What is with all the homeless tents in DC?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We need affordable housing, not more luxury condos! But affordable housing is not a popular political topic. BTW, this is not a DC-specific problem. Take a trip to LA or SF and you'll realize that the problem in DC is nothing comparatively.

Read San Fran-sicko. These are not families who cannot afford housing. These are individuals with drug addiction and schizophrenia.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There aren’t enough homeless shelters / resources for these people. When you get a bunch of NIMBYs blocking developments geared toward this population, this is what happens. Our city also needs more counseling and psychological support, a lot of these people don’t want to be in permanent housing.

Have a little compassion for those out on the streets. Be grateful you can afford to live in an expensive city and not out on the streets.

I’ve read that this is untrue and there is in fact housing/shelters but they are considered undesirable by tent dwellers because there are rules. Can someone who is more knowledgeable about this weigh in.

I knew a homeless man on the streets of DC who wanted to go to a shelter or permanent housing but being an older gentleman with a drug problem he found that finding permanent housing was almost impossible and the shelters were too dangerous.

He tried to go to a shelter in Va., but it was too hard to get too and because they are sleep only shelters he had to find somewhere to go during the day. Much easier in the city where you can park yourself in a bench to panhandle during the day.

Yes many of these people have serious addiction issues. Not all addictions can be treated or cured so what do we do? It isn’t a palatable option for many to think that you should take care of people where they are. As in highly dysfunctional people are sometimes homeless because they are highly dysfunctional and always will be but still should have their basic needs met even when they can’t or won’t do it for themselves.

I for one believe they should have clean and safe housing, healthcare and food. Basic comforts it I don’t know what the looks like or how that gets delivered when dealing with marginalized populations. We struggle to do the basics for people who are undergoing what should or could be temporary periods of dysfunction.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There aren’t enough homeless shelters / resources for these people. When you get a bunch of NIMBYs blocking developments geared toward this population, this is what happens. Our city also needs more counseling and psychological support, a lot of these people don’t want to be in permanent housing.

Have a little compassion for those out on the streets. Be grateful you can afford to live in an expensive city and not out on the streets.

I’ve read that this is untrue and there is in fact housing/shelters but they are considered undesirable by tent dwellers because there are rules. Can someone who is more knowledgeable about this weigh in.

I knew a homeless man on the streets of DC who wanted to go to a shelter or permanent housing but being an older gentleman with a drug problem he found that finding permanent housing was almost impossible and the shelters were too dangerous.

He tried to go to a shelter in Va., but it was too hard to get too and because they are sleep only shelters he had to find somewhere to go during the day. Much easier in the city where you can park yourself in a bench to panhandle during the day.

Yes many of these people have serious addiction issues. Not all addictions can be treated or cured so what do we do? It isn’t a palatable option for many to think that you should take care of people where they are. As in highly dysfunctional people are sometimes homeless because they are highly dysfunctional and always will be but still should have their basic needs met even when they can’t or won’t do it for themselves.

I for one believe they should have clean and safe housing, healthcare and food. Basic comforts it I don’t know what the looks like or how that gets delivered when dealing with marginalized populations. We struggle to do the basics for people who are undergoing what should or could be temporary periods of dysfunction.

What people actually want, but won't say, is for basic facilities to be setup out of sight such as under overpasses that aren't common walkways. Permanent housing is pie in the sky bs and allowing the mentally ill to occupy libraries and Union Station is totally unacceptable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There aren’t enough homeless shelters / resources for these people. When you get a bunch of NIMBYs blocking developments geared toward this population, this is what happens. Our city also needs more counseling and psychological support, a lot of these people don’t want to be in permanent housing.

Have a little compassion for those out on the streets. Be grateful you can afford to live in an expensive city and not out on the streets.

I’ve read that this is untrue and there is in fact housing/shelters but they are considered undesirable by tent dwellers because there are rules. Can someone who is more knowledgeable about this weigh in.

I knew a homeless man on the streets of DC who wanted to go to a shelter or permanent housing but being an older gentleman with a drug problem he found that finding permanent housing was almost impossible and the shelters were too dangerous.

He tried to go to a shelter in Va., but it was too hard to get too and because they are sleep only shelters he had to find somewhere to go during the day. Much easier in the city where you can park yourself in a bench to panhandle during the day.

