73% Are Willing to Try the New Safe Camp
43 people without stable shelter took part in the survey, nearly a third of them in the 55-64 age range (30%), nearly two thirds (63%) without a source of income, and 91% of them listing ending homelessness as one of their goals.
The leading answer of needs to end their homelessness was housing. In terms of housing, basic accommodations was listed first, which included even a car garage or storage building, “somewhere that’s not on the streets,” and a “room with a lock.”
More than half (58%) said they would use the new Cares shelter. Of those resistant to the idea, the leading reason was crowds and other people, followed by health concerns (such as COVID or bedbugs) and personal preference or past experiences.
For the safe camp idea, willingness went up to 73%. Among the nos, there were leading concerns about autonomy. A leading answer was also for the safe camp to be run by its residents, such as “self-governed with guidance of a program,” or “by a homeless person that knows everyone and respects everyone.”
Advocates using the #showusyoucare hashtag are circulating a fundraising campaign to have local politicians spend nights at the new campus.
Frustration with Existing Services
Barriers to accessing services range from lack of ID, to criminal history, to lacking transportation, to not being able to store belongings, to feeling frustrated at slow results, stigma, not getting to housing, to being turned down, and to general ineffective and unclear service distribution.
Among those camping, 64% said they had been harassed by law enforcement, with many stating being cited or arrested as well.
The report concludes transportation would benefit individuals trying to get to the shelter, and that there should be distinct spaces for those who “struggle with crowds.” It concludes by saying “case management is imperative to focus on individually defined goals and focused on exiting people into housing that reflects their barriers, resources and preferences.”