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Homelessness, Hunger Span Generations: CSU Study Finds Disturbing Number Of Its Students Are Homeless While Volunteers Work To Help Seniors Facing Hunger And Lack Of Affordable Housing

by Joe Segura
Special to LBREPORT.com


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(March 13, 2017, 8:05 p.m.) -- They're invisible. Like others scrambling across the rambling Long Beach State campus or through the halls of academia, they blend in, but a recent study indicates a disturbing number of CSU students go to class hungry and face homelessness.

According to the first of a two-phase study (titled "Serving Displaced and Food Insecure Students in the CSU (California State University" and visible at this link) its student population's homeless rate is about 8.7%, although throughout the state's 11-canpus system one campus has a 12% homeless population.

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Homeless students, the study noted, reported high levels of stress and homeless problems are evident thoughout the state's 11-campus system.

Dr. Rashida Crutchfield, assistant professor in the School of Social Work at CSULB, is now conducting the second phase of the study, which involves student focus groups among at least 10 CSU campuses. The results of Phase 2 will be out in early 2018, according to CSULB spokeswoman Susan Mills, who said Dr. Crutchfield will travel to other campuses to continue review and will work with focus groups.

The study, to be submitted to the State Chancellor's Office when finished, estimates that 21% fall into "food insecure" category.

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At the same time, a growing number of Long Beach seniors are confronting a lack of affordable housing, leaving some in their grandchildren's generation vulnerable to homelessness and hunger

Advocacy groups for seniors report a growing number of problems, including hunger, among the elderly with no set solutions. Groups including the Gray Panthers say they have problems giving details of the hunger sitiuation among the elderly, many whom are also facing homelessness.

Meals on Wheels (MOW) is agressive, providing a hefty menu to seniors, disabled or shut-ins. MOWLB began in 1971 at the First Congregational Church at Third and Chestnut in 1971, but now operates out of St. Mark's Methodist at Third and Termino. It serves an average of 300 to 370 homebound people every weekday in the greater Long Beach are, including Signal Hill and Leisure World in Seal Beach.

Many MOWLB volunteers are college students from CSU, LBCC, CSU Dominguez Hills and according to MOWLB Executive Director Bill Cruikshank. Its volunteers deliver meals that reflect the person's dietary needs and also monitor the person's other needs, including possible medical issues.

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The epidemic of homeless issues has officials scrambling for solutions and seeking resources. Last week's (Mar. 7) special Countywide election for Measure H is one of a number of efforts now underway in Southern California, including Long Beach, and throughout the state.

County Measure H (a quarter cent sales tax for items including mental health, substance abuse, rental subsidies and affordable housing for homeless persons) required 2/3 voter approval and in a recent update had received roughly 67.62% (up from roughly 67.44% on election night) with a number of vote by mail and provisional ballots remaining to be counted

The measure was endorsed by Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia and the City Council (who noted it wouldn't increase the sales tax rate in Long Beach for six years which is currently at the state's maximum rate due to LB's Measure A sales tax increase.) In Long Beach, County Measure H drew about 60% voter support overall, with less than majority support in parts of ELB but more than majority support in most of LB and into 2/3 support levels and beyond in areas west of Redondo Ave. and Central LB (LBREPORT.com coverage here.)

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Long Beach Second district Councilwoman Jeannine Pearce said in an email statement that Measure H will generate $355 million annually for the next 10 years "to fund wraparound services and prevention strategies that will help get people off the streets and keep them off the streets" and will move an estimated 45,000 homeless families and individuals into permanent housing during the first five years. Councilwoman Pearce said the measure will also help prevent another 30,000 families and individuals from becoming homeless.

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