Advocacy against Homelessness

I would consider myself to be a pretty socially self-conscious person, I am an advocate for Gay Rights, I would say that I am pretty well versed in youth advocacy, feminism, and in education issues. While I spent time at Gannon University, it was hard to not be aware of the homelessness in Erie, whether it was through Gannon's annual Hunger and Homelessness Week, or just walking down State St. and seeing all of the those who were unable to find a home. While I was aware of all of this, I never really educated myself on the true issues of homelessness in this country, I never really paid much attention to those who are without a home. When I came to New Orleans, I was still not very well versed or really knowledgeable of the homelessness in the city, until recently when I was very much made aware of how bad the government was about handling this issue.

In New Orleans, there is not much notice of the vast amounts of homelessness in the city because most of those who are homeless, stay in either the blighted homes or reside under the Pontchartrain Expressway underpass, right by the Super-dome (this is important to know.) They reside here because well when it does cold in New Orleans this is the safest and warmest place to be, it is also protected from rain and other people. This was true all up until just a few days ago when the City of New Orleans sent out an order officially telling all of the homeless under the underpass that they would breaking the law if they stayed there, putting up fences and signs saying they would be arrested if loitering. Now this was not an unprecedented event, the city was working prior to this with the cities missions to provide extra beds and food for all of the displaced people. The part of this sad story that makes me so angry is the timing and the reasons why the city decided on now as their time to take this action. The reason for displacing so many people, is because in two months New Orleans will be hosting the Super Bowl, which is why I mentioned the geographic location of the bridge to the Super Dome.

The plan is to erect a fence around the underpass, to keep out the homeless who usually reside there, and making sure they move to the cities not so many missions and shelters (who by the way are not receiving much extra money to feed or bed the over 300 homeless that are anticipated to be sheltered.) The city also did not tell the missions or anyone really when they were planning on executing the action. They did not go into the underpass with social workers or health care workers to help those with mental disorders or who have never had a home, find their way to the shelter or to the missions. The police simply came in told those who were there to leave, and put up fences and signs telling all who reside there to leave. I understand the cities reasons for executing the action, it was part for the Super Bowl, but also because of the ongoing residential complaints of the health and safety hazards of so many people living in this space (having recently had two rapes occur, as well as numerous accounts of public defecation.) I don't understand however how this is supposed to be a solution to the homeless issue in New Orleans, moving people around like cattle for vanity of the city, and making public notices is just a band aid solution to an on-going problem that is clearly going to return after the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras.

What am I going to do about this, now that I have ranted to you for three paragraphs, well I am going to start educating myself on the history and statistics of homelessness in not only New Orleans but also the US. I want to become an advocate against homelessness, I would like to spend more time trying to volunteer in the NOLA Mission, or even in Covenant House (one of the major shelters in the city.) I have realized that I have a passion for helping all of these people who shouldn't be treated like they are simply because they can't find a decent place to live.

Well until next time,

Peace and God Bless