The lyrics to a popular song written and sung by John Lennon from the Beatles reads as follows:
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed and hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world
You may say that I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will live as one
The idea of a homeless complex continues to stir discussion and debate. Oftentimes arguments are framed in an adversarial manner between early intervention advocates and those wanting to address primarily the needs of chronic homeless.
The truth is we need a balanced approach, a continuum of care, and must embrace both directions if we want to experience success in this arena. It is no secret that I am one of the strong supporters of the proposed homeless complex. Walk with me as I share with you the variables exercising influence on my decision:
The homeless population is not going to disappear. The Community Kitchen will continue to operate regardless of the complex. The question then becomes how best to address the needs of the homeless given this reality?
Shelter space is limited and caters primarily to males and 1st shift work assignments. Shelters open at 6 p.m. and close at 6 a.m. During daytime hours there is need to wander and roam to pass time, find food, and seek relief from adverse weather conditions. Homeless people who find work 2nd or 3rd shift have no choice but to sleep outdoors in some form or fashion. A part of the proposal would enable short-term emergency shelter for this population so as to enable immediate transition to more permanent housing.
Veterans comprise approximately 25% of the homeless population. We owe them a special debt of gratitude for their individual sacrifices and service. Admittedly there are veteran’s services available within the state however services are more likely than not met with delay. The complex would allow direct contact and services thereby avoiding movement into the chronic homeless population. During a recent visit to Nashville to attend and participate in a Crime Summit I had an opportunity to talk with Jerry Hill, Administrative Assistant of the Tennessee Department of Veteran’s Affairs. The point to be made is that there is an open door to talk and work toward better solutions.
The number of families going through the social service network increased this past year by 33%. Do we want to break up family units so they can have shelter or do we offer some shelter specifically designed for family combinations? Children travel in company and the majority of children fall under nine years of age. The total number of homeless families is fast approaching the 400 mark. Shelter is but one dimension to the puzzle. A network of social service systems will need to intersect and address healthcare, employment, education, housing, and other items of concern. A one-stop shop approach makes much more sense than the current model characterized by fragmentation.
On different occasions when I have visited the Community Kitchen it is not uncommon to have several males jump into the back of my pick-up truck in hopes of temporary labor for the day. When announcement is made that my truck is not heading toward a construction site there is silent painful retreat. Another conversation during the Crime Summit involved Bob Henningsen, Deputy Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The question is whether we can train and coordinate labor efforts for benefit to both employee and employer? Some type of temporary labor office would seemingly be part of the complex.
One item brought to public attention at one of the recent symposiums involves difficulty among the homeless in obtaining ID cards and consequential problems in cashing government checks (Social Security, veteran’s benefits, etc.). Third parties profit cashing their checks which only further victimizes the homeless in terms of upward mobility. Some type of ID system and check cashing service must be a central ingredient in the complex if the cycle of homelessness is to be broken.
A day center is one of the urgent needs. This would provide space for meeting, socialization, and program development. Comments and criticism run rampant in terms of the signs of vagrancy in surrounding residential neighborhoods, commercial interests, and personal encounters. Choices need to be made available if we wish to compete with the streets.
Healthcare services are existent at the Community Kitchen site with focus on primary care. Wanted is medical attention and monitoring of medications as prescribed for this special population. Horror stories abound in terms of what happens on weekends when most agencies and case workers are closed for business or if the medication(s) simply are not taken? Some type of 24 hour pharmacy arrangement with the complex along with a monitoring capacity is essential for both short and long-term clientele.
Appearance counts. We tell our young to dress for success but fail to apply the same principles across the board. Needed is a hair salon to improve grooming habits and shower facilities to improve personal hygiene. If referrals are going to be made for interview and employment then efforts must be made to improve their self-presentation.
Public restrooms remain in short supply. The complex would be another location in the downtown area that would offer this feature.
Crime and public safety concerns have been raised as fear factors should the homeless complex be realized. My assessment is quite to the contrary. The homeless are more often victims of crime and public safety can be addressed both through the use of technology and available resources at the local, state, and federal levels. The location of the complex lends itself to support by the MLK Weed & Seed program.
This project is ideal for Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) application. We know the purpose and configurations of the space. The missing ingredient involves design of the physical space and necessity that it supports functions. We are fortunate to have the talent of local architects working on design issues in and around the proposed complex.
Last, but not least, there is search for a similar service model to replicate. I am not sure such a combination exists and am persuaded that we may need to create and invent the model that best suites our needs. What is unique about the Chattanooga story is the outreach to faith-based organizations for partnership. There are over 300 churches in the metropolitan area and building this network of support has the potential and horsepower to take us beyond the horizons of goals and expectations. I, for one, welcome the opportunity to break the current mold of business as usual and am more than willing to work with others toward creating a new model with the faith community. I challenge the faith community to accept the homeless complex as their local urban ministry.
In summary, we can do better to address homelessness in our city. It must be a spectrum approach. Efforts must be coordinated. Opportunity stands before us to make a difference.
Dr. Roger D. Thompson
UTC Criminal Justice Department
Chattanooga
Roger-Thompson@utc.edu
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It is nice to read a well thought out and responsible opinion piece on the issue of the proposed homeless complex. Roger Thompson has obviously studied this issue and thought through the consequences of the mayor's proposal. He brings up several important issues and answers a number of criticism as well as offering some good ideas for consideration.
The issue of homelessness is one that is misunderstood by many citizens who have been fortunate enough to never face this issue. Some see this as an issue of their personal responsibility and worthiness. However, in most cases, they have been born into a family that had the resources to assist them in life. God provided their intelligence and good health and their families provided for their education. They also had the advantage of good training at home, which instilled the traits they claim as their personal goodness.
Many of the homeless have medical conditions or disabilities that are hereditary or not something they can avoid. Others grew up in highly dysfunctional homes and do not understand how to successfully cope with life. Some were unfortunate in being laid off by changes in our economy, and they were unable to effectively cope, because of lack of family support, low wages and thus an inability to save, or a secondary impact such as illness, etc.
Yes, some of them have stolen, but wouldn't you if you had nothing to eat? They may litter or cause property damage when they make their sleeping site, but they don't have a trash can and can't see flowers or shrubs in the dark. Yes, it is irritating, but rather than play "we" versus "them," the positive way to cope is to try to understand and empathize. In a town, known for its many churches and Christian ministries, isn't that the way we are called to relate. After all, the man in the ditch was one of "them" to the Samaritan who showed he knew his neighbor.
Roger A. Meyer, PhD
consultroger@hotmail.com