Safety in Homless Shelters

Safety in Homeless Shelters

Although homeless shelters are a fantastic way to help people get off of the street, safety is a major concern to those in need. There are multiple variables when it comes to safety at homeless shelters that leads to people making the decision to stay on the street rather than in a shelter. Due to the inherrent nature of putting strangers in a dire situation together, violence can occur at these places. This is amplified with rooms that are shared among the people. Individual rooms with locking doors, give people a greater sense of safety as it protects them from violence and theft. Theft within shelters is also a safety concern as people are willing to do what ever it takes to get back off of their feet, to make a quick buck, or to have cloths on their back. Cleanliness is a topic that is rarely talked about within homeless shelters but is very important. Homeless shelters are can be dirty as most of the people who are living on the streets haven't been able to clean themselves and maintain a basic level of hygiene. Bed bugs and lice can be found in some of these shelters. Some of these shelters also aren't well equipped to house people as there can be a lack of air conditioning making summers hot and winters cold. Also, overcrowding is a major problem as their isn't enough room to house every person. With the combination of unideal conditions and a lot of people in one space at a time. Homeless shelters have a great intent to make sure people in need have their basic needs met and to protect themselves from, the outside elements, but the amount of safety hazards that are present leave some individuals returning to the street or finding other ways to get help defeating the purpose of having a shelter in the first place. Science Direct has a great study on safety within homeless shelters can be read here. An interview with a homeless person describing his experience can be found here. An article from thecity.com can be found here.