Yes many of these people have serious addiction issues. Not all addictions can be treated or cured so what do we do? It isn’t a palatable option for many to think that you should take care of people where they are. As in highly dysfunctional people are sometimes homeless because they are highly dysfunctional and always will be but still should have their basic needs met even when they can’t or won’t do it for themselves.

I for one believe they should have clean and safe housing, healthcare and food. Basic comforts it I don’t know what the looks like or how that gets delivered when dealing with marginalized populations. We struggle to do the basics for people who are undergoing what should or could be temporary periods of dysfunction.

What people actually want, but won't say, is for basic facilities to be setup out of sight such as under overpasses that aren't common walkways. Permanent housing is pie in the sky bs and allowing the mentally ill to occupy libraries and Union Station is totally unacceptable.

No, they should be actively moved into shelters and treatment programs (both of which are generously funded in DC) or else they need to move along. We should not allow these dangerous and unsanitary tent cities to flourish, which are really a disservice to both the housed and unhoused.

[Anonymous]

There was a long thread on this previously, and I think most people agreed we need a combination of:
— more affordable housing
— a rent assistance program better than section 8
— single residence occupancy for people who don’t need and can’t afford a whole apartment
— shelters for temporary situations including ones that don’t kick you out every morning at 6, and including better security
— more drug treatment programs and accessible mental health
— more ability to force or st least incentivize strongly treatment (although this is really difficult to do ….)
— some level of police enforcement to clear dangerous or inappropriately placed gatherings

My personal opinion is that 10-15% of people are just jerks—rich jerks will cheat on their taxes and treat their workers liked crap; homeless jerks will camp in front of a school and crap on a park bench. Yes, some of it is mental illness, but it’s naive to act like all homeless people are good people who will do the considerate thing if given the option. Some people are just jerks and that’s as true in the homeless community as it is in the country club set.

[Anonymous]

Replying to the request for "someone who is more knowledgeable". I was homeless for a while in DC. It's not necessarily the rules that they don't want to follow. It's also the physical and mental abuse they/i recieve(d) at the hands of the people working there. Not to mention the sexual assaults, mismanagement of funds that the employees have charge of sometimes. The homeless are often the target prey of EVERYONE. They don't want to be in those places for those reasons.....and then some. Thankfully I got my act together and I'm back to me, but PLEASE have some compassion for these folks. Most of them have mental illnesses that won't allow them to be productive members of society, so they have no choice. Personally, I'd much rather see the tents than see folks laying out in the grass with no shelter at all. Where are y'all hearts?! Don't look down, and bash. If you feel that strongly, look for a solution that benefits all parties involved. You never know; one day you may be in that position. CHEERS TO ALL!

[Anonymous]

PP thank you for sharing your experience. Can you share what helped you get out of that situation and what resources you think would help others? Were you sleeping on streets or did you find other options?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There aren’t enough homeless shelters / resources for these people. When you get a bunch of NIMBYs blocking developments geared toward this population, this is what happens. Our city also needs more counseling and psychological support, a lot of these people don’t want to be in permanent housing.

Have a little compassion for those out on the streets. Be grateful you can afford to live in an expensive city and not out on the streets.

I’ve read that this is untrue and there is in fact housing/shelters but they are considered undesirable by tent dwellers because there are rules. Can someone who is more knowledgeable about this weigh in.

I knew a homeless man on the streets of DC who wanted to go to a shelter or permanent housing but being an older gentleman with a drug problem he found that finding permanent housing was almost impossible and the shelters were too dangerous.

He tried to go to a shelter in Va., but it was too hard to get too and because they are sleep only shelters he had to find somewhere to go during the day. Much easier in the city where you can park yourself in a bench to panhandle during the day.

Yes many of these people have serious addiction issues. Not all addictions can be treated or cured so what do we do? It isn’t a palatable option for many to think that you should take care of people where they are. As in highly dysfunctional people are sometimes homeless because they are highly dysfunctional and always will be but still should have their basic needs met even when they can’t or won’t do it for themselves.

