Homeless In Stanislaus County

It’s a beautiful day in Modesto Ca where men and woman with no home wander the streets.

In Stanislaus County alone we have 2900 people that are homeless.

A large percentage of our homeless population is medically, mentally or developmentally disabled, or lacking the skills to earn a working wage. Given today's high costs of living, especially housing, no wonder they are homeless. So many people hold section 8 vouchers with no homes available for move in.

The housing market in Stanislaus County is very unreliable there are lots of people waiting to find homes lots of people living in their cars. The cost to move into a home is outrageous you have to make three times the rent plus you have to have a deposit and the first month’s rent and excellent credit.

Prices for rent have skyrocketed in Stanislaus County the average price for a two bedroom home is $1800. These people have nowhere to go but to roam the streets sleep on sidewalks sleep in parks.

"He drank all my beers and fell asleep here" Stated one of the men who's picture was taken and did not wish to disclose his name.

There are hardly any resources for the homeless community. There's one homeless shelter in Modesto and it's always filled up, they house 220 people a night. They're required to line up around 5:00 o'clock in the evening to secure their bed they are also fed three meals a day. They also have a transitional program there for people who get jobs and stay there regularly. For the women and children, they have a separate program it's connected to a church and it's also a transitional where they help you get a job, they help you find a place to live.

A lot of our homeless community choose to continue living the way they live instead of getting help from the little bit of resources we do have in Stanislaus County. The homeless problem in our county can be resolved if we find more resources to help people. These people deserve the chance at a regular life if they are willing to make the necessary changes to be productive members of society.