Of course, we can do better, but sometimes I wonder—can we do worse?
There was a problem-solving exercise—I was in the Army ROTC. I was one of a handful of temporary leaders who solved the task at hand—not because I was brilliant enough to evaluate our assets, assess the problem, define the goal, and execute a plan—it was because I was the only one smart enough to ask my subordinates if they had any ideas.
Homelessness is only becoming more and more relevant as the years press on, despite billions of dollars spent and countless programs’ efforts. What kills me is that the solutions, in this particular societal dilemma, so often make things worse.
It seems every article on the subject, comparing this county or this time period or this program to that, is inspired by the increase in homelessness, drug use, misery, or death.
Portland, Oregon is a shining example of how to waste money and make a problem worse. Great googly moogly! $1.3 billion in five years, and the homeless population has increased, along with quadrupling the homeless death rate, including a suicide rate 18 times the average in the area. How did they manage to pull this off? 19,000 “sweeps” and an average of 20 camp-dismantlings per day in one year.
Here’s the problem that most “problem-solvers” don’t seem to realize: kicking people when they’re down is not a good motivator to get up. Forcing them out of what little stability they’re able to create—bad idea. Forcing addicts to undergo detoxification when there is nothing waiting for them on the other side—bad idea. Imprisoning them and expecting them to find sobriety inside or employment outside afterward—bad idea. Ushering addicts into housing where drugs aren’t allowed, but not offering treatment and rehab—bad idea. Lumping everyone who falls into the category of “homeless” into any one-size-fits-all program—bad idea.
In short, anything less than enough isn’t enough. Where have we heard that before? Oh yeah! Right here. There are far too many “ideas” out there that make things worse—it’s like offering to put someone in the cockpit of an airplane, but only teaching them how to raise the landing gear. You know what? Sometimes it’s worse than that. Sometimes we’re forcing them into the cockpit, faced with the alternative of jail time, and still only teaching them how to raise the landing gear.
How can any reasonable person expect someone who hasn’t worked in five or ten years to just “get a job?” It’s hard enough to find employment these days, even with a clear, concise, and consistent resume. Imagine the thrill of meeting with a potential employer when you don’t even have an address, a vehicle, a change of clothes, or the luxury of bathing. Now, let’s add an arrest record for vagrancy, a homeless shelter as a mailing address, a lottery system to determine whether or not you have a roof over your head tonight, and the fear that everything you own might be stolen or thrown away while you’re in your interview.
This problem is far, far, far more complex than just being without a home, without food, mentally ill, afraid to go home, unqualified for assistance, disabled, addicted, or uneducated; and it certainly isn’t just a matter of trash on the sidewalks creating an eyesore. We need to look beyond solving the individual problems and start focusing on all of the dynamic avenues necessary for people to address their own problems, with our help.
What’s right?
Why do some Housing First initiatives have better success rates than others? Simply, some people just need a place to live while they sort out their temporary issues. I’ve met a few. In fact, these are the target demographic of the End of the Tunnel project. If a particular community is more likely to be home to such temporary, more manageable homeless individuals and families, then a Housing First program will be successful. Communities are different. People are different. That’s kind of the point—each situation needs to be assessed and addressed as required.
For insight into a city that’s had some impressive success on the front, look to San Diego.
1. Expanding Shelter Capacity:
The city funds a significant number of traditional shelter beds across numerous programs.
This program provides tents and cots, meals, transportation, and navigation services at designated sites.
This program offers designated parking areas for individuals living in their vehicles, along with supportive services.
The city is actively working on adding more shelter beds for women, families, and seniors.
2. Housing and Supportive Services:
This program provides short- and medium-term rental assistance and support services to help people quickly exit homelessness.
This involves providing long-term housing and intensive support services to individuals with significant needs.
This program provides rental assistance for individuals transitioning out of permanent supportive housing.
Housing Instability Prevention Program (HIPP):
This program helps families with low income who are at risk of homelessness by providing rent and utility assistance.
Offers various programs including emergency shelters, transitional housing, and job training.
Family Health Centers of San Diego:
Provides healthcare services and support for individuals experiencing homelessness.
3. Prevention and Collaboration:
The County of San Diego’s Office of Homeless Solutions leads regional efforts to prevent, reduce, and eliminate homelessness through evidence-based approaches.
The city collaborates with various organizations, including non-profits, healthcare providers, and other agencies, to address homelessness.
The 2-1-1 San Diego helpline provides information and referral services for a wide range of needs, including housing and shelter.
Homelessness Response Center (HRC):
The City of San Diego’s HRC provides a central location for individuals experiencing homelessness to access services and resources.
4. Addressing the Root Causes:
Many programs focus on providing mental health support and treatment to address underlying issues contributing to homelessness.
Efforts are made to connect individuals with substance abuse treatment programs.
The city and its partners offer job training and employment assistance to help people find and maintain stable jobs.
If cities want to make headway on their homeless situations, they need to start looking inward to identify their needs, and outward for solutions. The “problem-solvers” need to get smart and look for ideas to implement that have worked, rather than being the leaders who repeat the same mistakes others have made for years.