Journalist Brian Goldstone’s new book, There Is No Place For Us, addresses the challenges faced by the working poor, particularly those experiencing homelessness. Over six years, Goldstone explored why many full-time workers remain trapped in the cycle of low wages and homelessness. This article focuses on an excerpt highlighting the struggles of a woman named Celeste as she navigates the complexities of obtaining housing assistance in Atlanta.
Celeste’s Struggle for Housing Assistance
In the excerpt, Celeste arrives at Gateway at 6:00 a.m. and finds a long line of individuals waiting for homeless assessments. The process operates on a first-come, first-served basis, prompting many to arrive hours in advance. Despite her fear and discomfort about the crowd, Celeste perseveres, clutching essential documents for her assessment.
The Assessment Process
Celeste’s situation has deteriorated since she began cancer treatment six weeks ago. Faced with homelessness, she references a Homeless Resource List from a social worker for help. However, she discovers that receiving aid requires undergoing an in-person assessment at Gateway.
Once inside the facility, Celeste waits in a lobby filled with anxious individuals. She finally meets with a caseworker who conducts her assessment in a bare office. The caseworker asks a series of personal questions regarding Celeste’s housing history and health status. Each question seems disconnected from her urgent need for help.
The Impersonal Nature of Bureaucracy
Ultimately, Celeste learns that her “vulnerability score,” determined by the Vulnerability Index – Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (VI-SPDAT), is too low to qualify for housing assistance. The parameters set by HUD define homelessness narrowly, excluding many families, including Celeste and her children, who reside in temporary accommodations.
- 2019 Data: 35,538 homeless children enrolled in Georgia public schools, representing a 34% increase over the past decade.
- State’s Homeless Count: Georgia’s HUD-reported total homeless population was only 10,433.
This disparity highlights the challenges faced by families who do not meet the strict criteria for homelessness. Advocacy groups argue for a broader definition to encompass those living in temporary housing, which can adversely affect children’s educational and physical well-being.
Future Implications
Celeste’s inquiry about accessing a family shelter reveals a grim reality. Family shelters often do not accept older boys, forcing families to choose between separation or remaining homeless. The systemic issues exacerbating Celeste’s situation resonate with many across the country.
Goldstone’s There Is No Place For Us sheds light on the interconnected nature of work, poverty, and homelessness in America. His insights serve as a call to action for reform and understanding of these complex social dynamics.
