Author: mfadeyi

About me 

My name is Mary Fadeyi, and I’m a sociology and anthropology student from Nigeria. I am enthusiastic about solving homelessness, particularly in African diaspora communities, through effective policies and initiatives. My objective is to fight for policies that emphasize the needs of underrepresented people while also promoting social justice and equality in housing. Through research and activism, I hope to help create inclusive and sustainable communities in which everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

As I was working on the webcase, I had trouble finding government records regarding homelessness in Brockton; therefore a lot of local sources, such as news sites, were used in my research. It was challenging for me to decide how to organize this paper. Perhaps the peer review will be useful in pointing out the areas in which I can strengthen my web case. My recommendation and thoughts are still in the early stages of development, so I haven’t contributed them yet. I plan to do so once I feel like I will be able to get my point across. Although this serves as a guide for what information I want to include in my webcast as instructed, I believe I still have a lot of schoolwork and research to do. my web case better.

In Brockton, there are many organizations that try to aid the homeless Hip, Mainsprings and Father bill are the more major organizations 

“The tents definitely helped us, but were at such close proximity that people were still close to each other,” Yazwinski said. “It had its challenges. There were a lot of wind storms. Anything over 40 mph and we had to bring people in. We brought people in some nights when there were protests, when we were concerned about people’s safety. It defeated the purpose. It was hard.”

Father Bill’s more innovative, transformative approach to addressing homelessness has emerged from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of emergency response efforts in 2020, Father Bill’s and MainSpring utilized the Roadway Inn as temporary shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness. However, what began as a short-term solution soon evolved into a groundbreaking model for permanent housing. Under the leadership of April Connolly, Chief Operating Officer of Father Bill’s, the transition from emergency shelter to permanent housing marked a significant shift in addressing homelessness in the community. Witnessing the positive impact of providing individuals with their own spaces, Connolly recognized the potential to enhance quality of life and foster independence among shelter residents. The conversion of the Roadway Inn into the Roadway Apartments in early 2022 symbolized a new era in housing solutions for the homeless population.A tour of the Roadway Apartments reveals more than just physical infrastructure; it reflects a commitment to dignity, autonomy, and stability for its residents. Each unit, approximately 300 square feet in size, boasts its own bathroom and kitchenette area, offering a sense of ownership and self-sufficiency. The cost-effective nature of the conversion, at $150,000 per unit compared to the $300,000 to $500,000 typically required for new construction, highlights the innovative and pragmatic approach adopted by Father Bill’s.Ray Gaessler, one of Roadway’s tenants, embodies the transformative impact of permanent housing. For Gaessler, his newfound stability not only affords him the opportunity to enjoy simple pleasures like cooking meals and collecting DVDs but also strengthens his familial bonds. With his sons now able to visit him in his own home, Gaessler’s experience underscores the profound sense of belonging and connection facilitated by stable housing.The success of the Roadway Apartments has far-reaching implications beyond Brockton, serving as a blueprint for other non-profit organizations seeking to address homelessness through innovative housing solutions. With several organizations across the state expressing interest in similar initiatives, the Roadway model represents a scalable and replicable approach to tackling homelessness on a broader scale.Looking ahead, Father Bill’s remains committed to expanding its housing initiatives, leveraging vacant or under-utilized properties to further advance its mission. The acquisition of an armory in Brockton for conversion into both shelter and permanent housing exemplifies the organization’s dedication to meeting the diverse needs of the homeless population while revitalizing community spaces.In conclusion, the transformation of the Roadway Inn into permanent housing units epitomizes the power of collaboration, creativity, and compassion in addressing homelessness. By prioritizing the dignity and well-being of individuals experiencing homelessness, organizations like Father Bill’s are not only providing shelter but also nurturing hope and opportunity for a brighter future.

