to talk about. It’s not as salacious as a crime story, or as fertile ground for heated partisan debate, as many other topics in the news, which is why it is seldom in the news at all. Consequently, it’s seldom on our minds until we see someone with a sign announcing their homelessness and then we just feel uncomfortable.
November is National Homelessness Awareness Month and I have a perfect way for you to raise your awareness and understanding of this complicated issue. Diane Nilan will be the guest speaker at the Prisco Community Center at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30. Long-time Aurora residents will remember Nilan as the former director of Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS) at Hesed House. Since then she has lived out of an RV, criss-crossing the country and visiting 49 states to raise awareness and promote legislation to alleviate homelessness. She has interviewed and tried to help hundreds of homeless families. I am willing to bet there is no American who understands the issue better, given her 35 years of experience in this field which has yielded books, videos, lectures, and legislation.
Nilan was instrumental in passing the Education for Homeless Children Act in 1994 in Illinois and in 2001 at the federal level as the McKinney-Vento Act. One aspect of her mission is to help school districts understand homelessness, in order to identify and assist homeless students.
It’s easy to see a man begging on a street corner and think, “why doesn’t he just get a job?” It becomes far more complicated when we look at innocent schoolchildren whose families have become homeless, due to a variety of circumstances. Most of us don’t realize the impact on both the physical and mental health of adults and children when they suffer the traumas of homelessness. It can unravel families, cause individuals to lose sight of their worth as human beings, and cause a variety of maladies, from untreated medical conditions that worsen, to substance abuse, and mental health issues.
I asked Nilan in a phone call what have been the greatest obstacles to addressing homelessness in this country and she quickly responded that the one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work when it doesn’t include families who are not in shelters. There is a whole homeless population overstaying their welcome with extended family members or in other situations. Up to 80% of homeless families don’t fall under HUD’s definition of homelessness!
When I asked about hopeful aspects of this struggle, Nilan told me about families who persevered against the forces keeping them down and have done the impossible by getting their children through not only high school, but college. Formerly homeless children have grown up to serve in professions, such as nurses, homeless liaisons, and even a doctor! Nilan said it is worth noting that these young people gravitate toward helping professions.
She is cautiously optimistic about the recently- passed American Rescue Act, which sets aside money for health care, housing, childcare, and nutrition for the most vulnerable.
I asked what Nilan believes to be the single best action individuals can take to help. She answered that we need to let our elected officials know that the current approach is not working in this country. She said there is a need for donating basic goods such as diapers and feminine hygiene products. These are things you may bring to the event. The items will be given to the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry.
Nilan will be presenting a short clip from her latest book, Dismazed and Driven. She will then speak bluntly about her experience with families across the country, answering questions, and offering information about the themes and conditions of homelessness that may surprise you. The event will last between 60 minutes and 90 minutes. Attendance at the event is free of charge.
If you want to learn more, go to Nilan’s website at hearus.us or her Facebook page under HEAR US: Voice & Visibility for Homeless Kids. Nilan is an accomplished author and filmmaker, whose work shines a much needed light on a problem that rips at the very fabric of our society, but with the right efforts and investments, could be alleviated. I hope you’ll attend Tuesday, Nov. 30 and hear her talk and see what you can do to help strengthen families and communities.