I for one believe they should have clean and safe housing, healthcare and food. Basic comforts it I don’t know what the looks like or how that gets delivered when dealing with marginalized populations. We struggle to do the basics for people who are undergoing what should or could be temporary periods of dysfunction.

What people actually want, but won't say, is for basic facilities to be setup out of sight such as under overpasses that aren't common walkways. Permanent housing is pie in the sky bs and allowing the mentally ill to occupy libraries and Union Station is totally unacceptable.

No, they should be actively moved into shelters and treatment programs (both of which are generously funded in DC) or else they need to move along. We should not allow these dangerous and unsanitary tent cities to flourish, which are really a disservice to both the housed and unhoused.

Well said!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There aren’t enough homeless shelters / resources for these people. When you get a bunch of NIMBYs blocking developments geared toward this population, this is what happens. Our city also needs more counseling and psychological support, a lot of these people don’t want to be in permanent housing.

Have a little compassion for those out on the streets. Be grateful you can afford to live in an expensive city and not out on the streets.

I’ve read that this is untrue and there is in fact housing/shelters but they are considered undesirable by tent dwellers because there are rules. Can someone who is more knowledgeable about this weigh in.

I knew a homeless man on the streets of DC who wanted to go to a shelter or permanent housing but being an older gentleman with a drug problem he found that finding permanent housing was almost impossible and the shelters were too dangerous.

He tried to go to a shelter in Va., but it was too hard to get too and because they are sleep only shelters he had to find somewhere to go during the day. Much easier in the city where you can park yourself in a bench to panhandle during the day.

Yes many of these people have serious addiction issues. Not all addictions can be treated or cured so what do we do? It isn’t a palatable option for many to think that you should take care of people where they are. As in highly dysfunctional people are sometimes homeless because they are highly dysfunctional and always will be but still should have their basic needs met even when they can’t or won’t do it for themselves.

I for one believe they should have clean and safe housing, healthcare and food. Basic comforts it I don’t know what the looks like or how that gets delivered when dealing with marginalized populations. We struggle to do the basics for people who are undergoing what should or could be temporary periods of dysfunction.

What people actually want, but won't say, is for basic facilities to be setup out of sight such as under overpasses that aren't common walkways. Permanent housing is pie in the sky bs and allowing the mentally ill to occupy libraries and Union Station is totally unacceptable.

No, they should be actively moved into shelters and treatment programs (both of which are generously funded in DC) or else they need to move along. We should not allow these dangerous and unsanitary tent cities to flourish, which are really a disservice to both the housed and unhoused.

Agree. Had to go to Union Station today and it was just ugly to see the tent city that’s been allowed to sprout up in front of the station. It looks like a San Francisco in the making - these folks need to be in shelters or treatment centers and not in front of a major civic building. So glad we were not around at night - would be utterly creepy/unsafe.

[Anonymous]

This is a helpful number to have in your phones, as well as non emergency 311.
Department of Behavioral Health*
Provides services to homeless individuals 18 and older with behavioral health disorders. Homeless Outreach Teams provide crisis assessment and interventions to homeless persons who may be experiencing a mental health crisis whether on the streets or in homeless shelters.
[phone] (General)
[phone] (24-Hour Helpline)
*Please note this is a government service; they do not specify whether law enforcement may be involved..

[Anonymous]

My daughter is interested in attending GW next year and when we toured it, I was shocked how many tents I saw everywhere. It definitely makes me hesitant to have her go there. It didn't seem safe.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There aren’t enough homeless shelters / resources for these people. When you get a bunch of NIMBYs blocking developments geared toward this population, this is what happens. Our city also needs more counseling and psychological support, a lot of these people don’t want to be in permanent housing.

Have a little compassion for those out on the streets. Be grateful you can afford to live in an expensive city and not out on the streets.

I’ve read that this is untrue and there is in fact housing/shelters but they are considered undesirable by tent dwellers because there are rules. Can someone who is more knowledgeable about this weigh in.

I knew a homeless man on the streets of DC who wanted to go to a shelter or permanent housing but being an older gentleman with a drug problem he found that finding permanent housing was almost impossible and the shelters were too dangerous.

He tried to go to a shelter in Va., but it was too hard to get too and because they are sleep only shelters he had to find somewhere to go during the day. Much easier in the city where you can park yourself in a bench to panhandle during the day.