 

One of the most significant organizations in Brockton for supporting and advocating for the city’s homeless population is the Homeless Improvement Project (HIP). The principal aim of HIP is to provide homeless people with a caring and impartial atmosphere throughout the day, providing them with a space where they may get support and relief. In addition to providing immediate assistance, HIP hopes to function as a spark for more extensive community involvement and initiatives targeted at putting an end to local homelessness. HIP supports strategies for addressing homelessness that benefit not only the homeless but the whole community. One of its main projects is to develop housing options for the homeless by addressing underused and empty properties in Brockton and surrounding communities. HIP plans to repurpose these sites in order to provide residences as well as eliminate urban blight, increase tax revenue, and create new housing units for both homeless individuals and working families. This holistic approach aligns with HIP’s vision of addressing homelessness as a community-wide issue that requires collaborative solutions. Furthermore, HIP operates with a mission to motivate homeless individuals to improve their lives while also inspiring Brockton and nearby communities to commit to ending homelessness. Through advocacy, education, and community outreach, HIP seeks to raise awareness about the root causes of homelessness and mobilize individuals and organizations to take action. By fostering a sense of collective responsibility and solidarity, HIP aims to create lasting change and support homeless individuals in their journey towards stability and self-sufficiency. In addition to its advocacy work, HIP provides practical support to homeless individuals by offering resources, referrals, and assistance with navigating social services. By creating a welcoming and supportive environment, HIP empowers homeless individuals to access the help they need and take steps towards improving their circumstances. Through its multifaceted approach, HIP serves as a beacon of hope and resilience for the homeless population in Brockton, demonstrating that positive change is possible when communities come together to address the challenges of homelessness. http://www.homelessimprovementproject.org/about-.html#:~:text=HIP’s%20vision%20is%20to%20motivate,in%20solid%2C%20decent%20paying%20jobs.

Homelessness in Brockton has undergone significant shifts over the past decade, with the dismantling of makeshift “tent cities” under the tenure of former Mayor Bill Carpenter. Tent City are located in a wooded area behind North Montello, Elliot and North Cary streets in Brockton. In summer and early fall, many homeless people decide to take their chances camping outdoors to escape overcrowded shelters. As a result, the city now grapples with providing essential services to those in need, On average, MainSpring has about 115 people sleep at the shelter each night. The shelter receives funding from the state for 51 beds per night, the Elm Street Day Center offering respite and support during the day for the homeless population.

We haven’t seen an increase in funding in 17 years,” said John Yazwinski, president and CEO of Father Bill’s and MainSpring. “We don’t turn people away, so that’s a constant struggle.”

Perkins Park occupies a central role in the lives of many individuals facing homelessness in Brockton, serving as a refuge despite its association with substance use and violence. The park has garnered a reputation for fostering a sense of community and mutual support among its residents, offering a safe haven where mutual understanding and protection prevail. However, the stigma attached to substance use at Perkins Park has attracted increased scrutiny from law enforcement agencies, perpetuating misconceptions and challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness. The sixty-eight-year-old homeless volunteer Donna Dougherty works as a volunteer at the Keys of the Kingdom Tabernacle of Prayer, an old church close to the park. She frequently passes food through the bars of the gate that covers the front door of the church to other homeless persons. She described herself as a “gambler” despite not using illicit drugs. She experienced a severe depressive episode, was divorced, and ended up homeless. After living in the former “tent city,” after the dismantling she now spends her with her fellow homeless people at Perkins Park .Donna Dougherty’s story sheds light on the intersection of homelessness and addiction, highlighting the complexities individuals like her navigate while contending with addiction amidst their struggles for stability. Despite the availability of shelter services, reluctance persists among individuals grappling with substance use disorders to seek refuge due to restrictions on drugs and alcohol within shelters.

