Houseless folks make people anxious, which explains how housed people often react.
They made me anxious, too, when someone camped on my sidewalk for the first time.
My anxiousness embarrassed me, so I became curious where it came from.
I dont have all the answers, but I have developed personal policies that help guide my actions now.
They are imperfect, and always evolving, but heres what Ive learned along the way.
Your things are all you have left in the world and are necessary to survive.
The challenges against you are often unthinkably hard even if you have the emotional bandwidth to get started.
They have relationships with the people around them, they form communities, neighborhoods, just like you do.
As proof, what is the difference betweenVanLifeand houselessness except some interior design and a TikTok account?
There are so many barriers when an individual is houseless and wants to get out of it.
Not having a state ID is a huge barrier.
You save so much time only going to the store once a week.
The exercises of survival are so time-consuming; houseless people wait six hours for a shower.
Theres constant effort trying to survive.
She stressed how overlooked it is that many houseless people are actually employed.
Theyre struggling to get transportation to their jobs, to get clothing for work.
The police cant solve the problem; they dont have the tools.
Avalos points out, If theyre just existing and not bothering anyone, you shouldnt be calling anyone.
Second, theydo not solve the problem.
Police will simply sweep the people on your block.
Frequently, they toss out many of their belongings, or makefalse promises about holding the belongings in storage.
Each time that happens, its adding another layer of trauma to someone who has likely already experiencedunimaginable challenges.
The criminalization of homelessness has been an enduring problem, Sand says.
As an example, last year,half of all arrests in Portland, Ore. were of unhoused persons.
In 2019, Street Roots commissioned astudy of unhoused people in Oregon, conducted by houseless people.
Sand recounted two stories.
When were deescalating, its one-on-one; no one feels trapped.
I start by introducing myself.
I stand as far back from someones tent as I would from their front door on a porch.
This is their space.
I do not want to appear threatening or scared.
Introducing yourself is a sign of respect.
I live around the corner; I just wanted to introduce myself.
Treat them as you would a neighbor.
When someone is in crisis, you dont want to block or surround them.
Its terrifying for people when we feel trapped.
Treat yourself like an open door, so someone can leave.
Show your hands, pivot your body, avoid putting your hands in your pocket.
The other thing thats really helpful is to take breaths.
Were such social creatures that we mirror each other.
Again, I tried to dig intowhyI was scared.
Are these experiences really more dangerous than approaching anyone on the street or on their porch?
In my experience, theyre not.
I personally feel comfortable approaching most any individual, Hermanson relayed.
In our neighborhood, weve just gone over to someones tent and introduced ourselves.
The only signs that would make her think twice echoed how youd treat your housed neighbors.
If someone is clearly having a mental health crisis, thats a situation Im going to avoid.
If an individual says no to support, you dont want to push.
It really isnt different.
After working with mutual aid groups, I now specifically mention a few things.
Hey, can I charge your phone or charger for you?
Can I do some laundry for you?
How are you for socks, underwear, and shirts right now?
Would it help if I had some for you?
The answer is often yes.
Lets say you found someone tomorrow who is open to assistance: What would you connect them to?
Most cities have shelters, but that doesnt mean they have beds available, or are accessible to everyone.
Theyre overcrowded, loud, and often unsafe.
Theres a reason manypeople choose not to use them, particularly if they have sensory issues or past trauma.
What exists beyond that?
Prioritize: Find the places that offer immediate types of help.
A place to sleep, food to eat, and medical services.
Find your closest free clinic, your closest food pantry, and your closest shelter.
Sand suggests Googling continuum of care, city name.Dont Call the Policehas a great list of services by city.
Dont just offer these resources to the person youre talking to, offer to help make the calls.
When houseless people ask who she is with, she replies, Were just your friends and neighbors.
Talk to your neighbors.
If you trust your neighbors, you’re able to let them know about the person.
Hes about 50, loves to talk, and could use some socks.)
Lets see if we can find a solution for everyone first.
Keep a resource sheet of the alternative services offered so you have it when you need it.
Hey, would you be OK if we talked a little about what resources there are?
Id like to help you, if youd like.
If they are open to it, ask what theyve tried before.
Dont discount their experiences; they arent yours.
Ask if they think it might be helpful if you tried to call or help with applications.
Never assume; always ask permission.
Next, there are non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and nonprofit organizations, which are privately run.
You dont challenge why someone needs it or if thats really what they need.
Someone is hungry, and you give them a meal.
They need a hotel room for the night, and you help pay for it.
These three arms sometimesmalign each otherfor a variety of legitimate reasons.
But really, these three kinds of help work best in concert.
But mutual aid is unlikely to find long-term housing or offer advocacy services from someone who knows the system.
It can be sitting and having a conversation with someone and learning their life story.
