There are 6 stakeholders involved in this problem and all 6 need to be considered & consulted in order to find an equitable resolution. Additionally, there are several things we can do collectively to solve homelessness and proper education undergirds them all.
Three groups need to be trained and educated and they are: 1) the homeless who need to learn life skills, addiction-recovery principles, pro-social behaviors, proper coping & self-regulation techniques, trauma-recovery skills, accountability & ownership for personal change. They also need proper health care and medication. (*Unfortunately not every homeless person wants to change – about 30% don’t – but the others who do, can and likely will if given the right wrap-around services and consistent support.
The second group that needs educating is the public at large. They need to understand the cumulative-causes that lead to homelessness in the first place and how to engage them in safe, proper, and respectful ways. A ‘solutogenic’ approach instead of a ‘pathogenic’ one must be applied (*see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salutogenesis )
Third, policymakers and donors need to employ a holistic approach that includes ‘Housing-First’, ‘Treatment-First’, and ‘Education-First’ principles & strategies concurrently since all 3 are needed and serve unique purposes.
Lastly, a correct understanding of their physical needs goes a long way towards helping them in ways that are meaningful and relevant. The following list includes specific items they have requested including things I have discovered through observation and interaction in their camps.
