Compassion for the homeless

Chances are, there were no obituaries written for some of the homeless men and women who died in Utah this past year. But they were remembered at a vigil at Bishop Weigand Resource Center Courtyard last week. Candles were lit and the names of 49 people were read to acknowledge their lives and, for many, their premature deaths. The dead ranged in age from just 16 to 64.

There are myriad reasons that people end up homeless. But it is generally accepted that homeless people who have more structure due to intensive case management will fare better than those who go day to day wondering where they will sleep for the night or where they will find their next meal.

In many respects, Utah has done an admirable job coordinating services, housing and case management for the state's homeless population, who may number as many as 4,000 people, by some estimates. While many Utahns contribute financially to the organizations that serve the homeless, many of these agencies face an ongoing battle with the NIMBY syndrome — NOT IN MY BACK YARD. The latest example is a dispute in West Valley City over an apartment project for chronically homeless people over 55.

Perhaps with more education — and compassion — neighbors of the senior housing development would come to accept the facility and its occupants, who will be carefully screened before moving into the complex. They are senior-aged men and women who need a place to live in their latter years. It makes sense to house them in a facility where case managers can make a single stop to visit multiple clients. Seemingly, these regular visits should help allay the concerns of neighbors.

Many homeless people do not live into their senior years. Those who refuse to live in shelters or transitional housing are exposed to the elements — the bitter cold of winter and unrelenting heat of summer. They have no regular access to health care, which means small, treatable issues can readily turn into life-threatening conditions. When they are not attached to a case worker or shelter, it is far more difficult to obtain substance-abuse treatment, health care or mental health treatment. People who are mentally ill may harm themselves or they are vulnerable to harm from others.

Some 50 homeless people in Utah, for a variety of reasons, died this past year.

In the season of giving, it is not adequate to write a check or give lip service to helping our fellow man. We have to do the heavy lifting that improves the odds that the homeless have a dignified existence and, when possible, become self-sufficient. That starts with a decent and safe place to live.