Fact: Everyone deserves dignity - no matter the circumstance.
Human rights are not optional. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that all people deserve:
The right to dignity
The right to shelter
The right to health
Homelessness is a complex issue. For example, some homeless – many times due to mental illness - are not good candidates for shelter or are making choices not to participate in organised programs. No matter the mental or physical impairment - the community still needs to address this population by providing a dignified, safe and all season study proven solution to this crisis.
Fact: Street sleeping homeless suffer.
Studies show homeless people sleeping on the streets undergo significant trauma, particularly psychological and physical. They are not only exposed to the elements, but are also isolated from the community at large. The provision of suitable emergency relief supplies, such as Backpack Beds and blankets when shelter is not available, and medical and health care packs all aid in reducing unnecessary suffering.
Stats show that homeless are:
1. more likely to have suffered hypothermia, frostbite or trenchfoot ;
2. at greater risk of long-term health conditions (64%) compared to those who have ;
never been homeless (37%) ;
3. four times more likely than the general population to experience mental health ;
problems, of which 50% developed only after becoming homeless ;
4. 13 times more likely to have experienced violence against their person ;
5. 47 times more likely to be the victim of theft ;
6. more likely to face a reduced life expectancy ;
7. 35 times more likely to commit suicide than the general population.
Due to these higher rates of illness and violence we have a duty of care that should be extended to vulnerable homeless people. Homelessness is a human rights issue. The Human Rights Commission states that everyone has the right to shelter, the right to safety, to dignity.
Fact: Most of what homeless receive - would never be distributed by the UN or Red Cross.
Many resources work hard at continually supplying blankets, sleeping bags, tents and other 'camping gear' to this population. However, many do not realise that this gear is not designed for everyday use nor would it be endorsed by the UN or Red Cross. As a result, such inappropriate equipment becomes both unusable and potentially deadly when it is damp or in rainy/windy conditions. Due to the cold, much of this equipment is bulky to carry around and undignified. You will distribute a new benchmark of aid to your local homeless. Study proven, laboratory tested and field proven.
Fact: Homelessness is costly to society.
What is the cost of Homelessness?
People without basic goods can be driven to petty crime. Some will be forced into sexual exploitation
The above often leads to various forms of substance abuse and addiction. This in turn promotes a wide array of anti-social behavior… involving substantial problems and avoidable costs for your community.
For example in the USA.
• Everynight over 240,000 Americans sleep without shelter. (2013 State of US Homelessness).
• The cost to the community and government due to homeless without shelter exceeds $13.8 Billion / year - due to Jail time, hospital stays and emergency room visits. (2012 US Dept HUD).
People become homeless for various reasons, ranging from sudden financial difficulties to domestic violence and family breakdowns, mental health issues, unemployment, eviction, gambling, or migrant trauma.
Fact: There are not enough shelters so where do they go tonight, tomorrow, or the next?
Homeless are in desperate need of support while they rebuild their lives. Until government bodies can meet the demand for homeless accommodation, what can we do to alleviate the suffering of this segment of our society?
Who are the homeless sleeping on your streets?
. . . to spend one night in their world?
What would it be like . . .
PROPOSED HOMELESS
ROTARIAN ACTION GROUP
We Save Lives
Email: register@homelessrag.org
Stuart McDonald, Rotary Club of Healesville, District 9810, Victoria, Australia.
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