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Homelessness Up Among Women and Children
11/19/08 - 09:01 AM
Panama City Rescue Mission
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click for larger image Panama City, Fla:

Rescue Mission Survey is Released: Economic Impact Reflected in Homeless Demographics

Panama City, FL, November 18, 2008—High Prices and job losses are leading some Panama City residents into homelessness, according to a survey conducted last month by the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions (AGRM).  Hardest hit are single women with children, who made up 66 percent of the homeless counted in the survey, a jump from 55 percent in 2007. Locally, women with children accounted for 67 percent of the families served at Panama City Rescue Mission (up from 33 percent in 2007). Panama City Rescue Mission is a participant in the survey as a member of the AGRM.

“These are tough times, and people who often feel the pinch of the economy first are those in single parent homes,” said Rev. Billy Fox, mission executive director. “Panama City Rescue Mission is here to catch people when they fall.  We’re thankful for the faithful donors in Bay County who make it possible for us to care for our neighbors in need.”

The 20th annual snapshot survey of the Homeless, completed at 137 rescue mission across North America, recorded more women than ever before, 26 percent of those responding, as compared to 24 percent in 2007. In Panama City, that number actually fell from 31 percent in 2007 to 28 percent in 2008, still higher than the national average.

“What I find the most disturbing is the number of homeless veterans we counted this year compared to the national average. The national average showed 18 percent of the male homeless population as being veterans, while locally that number is 34 percent (up from 23 percent in 2007).” Rev. Fox continued, “Our community needs and we are considering more services for these men who gave so much to our country and our freedoms.”

Overall, the mission has seen a dramatic increase I need in the community. Oftentimes, requests come from people who are on the verge of being homeless. Many come to the mission for meals or assistance with monthly bills. 

“Fuel prices, food costs, increases in utilities and monthly rent, they can just add up,” said Fox. “The Mission is serving more than 550 meals a day, when last year that number was just 350. We’re finding clients who have been laid off from jobs and even day labor jobs are harder to find than a year ago. If the Mission can step in and help folks get through the month, we’ve just prevented them from becoming homeless.”

The annual survey provides basic demographic data. This year, the largest increase has been in Native Americans at 4 percent (up from 0 percent in 2007), and Hispanics at 3 percent of the population (up from 1 percent in 2007).

Those 46 to 65 years of age made up the largest segment of the sample (40 percent), followed by people age 36 to 45 years (35 percent), 26 to 35 years (23 percent), and 18 to 25 years (2 percent).

Panama City Rescue Mission provides short-term emergency shelter, hot meals, food boxes, clothing and household items to those in financial need.  It also houses men and women in a transitional housing program for working homeless and enrolls those suffering from addictions in a long-term recovery program, providing spiritual guidance and job training.

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