They're still going strong at the Poverello House, providing meals and daytime shelter... no questions asked.
While HUD reports a 6% decrease in nationwide homelessness, the folks at Poverello say it's going to take more than focus-specific goals from a government entity to address the issue.
Executive director Cruz Avila says, "You have the clients themselves that have been in that form or that mind frame for so long that sometimes it is hard for them to just step out of that and jump into that next stage."
The Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness has pushed the numbers down, focusing on veterans, families, and children.
California accounted for 136,000 of the nation's homeless population.
66%, or 91,000 of those, did not have shelter.
City manager Bruce Rudd says the numbers show Fresno needs to continue its efforts to end homelessness.
"This year, through Fresno First Steps Home, we've already housed well over 80 people. We're thinking by the end of this year, we'll have 100 people, and that's just since we started dealing with the encampment issue."
The Fresno-Madera area had the highest rate of unsheltered homeless.
3,131 were reported homeless here.
About 2500, or 81% of that, did not have shelter.
The Poverello House sees this up close...
While the services are there to get things turned around, it takes an effort all around.
"Ultimately, what it lies on is the client themselves. you can't force them to do something they don't want to do."
While HUD reports a 6% decrease in nationwide homelessness, the folks at Poverello say it's going to take more than focus-specific goals from a government entity to address the issue.
Executive director Cruz Avila says, "You have the clients themselves that have been in that form or that mind frame for so long that sometimes it is hard for them to just step out of that and jump into that next stage."
The Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness has pushed the numbers down, focusing on veterans, families, and children.
California accounted for 136,000 of the nation's homeless population.
66%, or 91,000 of those, did not have shelter.
City manager Bruce Rudd says the numbers show Fresno needs to continue its efforts to end homelessness.
"This year, through Fresno First Steps Home, we've already housed well over 80 people. We're thinking by the end of this year, we'll have 100 people, and that's just since we started dealing with the encampment issue."
The Fresno-Madera area had the highest rate of unsheltered homeless.
3,131 were reported homeless here.
About 2500, or 81% of that, did not have shelter.
The Poverello House sees this up close...
While the services are there to get things turned around, it takes an effort all around.
"Ultimately, what it lies on is the client themselves. you can't force them to do something they don't want to do."