 

 

 

 

A trash bin located inside Perkins park label needle park

 

 

 

 

Josh Amaral, the Director of Housing and Community Development for the City of New Bedford. also highlight some of the cause of denying service due to addiction in my interview

Josh; So once you’re stable in the house, you might, you might be able to get some outpatient substance use counseling or treatment, you might be able to go see a mental health therapist, you can get on the road to education or training or enter the workforce. Again, that makes perfect sense to all of us. However, sometimes that the housing first issue is invoked, and folks basically refuse to engage with any kind of case management whatsoever. And so we worry about placing folks that are the most vulnerable into apartments, where they might refuse to participate in any case management and any services that go about addressing any of the barriers that they have to success in their life. And so it becomes kind of a difficult dynamic…….But that’s a very difficult circumstance that some of our providers face, and then particularly those that have multiple units in the same building, there’s a concern that if like one tenant is in sort of active use, and they have some problems that are coming with that, that can have a tendency to spread the other people that might be living in there. So, you know, if I had a drug addiction, and I’m clean and sober now, but my neighbor next door is still actively using, I might have an increased temptation to go over there. And so it’s a really difficult circumstance. So we try to follow the federal policy, it’s important to us to do that. And we, the phrases, everybody is housing ready, right, you don’t need to do anything to be ready to move into housing. But then the other is, you know, it’s housing first, but not housing only, you need to have some level of services provided.

The Presence of law enforcement in areas frequented by the homeless reflects broader societal perceptions and responses to homelessness and substance use. While efforts to address quality-of-life issues and crime are crucial, a nuanced approach emphasizing harm reduction and access to support services is imperative to address the multifaceted challenges faced by vulnerable populations. Perkins Park has emerged as a focal point for a marginalized community seeking solace and support, where residents have forged bonds and created a close-knit “family” within its confines. The community’s solidarity becomes evident as they shield each other from external intrusions, displaying resilience and unity in the face of adversity. While the park carries a reputation for substance use and violence, it is essential to dispel misconceptions as only a minority of Brockton’s homeless population grapples with such issues. Law enforcement maintains a vigilant presence around Perkins Park, monitoring activities within the area to address safety concerns. While some residents question the necessity of police interventions, others acknowledge the heightened risks associated with violence and drug-related incidents, underscoring the delicate balance between maintaining order and respecting the rights and dignity of individuals experiencing homelessness.

Brockton Police Department Director of Communications Darren Duarte said that “police respond to the park for medical emergencies and when receiving complaints of illegal drug activity, public drinking and other quality-of-life Issues and crimes.”

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 posed unprecedented challenges for homeless individuals in Brockton, prompting swift and innovative responses from organizations like Father Bill’s and MainSpring. The tragic loss of two homeless individuals to the virus underscored the urgent need for sustainable solutions to address homelessness amidst a global health crisis. In response to the need for social distancing, large tents were erected at Perkins Park and near the homeless shelter in Brockton, initially serving as a temporary solution to provide space for social distancing. However, logistical challenges due to inclement weather and downtown protests necessitated the relocation of approximately 60 individuals to the Rodeway Inn motel for shelter, highlighting the complexities of managing homelessness amid a pandemic. John Yazwinski, President and CEO of Father Bill’s and MainSpring, advocates for a paradigm shift in addressing homelessness in Massachusetts, emphasizing the importance of long-term housing solutions beyond traditional shelter models.

 

“People who are struggling with homelessness don’t want to be homeless,” said Yaszwinski

 

