When guests check-in at Project Homeless Connect they are asked, "Where did you stay last night?"  This year 69 guests out of the 321 in attendance reported they stayed with family or friends.   This is a growing phenomenon often referred to as "doubling up."  Doubling up can be a great situation, an awful situation, and everything in between.   

Reading about doubling up, I came across an article quoting a man who loves having his grandchildren live with him, even though it completely changed his daily routine.  In another article a woman refers to living with her sibling as a "bad holiday dinner that just won't end." 

I am reflecting on this topic for two reasons.  First, the PHC numbers illustrate how many Clark County families are responding to the challenging economic reality.  I wonder what the implications of this will be for our community?  

Second, my sister-in-law, who has been unemployed for almost two years, is coming to live with my husband, me, our two kids, and our dog.  For our family, this is a situation where we are happy to help, have the resources to do it, and know how to navigate big changes.  This is not to say that we won't have ups and downs.  But we have resources and a network of support, which can make or break the experience.  

Not everyone has resources and support.  I encourage you to be aware of those you know who are helping (or receiving help from) friends or family with housing.  Educate yourself with these resources and share them with anyone you know who might find them useful. 

Clark County Resource Guide    

Together Again - Multigenerational and Living Under One Roof 

House Rules - Tips for Families 

Economy Bytes: Doubled Up in the United States 

Foreclosure Crisis Forces Families to "Double Up"  

I hope you have a great rest of the week - snow or no snow!

Charlene