The numbers are rising, and more people are facing homelessness. Thousands of adults and children are out sleeping on the dangerous streets. These people are risking their lives every day just to survive. This is a serious problem as it raises danger and illness in our communities. Homelessness can be seen everywhere. For example, people with nowhere to go sometimes put up a tent or create one under bridges or resort to other spots such as sidewalks, train tracks, and local parks.
Since 2017, numbers began to increase even more. Then came 2020 and the pandemic hit. This year the numbers skyrocketed. In addition, as the number of vulnerable people out on the streets grew, drugs spread wildly and things worsened. Big cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York faced the harsher effects of this. The chances of being assaulted or witnessing a crime became more likely.
Homeless Turning To Any Available Shelter
A devastating situation took place earlier this year, which is an example of the lack of help for unhoused people. For a while, the O’Hare Airport in Chicago was used for shelter by refugees and other unhoused people. As more people started taking shelter at the airport, it became a problem.
For this reason, workers stated they felt unsafe in this situation and wanted a solution. As a matter of fact, some workers called the police but officers claim they can’t do anything unless someone was touched. As a result of this, O’Hare Airport took matters into their own hands and they kicked people out onto the streets. This dilemma that took place in the airport is a reoccurring problem in many other areas.
Homelessness Difficulties In The Winter
In the winter, it becomes really difficult to live out on the streets. Although there are shelters made for those with nowhere to stay, the situation can be complicated. For example, in the winter, the shelters get filled up. Also, due to the little number of shelters available, there are often not enough beds, and many are rejected.
In addition, there are other complications. One reason is fear for one’s safety. Many people have had bad experiences in shelters and have been left traumatized. Another complication of resorting to shelters is the breaking up of families because of single-sex-only shelters. With the fear of their families separating, people turn down shelters. Also, those with pets are not allowed to bring in their animals. Therefore, they choose to stay out in the cold.
With the harsh weather and illness spreading during the winter, it becomes even more dangerous and scary. In fear of dying from the cold or facing danger on the streets, people resort to hard drugs and alcohol. As a result of this, the danger and drug problem in the communities worsen. It is children, families, and elders that are out there suffering every day and resorting to any means necessary to stay safe and survive.
Deteriorating Communities
The community of Kensington, Philadelphia, is one of the top worst places facing the homelessness crisis. Additionally, Kensington is also one of the largest open-air drug markets.
That area is also referred to as “Zombie Land.” The name was given because all the people were in a zombie-like state from the drugs they have taken.
Moreover, the streets of this community are filthy and hazardous. It is unfortunate how normalized it is to see needles on the sidewalks, people unconscious or even dead.
Additionally, members of this community feel unsafe and hopeless. Although there are resources, people are so easy to give up and let these humans rot away.
Pushing to resolve homelessness
There must be more attention brought to this crisis. Many other places in America are in grave danger of rising homelessness and drug-related issues. People need to think of the future of their children. There are kids out on the streets facing these dangers alone and it can’t go on like this.
Funding and planning need to begin immediately. Lastly, resolving this issue may decrease the number of other problems, like crime rates and unhealthy living conditions.
Written by Meredith Garcia
Sources:
Chicago Sun-Times: Homeless people locked out of O’Hare still have few options, months after crackdown: ‘Where am I supposed to go?’
CBC News Chicago: Homeless community growing at O’Hare International Airport, prompting concerns
Fox News: Philadelphia Neighborhood Troubled by Homeless Problem, Drug Users With Flesh Falling Off Bone
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Joe Green’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
First Inset Image Courtesy of Simon‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
