Homelessness in Virginia

Affluent Fairfax Shows Another Face: Poverty

Fairfax County, one of the nation's wealthiest areas, is seeing a sharp increase in the number of people seeking emergency shelter this winter, government officials say. (Read More.)

James J. Brigl, chief executive officer of FACETS (Fairfax Area Christian Emergency and Transitional Services), was online Friday, Feb. 3, at 2:30 p.m. ET to field questions and comments about the homeless population in Fairfax County, Va., and the work of FACETS.

Before Brigl became CEO of FACETS in January, 2006, he served on the Board of Directors and joined FACETS staff as a deputy director for Operations in the early 1990s. Brigl has more than 20 years of experience working with mental health, substance abuse and housing issues -- in both direct service and policy development capacities.

The transcript follows.

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James J. Brigl: Hello everyone and thank you for joining me in this important discussion about the needs and services to citizens who are experiencing homelessness. FACETS is passionately committed to the needs of these, our neighbors. In addition to serving them, we listen to them and they have taught us much about their dreams, talents, the obstacles that hold them back, and their successes. I hope to be able to share some of that with you during this time.

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Washington, D.C.: Of the homeless people that you work with, how many would you say have a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder? Do you think that institutionalization is more appropriate for these people who cannot care for themselves without regular medical treatment?

James J. Brigl: Thanks for the question. I believe a third to half of single adults in homeless shelters experience serious symptoms of mental illness. This is compounded by the fact that many of these also suffer from compulsive alcohol and drug use, oftentimes to "treat" their symptoms.

I feel passionately that institutionalization is NOT the answer, particularly for those, as you say, "cannot care for themselves without regular medical treatment." The answer is to invest significantly in that regular medical treatment.

When de-institutionalization was in its heyday in the 70s, the promised resources needed in the community did not follow. There are still insufficient resources available and, witness the recent federal cutbacks, those resources in some quarters are actually shrinking.

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Vienna, Va.: I'm glad to see that Fairfax faith communities are stepping up to serve the homeless by providing overnight shelters, but I'm worried about federal budget cuts this week that will limit local funding for healthcare and housing, thereby exacerbating homeless problems in every community next year. What are the long term strategies to address the housing problems of homeless single people in Fairfax County? What are the roles for the government and for average citizens?

James J. Brigl: I'm thrilled that the faith communities are stepping to the plate and even more thrilled to be working with them! As you no doubt know, the problems associated with the homelessness crisis are many and complex. I am convinced that the only way to address them is in a partnership with the citizens in the locality, faith communities and other groups, and local, state and federal government.

We are blessed in Fairfax County to have such partnerships established and to have a local government that is involved in all levels addressing this issue.

Even though, however, that we are fortunate to have the relationships we do, we need to further strengthen that partnership and expand upon it.

I was disheartened to learn of the very recent federal cutbacks. And this was not the first. Services for the neediest among us often seem first on the chopping block. But we can all help with this. Federal officials listen to the voters and they will hear us if we talk...but we have to talk...as individuals and members of various communities.

The long term strategy has to include dealing on all levels with the question, "after shelter, what?" As important as sheltering is, it is not a long term answer. Faith partnerships, volunteer groups, non profits, local and state government and the business community must, we we will be successful, address long term, affordable housing for single individuals and the support services that are necessary to help them live as independently as possible. Transitional housing, which FACETS and others sponsor, is a good step. So is Single Room Occupancy.

The Fairfax Council on Homelessness, in which FACETS participates eagerly, is a great vehicle for helping all of us effect this change....

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James J. Brigl: wow, lots of questions. This is great, thank you. I will try not to be so wordy so I can get to them all.

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Dayton, Ohio: Do you think that homeless shelters actually help the homeless problem or just act as a temporary 'fix'? I'm not saying there isn't a need for these facilities, and I think it is wonderful that churches are opening up their building and resources. However it seems that the majority of these people might be better served if there were counseling services as well. I can't help but think that in the case of Andre Evans a mediator between him and his family would greatly help his situation. Thanks.

James J. Brigl: Thanks for the question. I think "all of the above" is the answer. Homeless shelters help people meet the most basic of needs: food, shelter, safety. This is the most elemental of FACETS' goals. However, it gives us a great opportunity to begin to develop trusting relationships with the guests in order to offer additional support. We eagerly take advantage of this opportunity. And we see positive effects. Various folks hook up with various types of counseling...jobs counseling, personal counseling, drug, alcohol and mental health treatment. I want to say it is all about building relationships...

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Bethesda, Md.: I was involved in homelessness issues in the 1980s when CCNV was active and Mitch Snyder was alive. Volunteering, fundraising, promotion, etc. There is a group staying at a hotel in southern Rockville, Md., who I knew when I worked next door in '96. When I saw them this summer I screamed at them and drove away. It made me feel awful. How do you cope with the long-term homeless? The person with out-of-state plates asking for gas money with a phony story doesn't bother me half as much because they're moving on. The stasis of 10 years of begging boggles my mind.

