Throughout my career, I have encountered many individuals experiencing homelessness who chose to sleep outside rather than stay in shelters. At first, this decision perplexed me — why opt for the harsh conditions of the outdoors when shelters like St. Benedict’s and Daniel Pitino Shelter offer safety and resources?
Initially, the explanations I received seemed like excuses: shelters make them nervous, they have too many people, too many rules. However, as I delved deeper into the subject, my perspective shifted. I began to understand that these reasons were not mere excuses, but manifestations of deeper issues.
For many individuals, past traumas and PTSD play a significant role in their choice. Shelters can evoke memories of traumatic experiences, leading to heightened anxiety and discomfort. Negative childhood experiences, including abuse and neglect, often contribute to a mistrust of institutional settings. For these individuals, the familiarity of the streets feels safer than the unpredictability of a shelter. Mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and paranoia can make the environment of a shelter overwhelming. The close quarters, noise, and lack of privacy can exacerbate these conditions. Shelters often have strict rules and schedules, which can feel restrictive. For those who have lived independently on the streets, this loss of autonomy can be unbearable.
Many people find a sense of community and belonging in homeless encampments. These connections provide emotional support and a feeling of safety that they do not find in shelters. It’s essential to respect the choices of those who prefer to stay outside. Their decisions are often based on legitimate concerns and personal experiences. Instead of trying to force them into shelters, we should focus on providing support that acknowledges their autonomy and addresses their unique needs.
Shelters like St. Benedict’s and Daniel Pitino Shelter are actively working to lower barriers and create a more trusting and supportive environment for those experiencing homelessness. They are committed to fostering an internal culture that is more sensitive to trauma and more accommodating to individual needs. Trauma-informed care is a priority, with shelters providing training for their staff to create a more empathetic and supportive environment.
Implementing more flexible rules and schedules helps accommodate the diverse needs of shelter residents. Increasing access to mental health services, including counseling and psychiatric care, addresses the specific needs of individuals experiencing homelessness. Creating smaller, more intimate shelter environments offers a sense of privacy and security. Developing outreach programs builds trust and rapport with individuals living outside, offering them resources and support without pressure to enter a shelter. Encouraging peer support programs where individuals with lived experience of homelessness can offer guidance and support to those currently experiencing it is also crucial.
However, homeless encampments do present safety concerns. Exposure to violence is a significant risk, as these encampments can sometimes be hotspots for violent incidents, including physical altercations and theft. The lack of a secure environment increases the risk of harm. Living outside exposes individuals to harsh weather conditions, which can lead to health problems such as hypothermia, heatstroke, and respiratory issues. Limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities also increases the risk of infectious diseases.
Substance abuse is another concern, with some encampments having higher rates of substance abuse, leading to unsafe behaviors and environments. The presence of drugs and alcohol can exacerbate mental health issues and increase the risk of overdose. Those staying in encampments often have limited access to healthcare, mental health services, and other critical support systems, resulting in untreated medical conditions and a lack of resources to address their needs.
Encampments may face legal challenges, including evictions and raids by law enforcement, which can result in the loss of personal belongings, displacement, and increased stress and trauma. Fire hazards are also prevalent, as encampments often rely on makeshift heating and cooking methods, posing a significant fire risk.
To address these safety concerns and provide support, outreach programs that build trust and rapport with individuals in encampments can provide them with the necessary resources and support. Implementing harm reduction strategies, such as providing clean needles, overdose prevention kits, and safe spaces for substance use, can help mitigate some of the risks associated with substance abuse.
Providing access to clean water, portable toilets, and mobile healthcare services can improve the health and hygiene of those in encampments. Encouraging community policing efforts that build trust and cooperation rather than punitive measures can help improve safety without causing additional trauma or displacement.
Peer support programs where individuals with lived experience of homelessness offer guidance and support can create a sense of community and safety within encampments. Ensuring that individuals in encampments have access to emergency services, including fire safety equipment and first aid kits, can help mitigate some of the immediate risks.
Shelters must continue reaching out to those who choose to stay outside. By maintaining and strengthening these outreach efforts, shelters can build trust and provide resources to individuals in encampments, offering them the support they need without imposing pressure to enter a shelter. This ongoing connection helps bridge the gap between those experiencing homelessness and the services available to them, ensuring that their needs are met with compassion and respect.
By addressing these safety concerns and implementing supportive measures, we can work towards creating a safer and more compassionate environment for those who choose to stay in homeless encampments.
I will always continue to reach those who are living on the streets. Continued efforts demonstrate how important each person is. Lastly, I will say we have a lot of great people, agencies, and others who are also vowing to walk with those who are on the streets, and for that, I want to say “Thank You” for not giving up and for seeing them as our neighbors. It truly takes a village, and our community demonstrates that well.
Written by
Harry E. Pedigo, MSSW, MHFAI, CENM
Executive Director
St. Benedict and Daniel Pitino Shelters
