A Maine Family’s Struggle for Affordable Housing
Across the state of Maine, the issue of homelessness has reached a critical point, with homeless shelters overflowing and leaving many individuals and families with nowhere to go.
The Garcia Family’s Struggles
Jeremy and Jenn Garcia, a family with two boys, faced tough times when Jeremy underwent knee surgery. The medical procedure left Jeremy unable to work, leading to unpaid bills and eventually homelessness.
Temporary Solutions
In their search for temporary housing, the Garcias initially resorted to staying at campgrounds. However, the high costs of $1200 or more per week made this solution unsustainable.
The HipCamp App
Amidst their struggle, the Garcia family discovered the HipCamp app, which originally served as a platform for finding unique outdoor adventures. However, it had evolved into a resource for those without permanent homes. Through the app, the Garcias were able to find a backyard where they could pitch their tent for just $25 a night.
Community Reactions
Unfortunately, the Garcias were not the only ones seeking shelter through the app. Soon, the backyard was filled with four large tents, causing concern among some of the neighbors. One neighbor expressed surprise at seeing a homeless family with two children living in a tent next door.
Shutting Down the Backyard Campsite
Due to negative reactions from the community, the homeowner who had allowed the backyard campsite decided to shut it down. However, the Garcia family was offered the option to rent a bedroom in the house where they had set up their camp.
Uncertain Future
Grateful for the opportunity, the Garcias have been living in the rented bedroom for the last six weeks. However, their newfound stability is once again under threat as they have been informed that they need to vacate the premises soon. If they are unable to find another solution within nine days, they will be forced to sleep in their vehicle until hotel rates become more affordable.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Eradicating poverty and achieving zero hunger
- Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages
- Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education
- Promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth
- Building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization
- Reducing inequality within and among countries
- Making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable
- Ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns
- Taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
- Protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems
Conclusion
The Garcia family now finds itself back at a crossroads, unsure of where to turn next. Their story highlights the urgent need for affordable housing solutions and the importance of addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to create a more inclusive and sustainable society.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
-
SDG 1: No Poverty
- Target 1.1: By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere.
- Indicator 1.1.1: Proportion of population below the international poverty line, by sex, age, employment status, and geographical location (urban/rural).
-
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
- Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing.
The article highlights the issues of homelessness and the struggle to find affordable housing. These issues are connected to SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
Under SDG 1, the specific target identified is Target 1.1, which aims to eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere by 2030. The article mentions a family facing tough times due to medical expenses and unemployment, leading them to live in their van and seek temporary housing options.
Under SDG 11, the specific target identified is Target 11.1, which aims to ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums by 2030. The article mentions the family using an app called HipCamp to find affordable temporary housing options, such as renting a backyard for $25 a night.
The article does not explicitly mention any indicators related to the identified targets. However, the indicators mentioned in the article can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. For example, Indicator 1.1.1 can measure the proportion of the population below the international poverty line, and Indicator 11.1.1 can measure the proportion of the urban population living in slums or inadequate housing.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 1: No Poverty | Target 1.1: By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere. | Indicator 1.1.1: Proportion of population below the international poverty line, by sex, age, employment status, and geographical location (urban/rural). |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums. | Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: newscentermaine.com
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