Simply banning the unhoused is a lazy policy

Eleven years ago while in British Columbia during our honeymoon, we were informed by local residents that other Canadian cities would buy a bus or train ticket for their unhoused residents and send them to the province (principally to either Vancouver and Victoria) to get rid of the problem. Instead of addressing it locally, individual governments took the lazy approach and sent their problem elsewhere.

The same is true here in the United States. Instead of addressing the issue of providing housing and shelter options for the unhoused, numerous cities and towns across the country have simply banned encampments, especially following a favorable Supreme Court decision.

But, exactly how does banning the unhoused in encampments address the problem? Where are they supposed to go, especially if shelters or alternative housing are unavailable or limited. Such black and white decision-making just shifts the burden elsewhere and fails to address the underlying causes. Nor does a ban make homelessness go away.

Nobody is saying encampments are a good thing…though they do provide a certain sense of common purpose and unified safety for the residents. But, instead of playing musical chairs with unhoused humans, communities, states, provinces, and national governments need to be prioritizing comprehensive solutions. Until our economy becomes more just and equitable, until housing opportunities expand and become more affordable, and until empathy replaces apathy (or anger), unhoused populations will continue to suffer.

Despite the problems, promising efforts are taking place. In some cities like Albuquerque, free hotel/motel vouchers are provided to the unhoused. Albuquerque also has a “Wellness Hotel Program” for unhoused families and those with underlying illnesses.

Here’s how hotel vouchers can save the homeless in Albuquerque:

Immediate Shelter
Hotel vouchers allow homeless people to get shelter immediately and safely, thus saving them from the risks of living on the streets.
Temporary Relief
These vouchers provide temporary homes, giving the affected individuals some time to look for more permanent homes without the feeling of being homeless.
Protection During Extreme Conditions
In extreme weather conditions like hot or cold weather, hotel vouchers guarantee that vulnerable persons have a place to sleep and avoid health complications.
Support for Families
Most voucher programs target families to provide children and parents with a safe environment, which is very important for their development.
Connection to Resources
When people are in a hotel, they are more likely to access social services and support systems that assist them in moving out of homelessness.
Dignity and Safety
Shelter gives people a temporary home and a sense of security which is vital for the psychological well-being of the individuals.

SOURCE: hotelinfopedia.com/hotel-vouchers-for-homeless-in-albuquerque/

In other cities such as Madison, Los Angeles, Austin, and Portland, Oregon; tiny house communities have been created for the unhoused. Other programs for serving and helping the unhoused are taking place elsewhere.

But, despite best efforts to address the varied issues facing the unhoused, tragedies can still occur. A recent example from New Mexico took place in January when two individuals were found frozen to death in a tent at the bottom of an arroyo behind a Denny’s restaurant in suburban Albuquerque.

This heartbreaking tragedy is a reminder every human life is precious, whether rich or poor, young or old, and regardless of gender identity. Sadly, how we treat the our marginalized citizens is too often neglected in the political and legal fray surrounding the unhoused. The general lack of empathy evident in our modern society is a damning indictment on our communal mores.

Peace!