Have you ever been homeless? Do you know anyone who has been?  You might be surprised to discover that you do. Homelessness is a multifaceted issue that affects millions of people around the world. It can take on many forms, such as:  ,,Chronic Homelessness ,,Transitional Homelessness ,,Hidden Homelessness  Despite its prevalence, homelessness is often accompanied by stigma and misconceptions that can further marginalize those experiencing it.  Together, we can change the stigma surrounding homelessness and build a more compassionate society. Understanding the Stigma: Th ..read more

In 2023, the Bautista Project Inc. joined forces with ,,,Forever Warriors for their annual Belonging Blanket Project. This partnership carried a sense of belonging to children living outside their natural homes and military children with deployed parents. The heart of the ,,,Belonging Blanket Project lies in the blankets and pillows lovingly crafted from authentic military uniforms sewn by community volunteers in Tampa, FL. For children living apart from their parents, these pieces are more than mere comfort items―they are tangible reminders of their own strength, offering a sense o ..read more

In cities worldwide, the issue of individuals experiencing housing insecurity remains a pressing concern. While the term "homelessness" has long been used to describe this situation, there has been a shift in language toward using "unhoused" to encapsulate the circumstances of these individuals better. Rephrasing the word homeless to unhoused emphasizes the lack of stable housing rather than defining someone by their situation. It's a subtle yet significant shift in perspective that acknowledges the ,,humanity and dignity of those experiencing housing instability. Cultivating empathy and ..read more

In Florida, the chronically unhoused population is the largest group of individuals experiencing homelessness. Most people faced with chronic homelessness have a physical or mental disability and are the most vulnerable individuals living on the streets. Did you know Florida has the third highest rate of individuals experiencing homelessness in America? As of 2020, there were 580,466 people experiencing homelessness in America; of that, 27,487 were from Florida (Florida Coalition to End Homelessness 2022). One of the leading factors to homelessness is unaffordable housing. In 1970, the US had ..read more

What is Hidden Homelessness? Hidden homelessness is defined by those who couch-surf with friends or family without immediate prospects for permanent housing. Most do not access homeless support services, so they are not included in national statistics. Key Takeaways Hidden homelessness is often unreported The hidden homeless live without certainty of permanent housing There are many causes of hidden homelessness Understanding Hidden Homelessness According to the ,United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USCH), “On a single night in 2020, roughly 580,000 people were experiencing hom ..read more

What is Transitional Homelessness? Transitional homelessness is a state of homelessness that is a result of a major life change or catastrophic event. There are many reasons a person may become transitionally homeless, including job loss, a medical condition/disability, divorce, domestic abuse, natural disaster, and more. Those who are experiencing transitionally homeless have been homeless for less than a year. Key Takeaways Transitional homelessness is the most common form of homelessness. Transitional homelessness lasts one year or less. Young people are most likely to experience transitio ..read more

What is the School to Prison Pipeline? The school to prison pipeline is the connection between the American education system, and the American prison system. Sometimes called the school-prison nexus, this increased connection between law enforcement and public schools funnels students into the juvenile justice system for school-based offenses. Key Takeaways The school to prison pipeline disproportionately impacts marginalized students. Increased Law enforcement presence and school disruption laws contribute to the school to prison pipeline. The school to prison pipeline is a one-way path. Un ..read more

What is Unsheltered? Unsheltered refers to individuals living on the streets or in places not intended for human habitation. Street homeless is a phrase that is also used when referring to the unsheltered. Individuals who are unsheltered live on porches, in tents, in abandoned buildings, in doorways and alleys downtown, in cars, or at bus stops. Key Takeaways Understanding the difference between sheltered and unsheltered individuals Why it’s important to differentiate types of homelessness Maintaining unsheltered homelessness is more expensive than providing shelter Understanding Unsheltered ..read more

Affordable housing is defined as housing in which the occupant is paying no more than 30 percent of gross income for housing costs, including utilities so that the household can reasonably live without poverty or financial stress. The term affordable can mean different things to different people – so what do we mean by affordable? Today's standard rule of thumb for finding an affordable home should be adjusted by factoring out property taxes from your total monthly costs when shopping for homes. Key Takeaways ● Affordable housing explained ● Laws behind affordable housing ● Affordability rates ..read more

Just as you show friends and neighbors in your life that you care, you can do the same for the homeless man or woman you see every day. You might not be able to provide them with permanent housing, health care, a job interview, or an emergency shelter. But... the best way to help is to provide for an immediate need. This frees him/her from worrying about where their next meal or clean shirt will come from and allows them to focus on the next most important thing in Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Some of the best things you can give to a homeless individual Here is a quick list of items you can ..read more