James J. Brigl: You got involved about the same time I did. Mitch and others were strong and vocal advocates that brought much attention to the issue.

My hunch is that, sometimes, the only people who are annoyed more by panhandlers are the panhandlers themselves. The behaviors of some individuals with long term homelessness are certainly not pleasant and sometimes down right tough to deal with. It helps me to ask myself the question "why" would someone behave like that? I don't think it is a behavior that someone wakes up one day and decides to do just for the heck of it. Long term homeless sucks the lifeblood out of good people, it robs them of hope and enshrines cynicism... on all fronts.

It is important for me to remember that things can (and do) change with perseverance, knowledge and respect.

Thanks for the question

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McLean, Va.: The fact that church people ejected homeless men because they had consumed alcohol is inconsistent with the Christian ethic taught at my own church. Not Christ-like!

James J. Brigl: I am glad you brought this up. I agree, actually, with much of your statement. I'm not sure the Post article was able to adequately describe the actual situation.

The faith partners focus heavily on providing a safe environment for the other guests and for themselves. They don't limit their acceptance of guests to the sober ones. The venue itself is, however, alcohol free.

The primary concern is not that no one smells of alcohol. It is one of behaviors. Safety of all there, including the guests, is of paramount concern. If alcohol, or other factors, cause someone to be aggressive, alternative arrangements are offered -- but not the street.

This was the situation mentioned in the article. However, the article seemed to indicate that they were all given sleeping bags and left on their own. This was, unfortunately, inaccurate. 10 individuals that night were offered other shelter. Five accepted an offer to go to detox. Several found family members and friends. To my knowledge, only one chose to go to his "campsight" instead. Even then, the churches and FACETS made sure that they have extra warm sleeping bags, food, water, contact information and additional clothing.

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Arlington, Va.: What do you think accounts for the increase in homelessness in the county?

James J. Brigl: It is not entirely clear how big an increase there has actually been in the County, however, the number of people taking advantage of the hospitality of the faith partners is about twice what was expected.

It is important to recall that many folks are just a paycheck or two away from dire straights. Savings in this country declined for the first time in decades recently. Many live from paycheck to paycheck. Some are homeless because of domestic issues.

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Fairfax, Va.: How can we, as a society, take steps to address the problems of homelessness? It seems that people just don't want to put an effort into helping the homeless and would rather forget that homelessness exists, especially in a wealthy area as Fairfax.

James J. Brigl: Homelessness is often thought of as inconsistent with wealthy areas. Actually, in some ways it contributes to the issue. The real issue is affordable housing. Like in other areas, the value of property in Fairfax has soared in recent years. While that is great news for property owners, it is bad news for those of lesser means. The fact is, there is simply an incredible lack of housing in this county.

How do you motivate? By spreading the word and by pitching in and by not being shy about asking others to pitch in. Faith partners are a big part of the answer. A part of most faith traditions is "prophecy." Prophets speak the truth and call folks to be their best. And after they do this, they do it again. And then again.

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Washington, D.C.: I feel so guilty not giving homeless people money, but I'd rather see them go to a shelter instead. I'd rather done my money to a shelter where I know it's being used properly instead of encouraging the lifestyle. Why have I seen the same homeless people in the same spots for 2-3 years ... I don't understand how they can survive on change. How are they doing it?

James J. Brigl: I think you have great judgment about contributing your money. We who try to offer the best to those that are homeless are largely dependent upon your generosity.

I think the reason you see people in the same place for 2 or 3 years is, that for them, it "works." It is a subsistence that gets them by. Some of them are not interested in working with shelters and programs because they are challenged to look at their issues. there are rules. there are expectations. As long as they can seek out a 'living' on their terms, they won't have to participate in these things. Keep in mind, too, that many of them simply don't believe that their lives will be any different....it may work for others, but "not me."

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Alexandria, Va.: Thank you for doing this chat. I am on the board of ALIVE!, an organization in Alexandria, Va., dedicated to helping low-income residents in our community. Obviously, homelessness is of great concern to us. Have you heard about the debate regarding Safe Haven? Many people are calling it a homeless shelter when, in fact, it's a place for people with mental illness to live. Many people seem concerned that these mentally ill patients will be a danger to community. Isn't it better to provide a stable, supervised environment where they can receive proper treatment rather than to leave mentally ill patients with no place to live? If you are familiar with this issue, do you think this is a NIMBY issue or are people unaware of issues surrounding mentally ill and homelessness?

James J. Brigl: Great talking with you! Yes,I am very aware of the issue. I've talked with various folks from the Community Services Board about it. I've had the experience of working for an organization that sponsors Safe Havens. It is a terrific program.

Neighbors sometimes get afraid when they learn that mentally ill and drug users are going to be living with them. What they forget is that they ALREADY ARE. How much better to provide stable shelter and opportunities for growth and support then to leave them wandering. So I think it is both a NIMBY and an issue of not being aware of what the program is.

