“Uncovering the Trauma of Homeless Sweeps: How Cities Are Failing the Most Vulnerable”
In a recent investigation by ProPublica, it was revealed how cities across the United States have been ignoring their own policies and court orders when it comes to clearing homeless encampments. The report highlighted the traumatic experiences faced by individuals like Teresa Stratton in Portland, Oregon, who have had their belongings confiscated during these sweeps.
Teresa, a 61-year-old woman living on the streets, expressed her desire to have a place to call home again. She described the challenges of living outside, where dirt embeds in her skin and her belongings are constantly at risk of being taken away during city-sanctioned sweeps. In one heartbreaking instance, she lost the ashes of her late husband to a sweep, emphasizing the emotional toll these actions have on homeless individuals.
The investigation found that cities often fail to store the confiscated property properly, leading to individuals losing valuable possessions like tents, sleeping bags, journals, pictures, and mementos. Even when cities are ordered to stop seizing belongings and provide storage, the report revealed that people are rarely reunited with their possessions.
This issue has become even more pressing as cities have recently passed new camping bans or started enforcing existing ones, following a Supreme Court decision that allows local officials to punish people for sleeping outside, even when shelter is not available. President-elect Donald Trump has also vowed to address homelessness by banning urban camping and creating “tent cities,” further raising concerns about the treatment of homeless individuals.
However, the report suggests that there are more effective and compassionate ways for cities to address homelessness. The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness has released updated strategies for handling encampments, emphasizing the importance of providing notice before removals and storing belongings for extended periods to allow individuals to secure permanent housing.
By working with unhoused individuals over weeks, rather than days, before conducting sweeps, cities can help them transition into stable housing without the trauma of losing their possessions. This approach, supported by experts like Marc Dones from the Benioff Homelessness and Housing initiative, focuses on providing support and resources to homeless individuals rather than punitive measures.
Ultimately, the report calls for a shift in how cities address homelessness, moving away from punitive policies and towards more compassionate and effective solutions. By recognizing the humanity of individuals like Teresa and Kyra Gonzales, who shared their stories of loss and resilience, the report aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by homeless individuals and advocate for better support systems to help them rebuild their lives.