By Haley Crim
Changes in homelessness policy in cities such as San Diego can cause issues such as unsafe sleeping situations, increased presence of individuals with mental illness, and more. The main problems with homelessness often stem from other causes, but blanket bans on sleeping in public areas can exacerbate existing issues.
Whether taking a stroll through New York City or downtown San Diego, the homelessness crisis is all too apparent. When entire city blocks are taken over by drugs, trash, and crime, it can be difficult to discern the root cause of the struggle.
What Causes Homelessness?
Homelessness can occur as a result of many different situations. Some of the most common ways that individuals become homeless include:
- Drug addiction
- Untreated mental illness
- Job loss
- Abuse or domestic violence situations
- Health problems
What Is the Biggest Problem for Homeless People?
Homeless individuals experience daily traumas and stressful situations that can compound and make their situations worse. Here are some of the main obstacles that homeless people regularly face.
Unsafe Sleeping Sites
Many cities, such as San Diego, have designated areas for homeless people to sleep. While this may seem like a good idea to centralize resources, it can also be more unsafe. Drug addicts looking for their next fix may find it easier to steal from other site residents, and women might feel unsafe sleeping so close to people who could potentially cause them harm.
A homeless person may feel safer sleeping in a public area, where passersby can step in if they see a crime occurring. Some parks or local green areas can also offer comfort and seclusion.
Lack of Support Resources
While legislation to curb homelessness is a hot topic for politicians, the real work happens on the ground, mostly through volunteer and mutual aid organizations. Resources such as Mel Trotter Ministries focus on providing homeless individuals with various services, but volunteer work often isn’t enough.
Homeless people need consistent resources available before they can make permanent changes to their lifestyles. If a methadone clinic or rehab facility isn’t available within walking distance, for example, it may be easier to just remain addicted to drugs rather than get help and treatment.
Mental Illness
Mental illness is a common affliction amongst people living on the streets. Serious mental illness often leads to avoidance of medication, which makes symptoms worse and causes a downward spiral that can be hard to break free from.
Some of the most destructive mental illnesses that lead to homelessness include:
- Borderline personality disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders
When combined with drug addiction, individuals with these mental disorders often face a losing battle. Sometimes, their illness is so advanced that they aren’t even aware anything is wrong.
Difficulty Finding Employment
Although “Get a job” is a common refrain among people who aren’t homeless, they do not fully appreciate the advantages that come with being housed. Homeless people often do not have access to the resources required to get a job, such as:
- Uniforms
- Transportation
- Reliable contact information
- Showers or hygiene products
Due to mental illness, some homeless individuals never find gainful employment and have to rely on disability instead.
What State Is #1 in Homelessness?
It depends on the measurement method. In terms of total homeless population by numerical value, California leads the nation. However, when measured per capita, New York and Hawaii have the largest populations of individuals experiencing homelessness.
Do Street Sleeping Bans Help or Harm Homeless People?
Some people believe that street sleeping bans cause more harm than good to the homeless population. Others think that the bans will motivate unhoused individuals to get back on their feet and make other sleeping arrangements.
However, the idea that street sleeping bans will be a success hinges on a few factors, such as:
- Openings at local homeless shelters
- Availability of resources like drug rehabilitation
- Willingness of individuals to make drastic lifestyle changes
Frequently Asked Questions
What Items Do the Homeless Need Most?
When you think of helping a homeless individual, the first items that come to mind are most likely money and food. While food is always helpful, other essential items often aren’t thought of but can make a huge difference.
The next time you participate in homeless outreach, consider packing the following:
- Feminine hygiene products, such as pads or tampons
- Weather protection items, like umbrellas and extra layers of clothing
- Undergarments, such as socks and underwear
- New shoes that can withstand excessive wear and tear
- First aid kits to avoid long ER wait times or expensive hospital visits
- Travel-size hygiene items, like shampoo and deodorant
- Reusable water bottles to refill without having to purchase plastic, single-use alternatives
- Suitcases or duffel bags to easily transport their important belongings
How Much Does It Cost To House Homeless People?
Despite the popular option that it would be inherently expensive to provide housing for homeless individuals, it is actually much more affordable than you may believe. The costs associated with homelessness, such as police presence and staffing shelters, can add up quickly, and it’s often more expensive than simply providing affordable housing to those in need.
Why Don’t Homeless Individuals Take Advantage of Shelters?
The connection between homelessness and health also extends to mental health. Homeless shelters are often dangerous, and women or female-presenting individuals are at a much higher risk of experiencing sexual assault. Living in constant fear can cause worsening addiction or exacerbate existing mental health problems.
Since there are so many homeless people, there are often long waiting lists or stay limitations for shelters. Homeless individuals would often rather find somewhere more permanent on the streets than have to move in and out of shelters with stay limits.
Cities like San Diego have relatively warm weather throughout the year, with mild winters, so it is often easier for homeless individuals to stay outside rather than search for shelter indoors.
Problems With Homelessness: A Growing Issue Across America
While problems with homelessness are more prominent in large, urban areas, the issue persists nationwide. With work and support from government officials, residents, and volunteer organizations, it will be possible to lift more individuals out of homelessness in hotspots such as San Diego.
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