Posted by I’ve absorbed a great deal of knowledge about urban dynamics and how to maximize the potential for cities and communities to succeed. Admittedly, however, one of my blind spots has always been about our nations unhoused population and the intricacies that cause and perpetuate this extremely difficult circumstance.
Just prior to last Holiday Season in Rochester, Mayor Malik Evans ordered the sweep of a homeless encampment that had been in the city’s center for months. The sweep was an effort to move unhoused members of the encampment into Code Blue Shelters in preparation for several days of single-digit temperatures. Transportation to the shelters was offered for free, but many of the residents turned down this offer. Unfortunately these members of the encampment were displaced, as the camp existed on city property, and local advocates condemned the city’s actions.
This story shook me, or rather it challenged my ignorance of why anyone wouldn’t want to get out of the cold and sleep inside where it was safe and warm, and where food was provided. I realize and fully acknowledge how privileged this sounds, but I made it my New Years resolution to better understand the unhoused crisis in our country.
I bought and received several books in the hopes of becoming better educated with regard to this dynamic. I was gifted the book “When We Walk By,” written by authors Kevin F. Alder and Donald W. Burns. The book gave me a profound and comprehensive understanding of the unimaginable difficulty facing so many Americans, scores of whom used to live prosperous lives and simply fell upon hard times that could not be foreseen or avoided.
I learned that, more often than not, homeless shelters are difficult, scary and dangerous places. This is especially true for women and families, a dynamic that I did not fully appreciate until now. Because these facilities are so terribly underfunded, understaffed and thus unable to provide adequate resources for mental health, security and privacy concerns, a large percentage of the unhoused population considers it safer and more comfortable to live outdoors.
There is also the human desire for choice. Those who struggle should have options, choices and courses of life action that they can choose from. No individual, wealthy or poor, should feel that they have no say in the path of their existence. It is human nature, including our unhoused population, to want to choose where and how we spend our days, even given financial limitations.
While never unhoused, I grew up poor. I know that so many of the difficulties we had were due to the ever-present stress of how to make ends meet. Having lived with the constant stress of having just enough money for shelter and groceries, and NOT feeling that today, I can promise anyone that money DOES buy you happiness in the sense that having resources simply means that your brain is free from the constant weight of how to pay the rent, put gas in the car, and buy enough food. Having basic needs met means your mind is free to focus on other activities. I promise you, this is everything, and I am so incredibly grateful.
But for the unhoused, the thought of this PLUS the added pressure of literally not knowing where you can safely sleep on a freezing or sweltering night must be an exhausting cycle of unending stress.
When We Walk By is the most enlightening book I’ve read all year. It helped me better understand the unhoused experience and the countless and diverse series of circumstances that cause and affect these lives.
I apologize for my ignorance on this matter, and am glad to be a bit better informed. Writing this blog isn’t just about trumpeting my ideals. It’s also about the personal journey of understanding our society and how it works… or in this case, how society doesn’t work.
***I am an urbanist influencer and do not have a formal degree in urban planning. While I am deeply passionate about urban design, trends, issues and topics, I believe in this time of undisciplined media to be honest and transparent regarding my lack of any kind of formal journalism or urban planning education. I still believe in my ability to present my viewpoints on interesting topics, but I fully admit that I have not been trained in the higher-educational rigors of expertise on such perspectives. My goal is to challenge people to think differently, not to be the the cited source of unquestionable truth. This footer will now accompany every Urban Phoenix piece, and I am proud to offer this transparency in a time when opinion is often coveted over rigorously-tested fact.***