Not only is it morally right, but preventing homelessness is also a social responsibility with broad ramifications. Homelessness is a complex issue that interacts with a number of socioeconomic variables, public health issues, and structural injustices. Society can lessen the negative impacts of homelessness and promote a more just and caring community by addressing the underlying causes of the problem and putting preventive measures in place. The negative impacts that homelessness has on the community as a whole make it one of the strongest arguments for prevention. Homelessness affects the workforce, puts a pressure on public safety protocols, reduces the availability of healthcare services, and costs taxpayers money.. Shaun Donovan said that homeless individuals face a significant financial burden of around $40,000 a year living on the streets. Furthermore, the RAND Corporation analysis highlights the financial advantages of preventative actions by showing the potential for significant cost reductions through investment in long-term housing solutions. In addition to its financial cost, homelessness has a serious negative impact on public health. People who live on the streets are more likely to contract infectious illnesses, experience violence, starvation, and extreme weather, which can exacerbate pre-existing health issues and lead to the development of new ones. According to research by the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, those who are homeless often die 12 years earlier than people in the general population and have worse rates of sickness. Not only is preventing homelessness a social justice issue, but it is also a vital public health requirement. The notion of housing as a human right is deeply ingrained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, yet the reality falls short for many. The struggle for adequate housing intersects with broader societal challenges, including transportation and climate change. which affect low-income families, while the recovery process often widens the gap between the rich and poor. Stephens also highlights the concept of climate gentrification, where affluent individuals relocate to less climate-vulnerable areas, displacing lower-income residents. This phenomenon underscores the need for transformative leadership to address the interconnected issues of housing justice and climate action. Moreover, homelessness exacerbates social injustices and prolongs cycles of poverty. Chronic health disorders, drug abuse, family problems, economic hardships, domestic violence abuse, and a lack of affordable housing are among the leading causes of homelessness. Without help, these individuals and families would be trapped in a never-ending cycle of unemployment, poverty, and homelessness. Hostile architecture, which is intended to keep homeless people out of public areas, marginalizes and exacerbates social exclusion, exacerbating the difficulties that people facing housing instability encounter. Preventing homelessness necessitates a multifaceted strategy that tackles the root causes and offers supporting services to vulnerable groups. Initiatives like the Green New Deal for Public Housing and community-owned housing schemes led by Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders, advocate for renewable, zero-carbon housing as a potential solution for sustainable development it also provide potential opportunities for systemic transformation. Communities can build a safety net to keep people and families out of homelessness by pushing for affordable housing, equal access to healthcare, and supporting social services. Finally, preventing homelessness is both a moral and practical need. By investing in prevention measures, society can relieve the financial burden, improve public health outcomes, and foster a more inclusive and compassionate community. It is incumbent upon policymakers, community leaders, and individuals alike to prioritize homelessness prevention and work towards creating a society where everyone has a place to call home.

“Sustainability cannot be simply a ‘green’, or ‘environmental’ concern, important though ‘environmental’ aspects of sustainability are. A truly sustainable society is one where wider questions of social needs and welfare, and economic opportunity are integrally related to environmental limits imposed by supporting ecosystems.”– Julian Agyeman

 

The concepts of the Great Turning, energy democracy, and climate justice are crucial in addressing homelessness because they provide a holistic framework for addressing the root causes of housing insecurity and promoting long-term solutions that prioritize social equity, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience. Firstly, the Great Turning emphasizes the need for a fundamental shift in consciousness and values towards recognizing our interconnectedness with the natural world. This shift can help challenge the underlying systems of exploitation and inequality that contribute to homelessness. By fostering a deeper understanding of our relationship with the environment and promoting a culture of stewardship and responsibility, the Great Turning can inspire collective action to address homelessness in ways that are sustainable and regenerative.Energy democracy is essential in addressing homelessness because it advocates for community control of renewable resources, ensuring that the benefits of clean energy are shared equitably among all members of society. Access to affordable and sustainable energy sources is critical for providing stable housing options and reducing the energy burden on low-income households. By empowering communities to own and manage their energy resources, energy democracy can help create pathways out of homelessness by providing reliable and affordable housing solutions powered by renewable energy. Similarly, climate justice is integral to addressing homelessness because it targets social, economic, and racial injustices exacerbated by climate change. Climate impacts such as extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and natural disasters disproportionately affect marginalized communities, including those experiencing homelessness. By advocating for policies and practices that promote equity and resilience, climate justice can help mitigate the effects of climate change on vulnerable populations and prevent displacement due to environmental factors.

