Where Should the Homeless Base Camp Go? Part II: How About to a BASE Camp in the Woods--Away from Existing Neighborhoods?

Some have suggested relocating the city's homeless encampment out into the woods, deep in the woods, away from established neighborhoods with the provision of services to be "brought-out" to the camp as necessary.  Interesting idea......

Ever since the issue of the relocation of homeless individuals to the county from the city erupted like Mount Vesuvius last Tuesday----many folks have expressed opposition.  Loudly.  Forcefully.

Not surprisingly--not ONE of the folks I have spoken with has expressed any hatred, disdain, or contempt for these homeless folks camped out in the city under the bridge.  To the contrary and to a person--I have heard just the opposite.  County constituents truly have compassion and sympathy for these homeless folks.  But the sympathy, compassion, and concern by citizens in my district for these folks who are down on their luck does not equate to support for relocation of such homeless folks to areas near their neighborhoods.  And I agree.  I share this sentiment.

Now, cynics will say---They're just a bunch of NIMBY's!   

Perhaps some might look it this issue that way--but I disagree.  Allow me provide the following distinction(s):

 

As a county commissioner, I have to make tough votes for projects that follow all laws, codes, and ordinances and that provide enhancements to communities (retail stores, apartments, houses).  Even when a person, company, or entity has followed all national, state, and local ordinances to lawfully construct a "(fill in the blank)"  There are still some nearby residents who not only disapprove--but who want to rip out my throat for having the audacity to APPROVE the "(Fill in the blank)"  Even when lawful--even if BENEFICIAL.  

On the flip side of this coin is a proposed homeless encampment of 100 or more persons,  sleeping in tents near a residential neighborhood, where apparently proponents of such a "facility" have publicly voiced a plan to establish such a camp regardless and in contravention to what any neighbor might say or think and who have simultaneously NOT yet followed any of the necessary state or local ordinances to establish such an encampment.

I'll leave it to the reader to work out who the NIMBY is and who the concerned residents are in the above two scenarios....

So what should be done about this situation, then? you might ask

Look--I'm not an expert on homelessness.  It's tough and complex.  I've made efforts to help folks from time to time via volunteering time and money and resources to help these folks.  But it's a big problem.

The homeless advocate will tell you it is good to locate these folks near neighborhoods so such neighbors will view the homeless as "humans."  Additionally, the advocates will say having them near established communities will allow them to walk or bike to get groceries and supplies from nearby retail shops and ready access to healhcare, public transportation, and wrap-around services.  Fair enough.

The concerned neighbor might believe that, but might also fear that homeless nearby will engage in trash dumping, illegal drug use, prostitution, panhandling, petty theft of property from homes and stores, and urination/defecation in public.  Such homeowners worry about degredation of property values, safety and security of children and elderly, and neighborhood blight....

Maybe the advocate and the neighbor are both onto some truth.  (hint--They are!)

Regardless--location of a camp near a neighborhood will not help improve a neighborhood.  That is an axiom all can agree upon.  If it did/does--we wouldn't be discussing it right now.

So where do we put them?

Now that the city/state/regional homeless reduction task force has been given lots of taxpayer money ($3 million) to work toward solutions---how about this idea:

Purchase or lease a large parcel of land out in the woods, far away from nearby neighbors.

Set up tent sites, portable showers, portable toilets, and portable office trailers.

Twice a week (or more frequently as the budget and logistics permit), at regular times, bring in the service providers (health, dental, social work, substance abuse counseling, faith-based groups, education, job training, etc.  etc.  etc.   etc...........)

Bus in wholesome fresh fruit, vegetables, and other staples for consumption by the camp residents.

Twice daily, run a bus to the bus transportation hub (so these folks can catch a linked route bus to work or other appointments)

Twice daily, run a bus from the transportation hub back to base camp.

Pay for private security and have a zero tolerance policy for illegal drug use, violation of law, and/ or abuse of fellow campers or volunteer staff.

Have a list for folks that want to join the camp.  As existing homeless people "graduate" from the base camp in the woods (and either conform with social norms and get on their own two feet in an apartment and get a job--------- or go somewhere else because they won't conform--------bring in a the next person on the list to keep the camp full  😀) 

Start with the $3 Million and get the camp and transportation established, then start  a foundation and solicit funds to keep the camp running.  All volunteer.

Or something like that.  AWAY from neighborhoods.