People will grab just about anything in response to their fears and beliefs. In this case, I think it is the Safe Haven being located in a historical district.

Congratulations on the work you do and only the very best!

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Alexandria, Va.: I've read that many of the homeless work, but are just unable to afford housing in this expensive area. Is that the case with many of the people you work with?

James J. Brigl: Many of the folks we work with have jobs. This is true with some participating in the hypothermia shelters and even more so in other shelters. It just costs too much! Many are also temporarily unemployed ... between jobs.

Some very successful and productive folks suddenly find themselves without support. Others are not receiving treatment for their mental illness. Often overlooked, in all this, is the need for diagnosis and treatment of physical illness, as well.

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Washington, D.C.: Every time I pass a homeless person on the street I feel guilty and sad if I don't give him or her even a little money. I give when I can, but can't always -- and sometimes I'm afraid to. In these situations, do you think it's beneficial for a passerby to give money if possible, or is there a better way to help? Perhaps it completely depends on the situation, but I'm curious as to your thoughts. Thanks so much.

James J. Brigl: This is always a tough choice. As much as I believe that giving money is not the way to go, I occasionally find myself doing exactly that, then kicking myself. You might have picked up in one of my other responses that I believe, unfortunately, that giving money often just helps someone barely get by...just enough to not ask for help with any of the organizations, like FACETS, that are passionate to offer help.

What I have done that I have felt good about sometimes, is buying a sandwich and giving it to them, or offering contact info for an agency that can help.

BTW .. FACETS phone number is 703.352.5090. We serve folks in Fairfax County. Feel free to give it to them.

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re: increase: If there is indeed an increase, what are the chances that the lack of low-income/affordable housing is a problem?

James J. Brigl: I would say that the lack of low income housing is one of the two big reason that may support an increase. The other is the precious lack of treatment resources for those with mental illness/substance use disorders. And, again, at least on the federal level, that is going DOWN, not up. If there is not treatment available for folks, they will be symptomatic. how can someone plagued by hearing voices be expected to maintain an income, much less housing?

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Anonymous: Do you know the national statistics in terms of growth in the homeless population? In other words, is homelessness on the rise nationally?

James J. Brigl: Good question. I wish I felt more confident in the answer. The long and short of it is, it depends who you talk to. There are many reports on this, often conflicting. part of the problem is that the homeless populations is very mobile and extremely difficult to find. I don't know many census takers that look under bridges or walk into the woods (although some do, really).

Truth be told, it is hard for me to concentrate on if it is rising or not when I go to a church, as I did the other night, and find 81 people who are homeless sleeping on the floor in sleeping bags. Whether it is rising, staying the same, or shrinking, there are simply too many. One homeless is too many.

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Fairfax, Va.: I read an article recently about people paying homeless men to do some yard work, was card, distribute advertisements, and in one case to dress like a clown and attend a birthday party. I think it's great to help these people like this, but it is hard to know where to find the good ones. Any comments?

James J. Brigl: We always know good, reliable people who are willing to work. Call us. 703.352.5090

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Alexandria, Va.: When housing takes most of your paycheck, gas is up, food costs are up, people living paycheck to paycheck start losing ground. Perhaps it may mean for others folks taking lunch to work, not buying coffee at the corner store, not renewing magazine subscriptions, cutting back the cable a bit .... However, when your back is already against the wall, it is easy to lose your way. You lose your job, your home, etc., and then can't find a job because you don't have a phone number for anyone to call.

James J. Brigl: Bingo! I could not have possibly said it better. The ones that know this in their hearts are the ones that truly can help a homeless person. thank you so much for sharing this.

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Virginia: Is there something wrong with being homeless?

James J. Brigl: Is there something wrong with being homeless?

Well, if you talk to the great people I have been able to talk with, they would tell you, "you bet!" There is little good about it except, perhaps, that sometimes you meet really good people living in shelters with you and doing the best they can to help you.

On the justice level, there is something else about it. It seems incredibly wrong to me that an affluent society with no natural or other calamity tolerates people being homeless! How can we let it go by with doing SOMETHING? There is no reason for it. Why is it that, time after time, the first money to be cut from the budget in DC is that going to those that need it the most? Why is there no hesitation to fund national emergencies but to ignore this national emergency? I don't get it. This is what partnerships need to address. This is the place for advocacy in this story.

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Virginia: Do the clothes dropped in clothing bins on the street - marked for donations - end up in the hands of those that need them generally? How do you find the success of this system?

James J. Brigl: I generally take my donations to thrift stores, but sometimes use these. My impression is that they are used by charities well. Often, for both these and at thrift stores, the clothing is laundered and, if not given to people that need them, sold to others and the profits go to service programs. I think they are worth supporting by and large.

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James J. Brigl: Thank you to everyone that has participated in this chat. I hope it was helpful. It certainly was for me. Please feel free to contact us at any time. We welcome your ideas, your hands and your hearts. Can't do it without people like you.

Take the best of care.

Jim Brigl

www.FacetsCares.org

703.352.5090

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