Smart Talk: Housing challenges for the homeless and those with low incomes

What to look for on Smart Talk Wednesday, October 1, 2014:

Years from now, historians will point to the Great Recession and 2008 as a time when the nation’s economy bottomed out. Millions of Americans suffered economically – losing jobs and sometimes their homes. Homelessness was an issue even in good times, but when the economy crashed, many more individuals and families found themselves on the streets or in shelters.

Most statistics indicate the nation’s economy is growing. Unemployment rates are down and more jobs are being filled.

While the number of homeless people has decreased, it has been a slow improvement.

There are about 15,000 homeless people in Pennsylvania.

Poverty also continues to be a problem. A recent report found that Pennsylvania had a 13.7% poverty rate in 2013 — the same as the year before.

The Brethren Housing Association is a faith-based organization that works with the homeless and those with low incomes on housing and others issues.

Appearing on Wednesday’s Smart Talk are Steve Schwartz, Executive Director of Brethren Housing Association, Crystal Baxter, Program Director of Brethren Housing Association, and Bethe Suarez, a participant in the organization’s Transitions Program for homeless single mothers and their children.