Yes many of these people have serious addiction issues. Not all addictions can be treated or cured so what do we do? It isn’t a palatable option for many to think that you should take care of people where they are. As in highly dysfunctional people are sometimes homeless because they are highly dysfunctional and always will be but still should have their basic needs met even when they can’t or won’t do it for themselves.

I for one believe they should have clean and safe housing, healthcare and food. Basic comforts it I don’t know what the looks like or how that gets delivered when dealing with marginalized populations. We struggle to do the basics for people who are undergoing what should or could be temporary periods of dysfunction.

What people actually want, but won't say, is for basic facilities to be setup out of sight such as under overpasses that aren't common walkways. Permanent housing is pie in the sky bs and allowing the mentally ill to occupy libraries and Union Station is totally unacceptable.

No, they should be actively moved into shelters and treatment programs (both of which are generously funded in DC) or else they need to move along. We should not allow these dangerous and unsanitary tent cities to flourish, which are really a disservice to both the housed and unhoused.

Agree. Had to go to Union Station today and it was just ugly to see the tent city that’s been allowed to sprout up in front of the station. It looks like a San Francisco in the making - these folks need to be in shelters or treatment centers and not in front of a major civic building. So glad we were not around at night - would be utterly creepy/unsafe.

I don’t know why more don’t speak out about tent cities. It’s like some weird self-flagellation by gentrifiers feeling guilty.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Homeless camped out in the north side of DuPont circle. Homeless tents in the grass in front of union station. Homeless tents in key downtown parks/squares.

It's embarrassing for DC as as a city and frankly disgusting.

I was in union station yesterday - first time since the pandemic - and was surprised to see so many tents in the circle out front. I had to go to the bathroom before catching a train and almost threw up while squeezing past the awful smelling homeless people going in and out of the bathroom with all their belongings in tow. What the heck kind of city are we living in?? Business people and families need places like union station and public space to be clean, hygienic, and safe.

Just an FYI - that's been the bathroom situation in Union for years not just because of the pandemic (similar in Penn Station in NYC etc.). I work next door - haven't been in Union and don't intend to go into it until we resume some sort of normal work life bc I can only imagine that the homeless have taken it over - much more than they already had - when they at least had to stay somewhat in check due to the hordes of travelers. But yeah FYI - it's conventional wisdom that if you're taking Amtrak and need to pee, wait until your train boards and use that bathroom - they're actually cleaned and used by people who are buying $200 tickets so they likely aren't carrying about all of their unwashed belongings with them on a trip to NYC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So it seems that traveling to DC is not the safest thing to do via Amtrak or the busses I’m sure people planning vacations/ weekend getaways are not going to want to go through homeless encampments. This along with the recent crime wave in areas like Georgetown are only going to further hurt tourism.

This problem has always existed but MUCH WORSE right now because the drugged out crazies aren't outnumbered by/counterbalanced by all the suit wearing business travelers or SEC/FERC employees etc. that go thru Union all the time. So right now Union belongs to the homeless. IDK if it swings back the other way. I would hope so - that they'll be forced out/off the property a bit more once normal numbers of people start walking thru Union.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This sounds like San Francisco about 20 years ago. I remember being surprised as a tourist to being far outnumbered in certain areas of San Francisco -- easily 10 or more homeless in some places.

If DC residents don't do something about this, homeless will flock to DC.

+100 Cities like SF and DC are magnets for homelessness. In fact, I think they create MORE homelessness by making it easy to be homeless. You don't see half naked, shitting in the street, smelly, drug-adled people taking over in non-ultra liberal cities. The crazy lefties will only offer more and more incentives to be homeless though. It's a death spiral situation.

Exactly. There is a reason you don't see this in non liberal Southern cities. And give me a break people have mental illness everywhere, it doesn't just exist in NYC, DC, SF. Yet if you drop your pants to go to the bathroom on the sidewalk in Charleston, I'm pretty sure you're arrested and rot in jail for a while since you don't have anyone to bail you out; then you do it a bunch more times and are arrested again, then you finally figure it out and stop doing that/start living out of the way somewhere OR your homeless buddies tell you how easy it is in DC so you find a way to cobble together bus fare to get up to DC.