Volunteer Shelter Vendoring: A Housing Solution?

Abstract

The research will focus on the volunteer shelter vendoring policy in Michigan and its ability to aid the DSS clients in obtaining affordable housing. In order to gain an understanding of the magnitude of the problem of the availability of affordable housing, the study will examine the factors and policies contributing to the crisis in the housing market. Also, the variety of proposed and current programs will be discussed. Considering the number of conditions that affect the availability of affordable housing, can the volunteer shelter vendoring policy realistically be expected to accomplish the goal of obtaining affordable housing for DSS clients? Through a thorough examination of the volunteer shelter vendoring policy, the research will show that this is not a likely outcome. The problem for DSS clients of obtaining decent, affordable housing has been defined as an income problem. However, the larger picture suggests that the problem goes well beyond an income problem. The scope of the problem is intrinsically linked to a multitude of factors, requiring an integrated housing policy. As in the case of volunteer shelter vendoring, policy aimed at obtaining decent, affordable housing for the low income population needs to start with a comprehensive National housing policy. However, there are some changes that can and should be made at the State level. These recommendations are reiterated after the concluding remarks.