. As tent cities and homeless encampments expand, many cities and towns are responding by passing new laws that make ir illegal to sleep on the streets. This move is part of a larger problem of criminalizing poverty, which perpetuates a cycle of disadvantage and suffering. When officials dismantle temporary living arrangements on the stroct or when they fine or arrest people for having no home to go to, they are adding additional hardship and uncertainty and exacerbating the problem. – Jennie Stephens

In summary, by focusing on principles like the Great Turning, energy democracy, and climate justice, we can tackle homelessness and build a fairer, greener future. Preventing homelessness isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s also practical. Investing in prevention saves money, improves health, and creates a society where everyone has a home. Let’s work together to make it happen.

Addressing homelessness

The purpose of this web-case is to investigate the complicated issue of homelessness in Brockton, Massachusetts, and to offer complete policy and planning solutions based on fair sustainability principles. The policy/planning areas of attention include affordable housing, support services, tackling systemic disparities, and encouraging environmental sustainability in urban growth

.My goal is to create a comprehensive plan to address homelessness in Brockton that notonly takes care of the homeless population’s immediate needs but also fosters sustainability in the social, economic, and environmental spheres by incorporating lessons learned from successful models from cities like LA, Austin, and Portland, as well as from creative housing solutions like tiny housing communities and sustainable housing rights movements. How can Brockton, Massachusetts, effectively address homelessness through a holistic approach rooted in just sustainability principles?

Despite concerted efforts to address homelessness in brockton, the issue persists, with between 60% and 70% of individuals accessing shelter services experiencing temporary homelessness, often relying on support for a few months. Alarmingly, approximately 20% to 30% fall into the category of “chronically homeless,” highlighting the need for sustained intervention and tailored solutions to address their specific needs. With approximately 130 individuals seeking refuge each night, totaling around 1,000 individuals annually, the shelter (Father Bill’s & MainSpring) serves as a vital lifeline for those in need. Notably, the fastest-growing demographic seeking assistance comprises individuals aged 18 to 24, reflecting the complex challenges faced by young adults in the community.There are a totals 2 homeless shelters in Brockton that’s can be said to functioning, with homelessness population being 1000 or more that is not okay

Brockton’s Director of Social Services, Jazmine Bradsher, acknowledges that While estimates suggest between 50 and 60 individuals live on the streets long-term, the true figure remains elusive due to the transient nature of homelessness and the inherent difficulties in tracking individuals without stable housing.

Homelessness disproportionately impacts marginalized groups, such as persons of color, LGBTQ+ people, and those with disabilities. This reflects larger systemic disparities in access to housing, healthcare, education, and employment. By approaching homelessness through a justice and equity perspective, we can attempt to break down structural obstacles and create a more inclusive and equitable society in which everyone has equal chances and access to resources. Likewise, tackling homelessness in Brockton is critical for staying within ecosystem boundaries. Homelessness can have serious environmental consequences, including the spread of improvised shelters, increased trash, and strain on urban ecosystems. By providing permanent housing and support services, we may reduce these environmental impacts and promote more sustainable urban growth patterns. This includes not only meeting the urgent needs of people who are homeless, but also adopting long-term solutions that prioritize environmental sustainability and resilience. Furthermore, efforts focused on job training, mental health support, and community inclusion can offer comprehensive answers to homelessness. Homelessness connects to the four requirements of fair sustainability by guaranteeing equity and justice, and acknowledging cultural and economic diversity, promoting participatory governance, and addressing the quality of life and health of homeless individuals. Some tensions related to addressing homelessness include resource allocation, stigma/discrenation  and Nimbyism, systemic barriers, and racism , all of which require comprehensive and inclusive approaches to overcome. 

Key Themes

The key themes/issues addressed in this web-case include:

Affordable Housing solutions

Provision Support Services and Resources in brockton

the importance of addressing homelessness 

JUST Sustainability housing  in Urban communities

an example of a tiny house.

https://www.communityhomelesssolutions.org