Imagine  a mother with a baby sleeping on the sidewalk as the hustle and bustle of the day passes them by. Imagine a father panhandling while his daughter sleeps under a tree in burning heat. Now let’s put these scenarios in a state. California perhaps? Or maybe even Georgia? What if I told you that that has become the reality for thousands of people living in Phoenix, Arizona? Within the past two years, the number of people experiencing homelessness in Phoenix has increased from 2,380 to 3,096. With this surge in the homeless population, resources have been stretched thin and metro Phoenix cannot accommodate the homeless population by giving them a warm bed to sleep in at night. As the numbers rise, so has the number of people who pass by and do nothing about this issue. Lacking  stable housing or shelter can result in safety and health issues for the homeless population. As  members of society, it is important to realize that we are ethically obligated to hold our representatives accountable for providing the basic human right such as shelter to these shunned individuals. Developing  new emergency shelters and implementing housing bills can benefit the homeless population living in Phoenix.

     With  the loss of a home due to unemployment, addiction, or even abuse, emergency shelters provide a safe haven for the homeless. NAEH  (2018) states that the homeless population benefit from emergency shelters because shelters provide a safe and clean place to those experiencing a housing crisis. In 2022, 500 homeless people died with roughly 50 of those deaths caused by homicides (Lakhani, 2022). For those 50 homeless people, we can ask ourselves the question “would they still be here if they hadn’t been on the streets and exposed to violence?” Housing resources provide a safe environment where the homeless population will not have to be in fear of their life. With a clean environment, the risk of infectious and chronic illnesses will decrease among the homeless population which ultimately results in better health and life expectancy for them. Increasing the number of emergency shelters as the demands increase results in a stabilizing environment for people experiencing a housing crisis (CASS, n.d.)

    When we all experience any setback, disappointment, or crisis we all hope thave people in our corner who can support us through difficult times. Emergency shelters provide this support and community for homeless people experiencing a crisis. Minghella  (n.d.) explains that it is easy to feel isolated when we experience a crisis such as loss of a home or shelter. Many people feel afraid or worry about how they will be able to rebuild their life. In a housing crisis, emergency shelters provide support and a sense of stability when needed most. With the basic need of shelter being met, people experiencing a housing crisis can feel supported and encouraged by staff and other people in the same situation. This is evident in support groups, workshops,  or activities that shelters may have that create a sense of bonding and community. With this community and support, we will see improvement in overall mental health in the lives of these individuals.  Having  one less thing to worry about can help the homeless population to get back on their feet and to rebuild their lives in a successful way (Minghella, n.d.). 

    Rebuilding  lives is not an easy thing to do, even when you have support. Resources play a big role in being able to rebuild a life whilst experiencing homelessness. Minghella (n.d.) explains that emergency shelters provide numerous resources and services that allow homeless people to apply for medical or financial benefits through the government. Staff at homeless shelters can help the homeless population fill out important forms or provide these individuals with information about several benefit programs they might qualify for. Without homeless shelters, the homeless population may not have access to computers or wifi which would allow them to apply for benefits. Additionally, some individuals may not read very well or may have disabilities that prevent them from completing these forms. Emergency  shelters, therefore, play a crucial role in getting homeless people access to a wide array of services that can provide money, grants, and access to basic necessities (Minghella,n.d.)

So, what can we do?

    Helping  to fight homelessness relies on a partnership of not just state officials but also the community in providing outreach and support to these individuals struggling to acquire basic needs such as shelter. When we can work together to put a name to a face, we not only value their story or who they are but that will allow us to care enough to implement change so they too can have a place to sleep peacefully. So let us not pass a blind eye the next time we see a family sleeping on the streets. Let’s unite as a community, whether that be through volunteering or advocacy, to ensure safety and security for the most vulnerable.

Sources

CASS. (n.d.). Homelessness has reached crisis level in Arziona. https://www.cassaz.org/how-we-help/ 

Lahkani , N. (2022, July 21). As many as 500 homeless people died in Phoenix area in first half of 2022. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/jul/21/homeless-deaths-phoenix-arizona-maricopa-county

Minghella, E. (n.d.). Top ways homeless shelters help those in need… .Interfaith Sanctuary. https://interfaithsanctuary.org/uncategorized/top-ways-homeless-shelters-help-those-in-need/

NAEH. (2018,  August 21). Would Adding More Emergency Shelter Help Reduce Unsheltered Homelessness? It’s Complicated… .National Alliance to End Homelessness. https://endhomelessness.org/blog/adding-emergency-shelter-help-reduce-unsheltered-homelessness-complicated/