Homelessness is a complex challenge that communities across the nation face. One key debate is about the type of shelters provided to homeless individuals: high-barrier shelters versus low-barrier shelters. Each model has unique features, benefits, and challenges that affect how well it serves people in need.
High-barrier shelters
High-barrier shelters have strict entry rules. These may include being sober, passing background checks, or joining specific programs. The goal is to create a safe and controlled environment.
Supporters of high-barrier shelters say they help keep the place safe and orderly. By ensuring everyone meets certain standards, these shelters can reduce conflicts and protect people from harm. A study by the National Alliance to End Homelessness (2023) found that high-barrier shelters have fewer incidents of violence compared to low-barrier shelters. Also, these shelters encourage people to stay sober and participate in rehabilitation programs.
However, high-barrier shelters can be hard to access. Many homeless people can’t meet these requirements, leaving them without safe shelter options. According to the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (2023), nearly 40% of homeless people don’t qualify for high-barrier shelters. This can force them to stay on the streets or in unsafe conditions.
Benefits of high-barrier shelters
High-barrier shelters offer several benefits:
1. Enhanced safety: By requiring sobriety and background checks, these shelters can create a safer environment for all residents.
2. Structured environment: The strict rules help maintain order and reduce conflicts within the shelter.
3. Encouragement of responsibility: Clients are motivated to adhere to sobriety and participate in rehabilitation programs, which can aid in their recovery.
Low-barrier shelters
Low-barrier shelters allow people to enter with minimal requirements. They don’t need to be sober or have identification. This model focuses on inclusivity and harm reduction, recognizing that homeless people have complex needs.
Supporters of low-barrier shelters highlight their accessibility. A study by UCLA (2023) found that low-barrier shelters significantly reduce the number of unsheltered people and help connect them to necessary services. By removing entry barriers, these shelters provide a haven for those who might otherwise be left without options. The focus on harm reduction allows clients to engage in services on their terms, building trust and potentially leading to long-term support and recovery.
Benefits of low-barrier shelters using a Housing First approach
The Housing First approach, often used in low-barrier shelters, prioritizes providing permanent housing without preconditions like sobriety or treatment participation. This approach has several benefits:
1. Increased housing stability: Housing First programs significantly increase long-term housing stability, especially for chronically homeless people (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2023).
2. Improved quality of life: Providing immediate access to housing helps stabilize living situations, leading to better health and quality of life (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2023).
3. Cost cavings: Housing First programs reduce costs associated with emergency services and hospital stays by providing stable housing (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2023).
4. Inclusive support: This approach allows people with complex needs to access housing and support services without barriers, fostering a more inclusive environment (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2023).
However, low-barrier shelters also face challenges. The lack of strict rules can lead to conflicts among residents. A report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition (2023) found that low-barrier shelters can have higher rates of substance use and disputes, which can strain resources and create management difficulties.
Owensboro homelessness is rural homelessness/not metropolitan homelessness
Homelessness in Owensboro has finally received the attention it deserves. During my 13 years working with homeless people, I can truly say they have been unseen for years. COVID changed how everyone thinks and operates, drawing a lot of attention to homelessness. Through outreach and the many facilities between St. Benedict and Daniel Pitino Shelter, we have been able to get a good understanding of homelessness.
In my experience, homelessness is on the rise, but turnover rates are high too. This means that as beds open, they are quickly filled. A person checking in fills the bed of someone who has successfully left, whether through permanent housing, in-patient treatment, jail, a friend’s house, or a transitional home. In my opinion, we are not in a homelessness epidemic, and we don’t have more than the usual 10-15 people on the streets. The perception is that we have many homeless people, but collectively, local shelters house around 400 people.
Consider this: do you see more homeless people because the number has grown or because shelters have raised awareness? Overnight shelters close during the day, and those in 24-hour shelters still need to go out for food, work, or groceries. I’m not saying we don’t have a growing issue, but high turnover rates, community awareness, and the need for shelter residents to leave for daily tasks make it seem like there are more homeless people. If we saw as many people on the streets at night as we do during the day, then I could argue that homelessness is an epidemic in Owensboro. Regardless, these people are now being seen, but they have always been there, and as a community, we are keeping up with adequate shelter space. We just need more housing to free up bed spacing but you will always have people who would rather live outside than be under the care of an agency.
The Way Forward
The debate between high-barrier and low-barrier shelters shows the need for a balanced approach to homelessness. Many experts suggest a mixed model that includes elements of both strategies to better meet the diverse needs of homeless people.
For instance, at the Daniel Pitino and St. Benedict’s shelters, we have worked hard to have very low barriers. However, we are now shifting to a hybrid model of low and high barriers to improve our service delivery and achieve measurable outcomes. By combining these approaches, communities can offer a range of services that ensure immediate safety while encouraging recovery and stability.
Houston provides a successful example of this approach. By adopting a Housing First strategy, Houston has reduced homelessness by 63% since 2011. This model prioritizes providing permanent housing quickly and offers supportive services to help individuals stay housed long-term (Houston’s housing-first model is reducing homelessness, 2022). This success shows that low barriers and Housing First approaches can significantly reduce homelessness.
Collaboration among service providers, local government agencies, and the community is crucial for effective solutions. For example, Portland, Oregon, has successfully integrated high- and low-barrier options, resulting in a 25% decrease in unsheltered homelessness over two years.
As the discussion about homeless services continues, it’s clear that a one-size-fits-all model won’t work. Tailoring responses to fit each community’s unique circumstances can lead to more effective interventions, ultimately reducing homelessness and improving the quality of life for all affected individuals.
Respectfully,
Harry E. Pedigo, MSSW, MHFAI, CENM
Executive Director
St. Benedict and Daniel Pitino Shelters
References
- National Alliance to End Homelessness. (2023). State of Homelessness: 2023 Edition. Retrieved from https://endhomelessness.org/
- U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. (2023). Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2023. Retrieved from https://www.usich.gov/
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). (2023). Study on Low Barrier Shelters. Retrieved from https://ucla.edu/
- National Low Income Housing Coalition. (2023). The Gap: A Shortage of Affordable Homes. Retrieved from https://nlihc.org/
- Houston’s housing-first model is reducing homelessness. Here’s how it works and the obstacles it faces. (2022). Retrieved from smartcitiesdive.com.
