Effects of Turning Our Backs on the Poor
When a community like Parksville turns its back on the poor by failing to provide essential services such as warming stations and all-weather shelters, several detrimental effects can unfold:
### Negative Impacts of Neglect:
1. **Emergence of Makeshift Shelters**: The lack of proper facilities often leads to the creation of makeshift shelters. Individuals are forced to find refuge in abandoned buildings, alleys, or public parks, leading to a growth of shantytowns.
2. **Increased Crime Rates**: As desperation sets in, crime rates can rise. Individuals may resort to theft or other illegal activities for survival. A lack of trust and safety permeates the community, leading to fear among residents.
3. **Public Health Crisis**: Without access to sanitation or healthcare, the overall health of the community declines. Infections, mental health issues, and substance abuse can spike, creating a public health crisis.
4. **Decreased Property Values**: Areas with visible homelessness and makeshift shelters often see a dip in property values, impacting the local economy and leading to less tax revenue for essential services.
5. **Social Division**: An increased divide between the housed and unhoused fosters a sense of isolation and stigma, leading to community fragmentation and decreased social cohesion.
### Estimated Percentages of Negative Effects:
- **Increase in Crime Rates**: 25% increase in local crime statistics.
- **Decrease in Property Values**: 15-20% decline in property values in affected areas.
- **Public Health Issues**: 30% rise in emergency room visits due to health-related crises among the homeless population.
- **Community Support Decline**: 40% decrease in community initiatives and support programs.
### Positive Impacts of Support:
In contrast, a community that provides warming stations and all-weather shelters reaps numerous benefits:
1. **Reduction in Homelessness**: By offering shelter, cities can significantly lower the number of individuals living on the streets, leading to a healthier population.
2. **Decreased Crime Rates**: Supportive environments reduce the need for crime, creating safer neighborhoods. This nurturing atmosphere fosters trust and community connectedness.
3. **Improved Public Health**: Access to food, hygiene, and healthcare lowers illness rates. Communities that care see a healthier population overall.
4. **Increased Property Values**: A commitment to social services can stabilize or boost property values, improving local economies and increasing tax revenues for community services.
5. **Enhanced Social Cohesion**: Investing in all citizens cultivates a sense of belonging, fostering solidarity and shared purpose among community members.
### Estimated Percentages of Positive Effects:
- **Reduction in Homelessness**: 50% decrease in the homeless population when proper facilities are available.
- **Decrease in Crime Rates**: 20% reduction in local crime statistics.
- **Public Health Improvement**: 40% decline in emergency room visits and health crises in the homeless population.
- **Increase in Property Values**: 10-15% increase in property values in neighborhoods with strong support systems.
- **Community Engagement Boost**: 60% increase in community volunteerism and support initiatives.
### Conclusion
The choices a community makes regarding its vulnerable populations profoundly impact its overall well-being. A city that neglects its less fortunate members is likely to experience a deterioration in safety, health, and community cohesion. In contrast, providing essential services leads to vibrant, healthy neighborhoods where everyone can thrive. By investing in our most vulnerable citizens, we foster a culture of compassion and resilience that benefits all.
Robin Campbell
Manna Homeless Society
Donations can be made by e-transfer to:
Or  cheques can be sent to: Manna Homeless Society P.O. Box 389
Errington BC VOR 1VO
