Shelters or Homes?

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 Shelters or Homes?

(Image from https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2021/04/portland-council-passes-rules-to-allow-more-homeless-shelters-housing-options.html)
 
   As the Portland Metro Area continues to struggle with the rising rates of Homelessness, it begs the question of what we should be providing for these individuals. Many would say to let them keep popping up their tents left and right. Others would say we need to ship them out of the city. However, there could be a simpler and more organized option. What about instead of pushing these individuals into shelters that make them feel worthless, we should instead put them in small pre-built homes to help them push towards starting their life.
    
    Now bring in the company of the Low Income Housing Institute. This mission was founded in 1991 and is centered in the Pacific Northwest. The program that they believe in is referred to as "Tiny House". There link can be found below, and here is what they are all about. "The Low Income Housing Institute develops, owns and operates housing for the benefit of low-income, homeless and formerly homeless people in Washington State; advocates for just housing policies at the local and national levels; and administers a range of supportive service programs to assist those we serve in maintaining stable housing and increasing their self-sufficiency." (Lihi.org). 
    
    This would create a great opportunity for how homelessness can be met with change as well as success. How many people do you know, argue that they shouldn't help the homeless since they probably did it to themselves? Some cases might be true to this, but the vast majority is not. Some individuals are considered chronically homeless which means they have no choice other than to be homeless and they can't do anything about it. What makes LIHI so important is that it gives that individual a chance and a foundation.

Below is a video that is on LIHI's site that describes their mission on Tiny House and what they plan to do with it:

(Video Courtesy from Low Income Housing Institute: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oedKozxmg3w via YouTube)

    This video is a way to have the members of the Low Income Housing Institute to be able to share their message and mission. The focus and need for this project is not for something that is long-term but rapid. Rapidly building a community and village of Tiny Houses in order for homeless individuals to feel a sense of home. One member had told the Tiny House Manager that she had not been able to shut a door for years. The first step in anyones life to move towards success is a foundation. and using what this project stands for and helping others is what can make a difference in our city and others.

    Why should we care about the Homeless?

    Bringing this attitude into any situation with the homeless is constantly driving away these individuals. When did we forget the fact that we are all human and make mistakes? Or that others didn't have the same resources you did when they grew up. Think about it like this, have you ever wanted a toy or thing that you wanted to so bad but could never get? This is what these individuals experience on a daily basis. They don't have food to go home to, they don't have a blanket and heater to snuggle by. They sometimes can't even get a job because their clothes haven't been washed in weeks.
    
    Tiny Homes can give someone water, shelter, and a means of living. The houses are undeniably cheap to build and can be put up anywhere. This is giving everyone the bare essential need for shelter and community. Paired with Tiny Homes, the Low Income Housing Institute also offers Urban Rest stops to those in need. These stops allow for individuals and their families to wash up and feel clean for the day. There are bathrooms, showers, and even laundry services available. Think about it, if Urban Rest stops exist, then no longer will people have to engage with the homeless if they don't want to. 

    Low Income Housing Institute provides ways for individuals to donate and volunteer. Making these homes and resources are just the beginning to moving towards a more untied society. They are not asking for us to open our homes to these individuals, but our hearts. They deserve just as much as we do as we are all human and only want one thing: community.

Donation Link: Donate Here

Contact Low Income Housing Institute: tinyhouses@lihi.org.

(Image Credit: https://lihi.org/)

Sources: 

Published by: Cameron Mattar



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