FAQ

How many people are homeless in the City of Tulare?

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There are 992 people experiencing homelessness in Tulare county. 203 are in the City of Tulare.

Source: Kings Tulare Homeless Alliance 2020 Point in Time Report

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Who are the people experiencing homelessness in Tulare County?

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• 60% are Men
• 40% are Women
• 12% with Children
• 88% without Children
• 47 people are Veterans
• 427 people have a disability
• 53 are unaccompanied Youth

Source: Kings Tulare Homeless Alliance 2020 Point in Time Report

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Why does a person become homeless?

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People become homeless for a variety of reasons:

• Poverty
• Lack of affordable housing
• Physical/mental illness or disability
• Substance abuse
• Job loss or decline in income
• Domestic violence and abuse
• Unemployment
• Prison release
• Downturn in the economy
• Changes and cuts in public assistance programs
• Family deterioration/abandonment
• Years of institutional living (mental health, drug treatment, prison, foster care, etc.)

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Do the men and women who stay at The Lighthouse have to work?

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Yes, they can stay with us for 5 nights without any expectation of work, after that they are given opportunities to work in order to stay longer at one of the following locations:

• Women – Thrift Processing
• Men – Drop-offs/Pick-ups, Housing Repairs, Alley Cleaning, Downtown Pressure Washing Crew, Rock Crusher

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What can I donate?

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Cleaning supplies, food, laundry detergent, toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, feminine hygiene items, adult diapers, soap.

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Where do I drop off the items?

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Our thrift store, Lighthouse Thrift (formerly known as Colette’s Closet), which is located at 411 E. King Street. (Please indicate if the items you are dropping off are for the Lighthouse shelter.)

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