Homelessness: What Would You Do?

I just finished reading an article by Nathan Curby, titled, . It was an excellent recap of the condition of the unsheltered homeless in Prince William County.

At the end of the article, there was a comment posted by a reader who made a statement, then asked a question, “There is little in the way of affordable housing in the county. Single occupancy housing is a humane and altogether reasonable solution to much homelessness. What political party would support such?”

How do we answer such a question? I certainly agree that single family housing is humane, but is it reasonable? Where would these single family homes come from? Who would pay for them and who would continue to pay for the utilities, maintenance and taxes?

During the flooding in early September, I read questions and comments suggesting we house the homeless in the vacant homes in Prince William County. I wondered how that would work. Just because the homes were vacant doesn’t mean that no one owns them. Perhaps it’s an evil bank that owns the vacant house…should the bank be forced to open these homes to house the many who have no home? What about liability and insurance? Should the bank have to pay that, too? Again, who will pay the utilities and maintenance?

I don’t know the answers to the homeless conundrum. I assume that since there are homeless people in Dale City, Woodbridge, Manassas, all the rest of prince William County, every other city and state in the United States and every country in the world, that no one else knows the answer, either.

I have a dear friend who raised $5,000 from her family and friends to make a trip through Habitat for Humanity to help build homes in Haiti. I love Habitat and have worked as a volunteer on several projects locally. I confess I was torn about supporting my friend’s efforts to help someone in need, through an effort by an organization I admire, in another country.

I don’t think I am a selfish person, but I really had to wonder, “Why not just stay here?” Why do we raise money, donate funds, send supplies, and build on foreign soil when our own citizens are homeless? Is it because in Haiti, people are so poor they starve to death? Truly, when is the last time you heard a homeless person in America starved to death?

Someplace deep in my miserly heart, I also know I don’t want to just “give” mindlessly. One of the things I love about Habitat is that homeowners partner with Habitat, providing many hours of labor on the house they want to own. Habitat homeowners do not get something for nothing.

Usually, when I write a column for Patch, I have some idea in my head about the right and the wrong of a topic. I share information and usually ask questions of Patch readers in the hope that an issue previously undecided may become clear to readers. I share my thoughts and ideas and hope that you will do the same. In this case, I have no solid thoughts to guide you. I do know that many of the homeless are mentally unstable or addicted to drugs. Those people cannot be housed safely with others. I know families cannot share quarters with people who may endanger them.

I know that not all homeless want to be helped. Some folks prefer to stay by themselves, live on their own. That is really unfortunate, as there is no free land available. All land is owned by someone, whether it is an individual, a company, a bank or the government. One needs permission to occupy land.

Sanitation is an issue for homeless. Crime is an issue for homeless. Mental stability, poverty, sustenance, education, shelter…myriad problems all require a solution.

Here’s what I do know for certain: It is my problem and it is your problem. We can’t pretend it does not exist or turn our heads aside. The politicians of any party, churches and government agencies cannot solve this without our help. What’s your idea?