Best practices book - Flipbook - Page 364
Building Confidence, Building Community.
CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATIONS:
As outlined in this document, there are many jurisdictions providing many viable options that are very different and
address different approaches in a unique way. There is much work to do on this very important and ever-growing
problem. The Appendix and specific code changes/amendments, ordinances and polices should be a helpful tool in
guiding decisions on how your community may address this issue. There are no right or wrong answers as we all scurry
to find solutions, however, there is one common thread through all the data and information reviewed. People placed in
this unfortunate position need assistance on so many levels, whether it be counseling, help with addiction, access to
healthcare and medication or other services; providing the necessary shelter and housing will not solve the problem. It
is not the answer to homelessness! It is only the band aid to a very serious national crisis. The most effective solutions
include services on many levels that provide mental, emotional, medical support coupled with a shelter or housing
option. A very important aspect to the successful opportunities across the United States, is when the shelter takes on
a sense of place or a sense of home for the resident. This creates a sense of worth, self-dignity and confidence which
are essential components on the road to recovery for many that are recovering from addiction or mental illness. In 1974
Clare Cooper (Marcus), a prominent educator wrote a paper “The House as Symbol of the Self.” In this document, one
begins to understand the conscious and unconscious role the “house” becomes in a person’s life and thus giving each
person a fixed point of reference to the world around them.
As we are in the midst of a global pandemic, this issue of homelessness has been highlighted and further exasperated.
There are distancing needs which reduces availability, separate facilities to house those that are testing positive
or have symptoms, these all contribute to less beds and more people being displaced and forced onto the streets.
Many jurisdictions have increased cases of unsanctioned tent encampments in the public Right-of-Way. Many Health
Department officials have determined that it is safer to have people remain in these encampments than be more
transient and therefore less likely to spread the virus. Most cities have had to be as creative as possible, for instance in
Denver there are legal tent camp locations in urban parking lots and other locations, called Safe Outdoor Spaces. Some
cities have been fortunate enough to receive federal grants through the Cares Act to assist in sheltering COVID positive
homeless population in need. It is apparent that the physical environments need to be increased, services to aid this
population need to be more enhanced and more readily available. We hope and pray that a permanent solution to this
every growing crisis becomes available to all in need!
References: Interview small, medium, and large cities. Do some solutions work better than others?
APPENDIX: ACTUAL CODE AND POLICY DOCUMENTS FOR EACH JURISDICTION
BEST PRACTICES | 355
Homelessness in the United States, How are Major Jurisdictions Dealing with This Issue?
www.iccsafe.org | page 9
