DECEMBER 1, 2023 HOMELESSNESS Ignoring car camping as homelessness can be deadly When a person or family loses housing, the world suddenly changes. From drinking a glass of water to fixing a snack or taking an overnight trip to the bathroom, these are things that can no longer be taken for granted. Yet many have the dubious distinction of moving into their cars. These vehicles which have housed individuals and families for decades bring on a new set of challenges. The most obvious include keeping the vehicles cool in warm climates and the scorching hot days of summer in others. On the other end of the spectrum is finding enough warmth to make it through the often bitter-cold winter temperatures found in colder climates. Without question, there have been incidents where individuals have succumbed to the cold or heat while living in their vehicles. Most common are the grim statistics of people suffering heat stroke or those who froze to death. Each time this occurs, it leaves the general public shaking their heads questioning how it could have happened. There are innumerable opportunities for such tragedies to occur but one of the most obvious is the slow pace at which agencies and the government have approached the issues of the unhoused. While strides have been painfully slow in learning how to meet the needs of unhoused individuals, the progress has been further hampered by the stubborn misperceptions about this group of individuals that continue to persist. importantly, the return to housing of those individuals has more than doubled that of other cities with similar lots. Without the necessary support, LIT KURTZ Groundcover vendor No. 159 the stories of those losing vehicles due to breakdowns from lack of maintenance continue to mount. While many unhoused live successfully in tents, a car adds another level of support and as the San Diego case reveals, the return to housing is faster. Even without safe parking lots, Much of the assistance is based on the ideas that assume that those who lose housing are somehow flawed and undeserving of assistance in time of need. As a result, the needs of those who use their vehicles in place of a house are often overlooked. The resources that most agencies provide are food and clothing. Those who are in vehicles seldom receive adequate attention such as car maintenance, repairs and gasoline. Assistance is also often needed in meeting the cost of insurance and monthly payments. When attention is given to those who are living in their cars or other vehicles, the results have been incredibly promising. A news article that ran in a 2018 issue of “The Seattle Times” reveals how San Diego has outpaced other cities in its parking lot program. Not only are the families safer in the fenced-in parking areas designated for the unhoused, but it has also been more cost-effective. Most this housing-troubled decade has brought on increased numbers of people living in their cars. Success stories abound on social media sites and provide a network of support for those who have taken to living in their vehicles. If social media accounts are any indication, it is not hard to imagine more people abandoning buildings and taking to their cars. While the auto industry says it is reducing the number of sedans for safety reasons, one might surmise that it is ahead in the growing trend of vehicle living and maybe designing vehicles to accommodate the demand. But for now, the most important concern is for those who are living in vehicles in Michigan. If you know of someone who may be living in a vehicle or outdoors, it never hurts to ask whether they have a warm winter blanket or sleeping bag. One cold winter night without the necessary warmth may make the difference between someone surviving or not. A note on homelessness in California Recently in Los Angeles, under the overpass of Interstate Highway I-10, a huge fire erupted where homeless people had camped. The immediate conclusion jumped to was arson, with the mayor placing the fault on the shoulders of the homeless who were camping out under the overpass. Over 250 truckloads were hauled away, along with all remaining homeless possessions. The real concerns of the mayor were how much of the overpass may have been damaged, as well as repair time. Six weeks and minor repairs later, the mayor was recommending most traffic carpool or work from home nor a police detective, what I am at this time, is a homeless individual. The area I am staying at is not supportive of the homeless, only some areas are — San Francisco, San Diego and select areas of Los Angeles. Think about it … not in my backyard. While I am temporarily sheltered, I JAMIE CAMERON Groundcover vendor No. 612 due to the large daily volume of traffic using that highway. They had one suspect in mind, yet the volume of campers there was huge. While I am not a fire marshal am still one of the Homeless and refuse to have this burden placed on my shoulders. My bet may have been a stray cigarette butt or the like, yet they aren't banning anything except the Homeless. Thank you to our vendors, the paper staff, and especially our supporters! You matter. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 5
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