4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS HOMELESSNESS On July 19, several news outlets announced the introduction of a Homeless Bill of Rights for the State of Michigan. The sponsor of House Bill 4919 is Rep. Emily Dievendorf of District 77, the north Lansing area. The Homeless Bill of Rights is part of a three-bill package that tackles housing discrimination issues and enhances tenants’ rights. The highest priorities of Dievendorf’s bill include secure access to public spaces, the right to vote without a permanent address, and the right to property and privacy. The bills would also allow an unhoused person to file a civil lawsuit if their rights were violated. If it passes, Michigan will become the fifth state in the nation to protect the rights of unhoused people. As of now, homelessness is still treated differently in every state. The first state to pass a Homeless Bill of Rights was Rhode Island, followed by Connecticut, Illinois and Puerto Rico. It is unfortunate that in the minds of the wary public the shelter system is the optimum solution to the “homeless” crisis when, in fact, it is often ELIZABETH "LIT" KURTZ Groundcover vendor No. 159 need of a place to be during the day. Besides Starbucks, most coffee shops require purchases out of the range of most unhoused individuals — and public libraries often prohibit sleeping. As of the latest count, there are 8,500 more of a debilitating trap. There is overwhelming evidence that the shelters nationwide are inadequate for serving the needs of those without housing. When facing long protracted waiting lists, people resort to public spaces for rest. In the few instances when a person is offered an immediate space in a shelter, she or he often has to deal with other problems. The ones cited most often include violence, lack of shower availability and storage, to name a few. In addition, the shelters only serve people overnight, so public spaces are often all that is available for a person in people in Michigan who are unhoused. While these are the numbers given, it is suspected that the actual numbers are higher as they often leave out those temporarily living with family members, friends, in cars and other locations. It becomes clear that the numbers of those experiencing life without housing far outweigh available resources and that the survival of unhoused individuals depends on passage of bills that decriminalize homeless living. So it is little wonder that Dievendorf prioritizes “secure access to public spaces” as one of her priorities. The human experiences still accepted in our nation under the name of homelessness are unthinkable for a civilized nation, and a Homeless Bill of Rights around the country and in Michigan is long overdue. While living on the streets is far from AUGUST 11, 2023 MI Homeless Bill of Rights offers hope for unhoused a permanent solution, it reminds us that public spaces should be designed for all. Not just the non-disabled or the securely housed individual. The ultimate solution is to design city infrastructures with everyone in mind. Far from placing dividers on benches, public spaces should include lockers, showers, and even cots independent of the shelter system so the transition back into permanent housing becomes a simpler, more straightforward process to replace the cumbersome, debilitating, Draconian experience that we witness on our streets presently. Many citizens, including those we count on to make the right decision, will more than likely have never been forced to experience life outside of four walls and may be inclined to feel less tolerant of those who seek refuge in public spaces. But everyone should recognize that passage of this bill would send the powerful message that public space belongs to all citizens, housed or unhoused. Only when we interact with our neighbors will we begin to heal the wounds of divisiveness that drain the energy we all need to survive. A growing threat: tick infestations in Michigan take a toll on homeless campers JOSHUA LEE Groundcover contributor Michigan faces a pressing challenge this summer as tick infestations surge, leading to an alarming increase in tickborne illnesses. Amidst the rising concerns over these blood-sucking pests, the plight of the homeless community becomes a critical and often unseen tragedy. While the impact of these tiny yet formidable adversaries is felt statewide, the vulnerable homeless population grapples with unique and daunting challenges when combating these relentless foes. Startling revelations from a recent study published in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution sheds light on the urgency of the situation. Researchers analyzing 19 years of data from Michigan's Isle Royale National Park reveal a troubling trend: warmer summer temperatures accelerate tick egg development, resulting in higher survival rates along with a distressing surge in tick infestations among the moose population. As tens of thousands of ticks burrow into moose bodies causing fur loss and anemia, the ecological impact sends ripples through the state. However, beyond the implications for wildlife, Michigan's homeless community faces an insidious threat amid the escalating tick crisis. As Michigan confronts the multifaceted challenges of tick infestations and homelessness, it becomes essential to address the unique struggles faced by the homeless campers. Reports support that this year has been particularly challenging for those experiencing homelessness. Limited access to shelter and healthcare compounds the risks, leaving the homeless disproportionately susceptible to tick-borne illnesses and their related complications. Carrie Nielsen, secretary of the Michigan Lyme Disease Association, passionately stresses the significance of tick checks after outdoor activities. These relentless parasites can insidiously embed themselves anywhere, with a predilection for areas near the knees, waistline, ears, and hairline. Nielsen herself, a Lyme disease warrior of 26 years, has courageously shared her personal journey of hardship, shedding light on the profound impact of tick-related illnesses on one's health and well-being. For those unaware, Lyme disease is a menacing condition caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Its transmission occurs through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks. While exploring the woodlands and grassy terrains, it is paramount that we remain vigilant for the characteristic "bull's-eye" skin rash, fever, headache, and fatigue — all of which are early warning signs of Lyme Disease. Yet, if we neglect timely treatment, the consequences can escalate, detrimentally impacting our joints, heart and nervous system. Anaplasmosis is another perilous threat to be wary of during our outdoor escapades. This disease can be transmitted from the bite of various tick species, including black-legged ticks. Symptoms are flu-like such as fever, chills, muscle aches and fatigue. Anaplasmosis requires our utmost vigilance and preventive actions. Also in the realm of tick-borne dangers, Babesiosis deserves attention. Babesiosis, caused by microscopic parasites, infiltrates our red blood cells through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Its manifestations range from mild to severe, featuring symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, and anemia. Ehrlichiosis has similar symptoms. Carried by various bacteria, this disease finds its way to us through tick bites. It may manifest with fever, headache, muscle aches, and confusion. The severity of its outcomes, such as respiratory failure or bleeding disorders, underscores the imperative of early detection. While comparatively rare in Michithe Rocky Mountain Spotted gan, Fever (RMSF) should not be underestimated. It transmits through the bites of American dog ticks, Rocky Mountain wood ticks or brown dog ticks. RMSF is characterized by similar initial symptoms to Anaplasmosis and Babesiosis, with fever, headache, and rash. Beyond the initial symptoms, RMSF can escalate into serious complications affecting the heart, lungs, and kidneys if not promptly treated. Unfortunately, the struggles faced by see TICKS next page
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