Where shall we live?

Where shall we live?

On the subject of homelessness and what to do with the issue, our community is divided. Our city and county leaders have been unable to adequately address it. The best efforts of local non- profits and government entities have seemed to barely make a dent despite their often- heroic efforts. Yet we all see homeless people in our community and no matter our opinion about the matter, we wonder what should be done.

My personal knowledge and understanding of homelessness is very limited (most of us, in reality, would have to declare the same). But I will speak about what I know, what I believe to be true, and what I dream can happen.

What I know: Homeless or “Unhoused” people are --- people!

Homeless people have the exact same rights – and accountability – under the constitution as everyone else in this country.

The homeless people who work for Hope Street Restoration (a remodeling company started by my husband Barry Bacon and myself for the express purpose of employing homeless people) want to be housed. All of them.

The homeless people who work for me face various barriers to housing, but chief among them is the simple LACK of housing, particularly something they can afford. There are not enough rentals for any income bracket, but particularly for the low- income individuals.

Homeless people work in our community without people knowing they live without permanent shelter.

What I believe to be true: Community members stereotype homeless people as druggies and criminals. I don’t even want to say “some” or “many” as I have no idea where the percentage lies. If the shoe fits, wear it.

Homeless people WANT to be housed. I have heard it said that “many homeless people want to be homeless.” While I do not believe this to be true in any way, I don’t want to use qualifying adjectives in describing how many homeless people DO want to be housed just like

I don’t want to quantify how many community members may, consciously or not, stereotype homeless people.

Substance use and abuse is present in the homeless population and contribute to homelessness. But is this the chicken or the egg?

Substance use and abuse is present in the housed population but often goes undetected. It is easier to hide your issues when you have four walls to hide them behind.

We tend to want accountability for the homeless that is not required of others. (This is one take- away I have from the gathering of people in front of the City Hall who were supportive of or questioning the building of a 72-unit to house unhoused and low- income people. More on that in a sec.)

Homelessness is a complex issue. I don’t think anyone disagrees with this. But from those who oppose things such as Hope Street Rest Stop, the proposed apartment complex, etc., the most common thing I hear is a correlation between drugs and homelessness, therefore rendering these projects “unsafe.”

Accountability is important, but how do you define it? If drug testing is required, who do you test, and when? Do you start testing the people, some who were once homeless, who live in the Rural Resources housing units? Do you test the people in all subsidized rentals ( which could include HUD housing)? Where do you start?

Where do you stop? If you say “these are my tax dollars, and I should have some say in the accountability of those who get them,” what people and which government programs are included in that statement?

The “If you build it, they will come” argument falls flat. This goes along with the “these people are not from here” argument I have heard. The homeless people in our area are nearly all FROM here. Hope Street Rest Stop keeps stats on this sort of thing. They didn’t come here because of Hope Street, or Rural Resources, or Habitat for Humanity, despite these entity’s efforts on their behalf. The 72- unit building may not house all of those who are already here, but it will make a significant difference to many. I do not believe we will see a large influx of homeless people if we build more affordable housing that specifically includes accommodations for homeless individuals.

Some of the questions people currently have about the proposed Catholic Charities 72-unit complex stem from miscommunication or misunderstandings. If more transparency is required, so be it. If more informational sessions are offered, let’s set them up. I believe every person who is concerned should attend, and they should be live- streamed/ recorded so those who cannot attend in person can access the information.

I am called to help those “less fortunate.” Period. If I am Christ’s, it is my calling. I was not created to serve myself, but others. (Remember, this is the “what I believe to be true” category.)

What I dream can happen:

I dream of a community where every individual – born, unborn, rich, poor, despite color or gender, health issues or drug issues – is recognized for having a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (sound familiar from your history class?).

I dream of a chance for my homeless workers to find a rental they can afford.

I dream of a community where we can respectfully hold people accountable, giving them what they need to move their lives forward while recognizing it may not be the same for every person and may not fit perfectly into what we envision as the correct methods. The word “giving” does not necessarily mean a freebie. It can be providing a break in the amount of rent or subsidizing the cost of getting into a place, much like other current government- funded programs do. FULL DISCLOSURE: Contrary to what some in our community have been led to believe, Hope Street does not GIVE housing to anyone. Each person who is currently housed (including in a motor home or camper) due to Hope Street’s assistance is either paying rent, making payments on their dwelling, or finished making payments. We have given zero “handouts” of housing.

I dream of a community where compassion trumps accountability, but does not replace it. We talk about “tough love,” which is a way of saying we love someone while holding them accountable. I understand and ascribe to that idea. But I dream of a community that can discuss realistic “accountability,” in light of compassion for those suffering without adequate and permanent shelter and find a way forward in love.

This community is my earthly home. You are my neighbors, housed or not. Let’s work together to find a way forward. We can do it.