As I reflect on the recent news that homeless families will be barred from sleeping overnight at Logan International Airport, I can’t help but feel conflicted. On one hand, I understand the need to maintain order and cleanliness in a busy airport. It makes sense that officials want to ensure that terminals are not being turned into makeshift shelters for those who are experiencing homelessness. However, on the other hand, I can’t shake the feeling of compassion for those who find themselves in such dire circumstances that they have no choice but to seek refuge in public spaces like airports.
I have personally encountered instances where people were sleeping near airport terminals, and it was evident that they were homeless.… Continue reading
The recent news of homeless individuals being relocated out of Edinburgh to make room for Taylor Swift fans has sparked outrage and mixed emotions. Some argue that it is a necessary step to accommodate the influx of tourists and boost the local economy, while others view it as a blatant injustice towards those who are already struggling to find shelter and support.
The idea of displacing homeless individuals to make room for an international superstar’s fans raises ethical questions and sheds light on the priorities of society. While it is understandable that successful events like stadium tours can bring significant economic benefits to a city, it also highlights the harsh reality of homelessness and the lack of adequate accommodations for those in need.… Continue reading
The recent news about Trump aide Johnny McEntee claiming to have given unhoused people fake money so they would get arrested for passing counterfeit currency is not just outrageous, it is downright despicable. The fact that someone in a position of influence and power would stoop so low as to prey on the most vulnerable in society shows a complete lack of human morality. It is a reflection of the depravity that exists within certain individuals who prioritize their own amusement over the well-being of others.
McEntee’s actions not only highlight a complete lack of empathy and decency but also raise serious legal concerns.… Continue reading
Living inside a rooftop grocery store sign with a computer and a coffee maker for a year – what a concept. When I first heard about this story, it really made me stop and think about the lengths that people will go to in order to have a place to call home. The fact that this woman was able to create a cozy little space for herself in such a unique location is both impressive and heartbreaking at the same time.
The authorities found an elaborate setup inside the sign, complete with a computer, printer, and a Keurig coffee maker. It’s amazing to think about the resourcefulness and creativity that went into making this sign her home.… Continue reading
The current debate around whether cities can criminalize homelessness and disband camps is a complex and contentious issue that raises important questions about the treatment of vulnerable populations in our society. As someone who works in the construction industry, I have seen firsthand the growing need for solutions to provide long-term housing and support for those experiencing homelessness. The idea of shelters that offer not just a temporary refuge, but a path to rehabilitation, job training, and integration into a community is a promising approach that could offer real solutions to those in need.
However, the recent Supreme Court case surrounding the legality of removing homeless encampments and criminalizing homelessness forces us to confront a moral dilemma.… Continue reading
The number of homeless in Japan hits a record low. This headline caught my attention because it seems almost too good to be true. I remember my time in Japan vividly, and I must admit, I rarely encountered visibly homeless individuals during my travels. However, as I delved deeper into the issue, I learned about the concept of ‘Jouhatsu’, the ‘evaporated people’ who are homeless but unreported, living off-grid. These individuals choose to remain hidden due to the shame associated with losing a career or being unable to provide for their families. The presence of thousands of ‘Jouhatsu’ individuals, unaccounted for in official statistics, sheds light on a hidden aspect of homelessness in Japan.… Continue reading
I recently came across a story about a millionaire who decided to conduct an experiment to prove that anyone could earn $1 million in a year, even starting from scratch. The twist? He intentionally became poor for this experiment. However, things didn’t quite go as planned, as he ended up failing at the 10-month mark with only $64,000 to show for it. At first glance, one might think that $64k is a respectable amount, but delving deeper into the circumstances surrounding his experiment reveals a different story altogether.
It’s important to note that this individual was not truly experiencing homelessness in the same way that many people do.… Continue reading
Growing up in a town where a church was faced with limitations on providing meals to the homeless, I can’t help but feel a sense of disappointment in the way some individuals prioritize bureaucracy over human compassion. The idea that feeding the hungry can be restricted or regulated is truly disheartening. When a church is trying to emulate the values of their faith by helping those in need, it should be commended, not hindered.
The fact that there were complaints about increasing meal services during the pandemic is beyond my comprehension. The thought of people complaining about others being fed truly highlights a lack of empathy and understanding within our society.… Continue reading
Oregon leaders have recently declared a 90-day state of emergency in downtown Portland to address the fentanyl crisis that has crippled the city. As an Oregon native, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of this crisis and the failure of previous approaches to tackle the issue. It is a nightmare for everyone involved, and it’s disheartening to see the city I once loved falling apart.
The efforts to combat this crisis include two public health campaigns and increased outreach to get people into treatment, recovery, and housing services. While these initiatives are promising, I can’t help but wonder if they will be enough to make a significant impact.… Continue reading
The record number of Americans who are homeless amid a nationwide surge in rent is a deeply concerning issue that I feel strongly about. As someone who works in homeless services, I have seen firsthand the devastating impact that skyrocketing rent prices can have on individuals and families. It is disheartening to witness the increasing number of people who are unable to afford a safe and stable place to live.
I am not surprised by the statistics that show a significant increase in homelessness, as I have seen this trend first-hand in my community. The rising cost of rent is simply not proportional to the increase in income, especially for those working in the service industry.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood