Questions to be addressed:

1) What kinds of problems are experienced by language minority populations when they try to obtain emergency housing, homeless prevention or transitional housing programs? Do these populations know where to go for help?

2) Regarding your agency's experience about the demand for emergency housing, prevention assistance, and transitional housing; how many adults and families with children have you assisted in the last year that needed emergency housing?

To summarize this need:

Language minority population residents in Fairfax County experience unique problems when they try to obtain emergency housing. There is a need for homeless prevention and, transitional housing programs that help them to attain economic self-sufficiency and permanent housing solutions. In addition, the homeless language minority population has critical trauma and mental health issues. Many of their problems began before their arrival. Culturally based expectations of this population are extensive. At the shelter level they have the expectations that a house or a residence will be provided. Some of the population members feel that they are being excluded from some housing services.

They are overwhelmed by lack of resources and skills in the American job market. Most cannot pay phone bills, electricity or other bills, etc. Another overwhelming challenge is family reunification and immigration and naturalization. Most of these families arrive to the US leaving behind their loved ones. Some arrive without their children, spouses and elderly parents. Most strive for years before they can be reunited with their children and spouses. The concept or meaning of family for most means parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, etc.

"Persons served in the County-funded homeless programs are having difficulty moving out of these programs into independent living. Community non-profits have had difficulties renting housing for formerly homeless persons graduating from transitional housing because landlords may not accept payments from non-profit organizations. This, in turn, backs-up and stresses the system because any eligible families in County shelters are delayed in moving into transitional housing. Other eligible families who receive vouchers cannot find apartment complexes that will honor them and are turning them back in when they expire to the Department of Housing and Community Development". Source: Fairfax County Human Rights Commission, Fair Housing Task Force.

Since 1998, KHRW has provided transitional housing to homeless families and through Fairfax County Continuum of Care Transitional Housing and Support Services for Homeless Families program. In FY 2000 this program served 20 families. Number of children in families in the beginning of the year was 73, and at the end of the year were 72 children. 44 Adults in the beginning of the year, and 39 adults at the end. The cost of housing has increased dramatically to an extent that families that previously could afford renting an apartment are no longer able to do so. They are becoming homeless or living in overcrowded apartments with relatives. These relatives are also at risk of being evicted by their landlords because of occupancy limits.

Students enrolled in ESL classes in Fairfax County - 14, 941

Language Minorities enrolled in Fairfax County (Kindergarten - Grade 12) – 58,891 (approximately 40 different language and dialects, total list of languages in Fairfax County can be provided on request).

Compare to the total number:

Total of all students enrolled in Fairfax County – 157,927. Source: 33% are language minority Fairfax County Student Services, Central Registration.

Recommendations:

• Translation services and a wide range of other culturally appropriate services provided by a CBO are incorporating it into the continuum of care process. At the very least have translation services at the disposal of all service providers.
• Health services and mental health services available in culturally appropriate settings.
• Preventive Health, health case management and affordable health care.
• Referral and collaborative approach between the different service providers, in order for newcomers to know where services are available and easy access. The creation of a referral system that is easily accessible by newcomer families and service providers.
• Provide adequate information provided to newcomers about the limit of services available to avoid confusion and to address their high expectations.
• Provide extensive life skills and education.
• Adequate English as Second Language services
• Career development and job creation and placement.
• Information about laws and regulations in the US.
• Adequate orientation and cross-cultural training for families and case workers, social workers, and other service providers, etc
• Affordable legal advice, family reunification, immigration and citizenship services.