Those Experiencing Homelessness: Our Forgotten Neighbors (and How the Y is Still Positioned to Help)

Disclaimer - This article contains opinions, thoughts, and emotions that are my own and are not reflective of my employer, national office, or industry.

The YMCA, an organization deeply committed to fostering strong communities and promoting social responsibility, has long held a noble mission at its core: "For All." This statement embodies the YMCA's dedication to inclusivity and its aspiration to serve all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Recently, I read a post on an online forum that inquired about facilities' approaches to allowing the housing insecure to utilize their facilities for a shower. In reading the comments, I was alarmed, disappointed, and frustrated at the number of individuals who replied to the post sharing that they assess a fee to those individuals between $2-5 per visit to shower at their facility. After several days, I haven't been able to shake the thoughts and feelings within me after seeing this post. At the core of the Y's purpose is our mission of being "For All", meaning we are here for all people in all dimensions of diversity - which includes housing status. I feel that, in alignment with our mission, we should be providing spaces for our most vulnerable community members to recreate, convene, and belong so that they can have an equitable opportunity at achieving their life's purposes.

Yet, these recent discussions on online forums have shed light on a pressing issue: we are still creating "invisible barriers" to executing on our mission. This article seeks to delve deeper into the issue, highlighting the often-overlooked challenges faced by the housing insecure and urging us to confront unconscious biases that can prevent us from recognizing their needs and the needs of all dimensions of diversity. Furthermore, it encourages us to harness the unique platform of the YMCA to address social inequities and provide vital resources to those who need them.

The Unseen Struggles of the Housing Insecure

The housing insecure, a marginalized and vulnerable population, confront a multitude of hardships in their daily lives. Often, these individuals are faced with limited access to even the most basic resources, including hygiene facilities. It is imperative that we acknowledge and understand their struggles, which are frequently overshadowed by stereotypes and unconscious biases. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), nearly 600,000 individuals were experiencing homelessness in the United States in 2022. With growth in this population since 2016, I do believe it is our due diligence to know their struggles and find ways in which we can address them and support our neighbors in need.

Some of the most common disparities in essential resources among those experiencing homelessness are:

• Healthcare, medicine, and mental health services
• Education, Trade Skills, and Job Training programs
• Food and water, especially nutritious whole foods
• Showers, hygiene products, and hygiene services (i.e.: haircuts)
• Clothing and adequate shelter
• Connection to other people and a safe community

As a community convener, the Y has a unique platform to bring service providers, especially government and non-profit services, to community members. The Y is regarded as a safe place for many; it is no wonder that the housing insecure are walking into our facilities humbly asking to regain a small piece of their humanity through a shower. Should we not create space for them to renew their dignity?

Challenging Preconceptions

Unconscious biases can significantly impact our perceptions of housing insecure individuals. These biases may lead us to believe that they are dangerous or pose other threats. It is essential that we actively challenge these preconceptions and recognize that every person, regardless of their housing status, deserves empathy and support. The narrative that the housing insecure are more prone to engage in criminal activity is heavily skewed by states that have outlawed the very act of experiencing homelessness. According to the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) , 48 states have outlawed some basic human survival activities such as sleeping in public, eating or sitting on the streets, and living in a motor vehicle. The true fact of the matter is that these laws are dangerous, not only for the people they directly affect, but also for society's perception of a population in need.

Here is the truth - people experiencing homelessness are not defined by their housing status.

They are folks in need of assistance and we are called to help our neighbors in need. Take a moment to challenge your bias and recognize how we have all been conditioned to alienate our neighbors.

The YMCA's Unique Role

The YMCA, as a community-oriented organization with a rich history of promoting social responsibility, is uniquely positioned to address these pressing social inequities. Its mission of "For All" is not just a slogan; it's a commitment to making its facilities accessible to everyone in the community, including the housing insecure.

The YMCA serves as a community nexus, a place where people from all walks of life converge. By actively embracing housing insecure individuals, the YMCA can foster a sense of belonging and community, dispelling the isolation that often plagues those experiencing homelessness. For those without stable housing, the YMCA can be a safe haven. It offers shelter (whether on a quick temporary basis, or, shoutout to the Y's still providing permanent housing facilities) from the elements, ensuring that basic human needs like safety, warmth, and security are met, contributing to an individual's sense of dignity.

Beyond just offering showers, the YMCA can provide access to a range of essential services, such as hygiene products and clean clothing. Activate your community, gather volunteers, and partner with businesses and other non-profits to gather these essential items and distribute them to those in need. These services empower individuals to maintain personal hygiene, health, and self-esteem.

Speaking of partnerships, the Y can collaborate with local organizations to provide housing insecure individuals with access to skill-building workshops and employment opportunities. This not only addresses immediate needs but also helps individuals regain self-sufficiency.

The Power of a Shower: Restoring Dignity and Hope

Those of us with the privilege of a stable housing situation take our daily showers for granted. A shower is much more than what you and I know it as; it is a source of profound transformation for housing insecure individuals. It has the power to:

• Restore Dignity: For those who have been living on the streets, a shower provides an immediate sense of cleanliness and self-worth. It allows individuals to shed the physical and emotional weight of homelessness, rekindling their dignity.
• Boost Confidence: Feeling clean and refreshed can significantly boost an individual's self-esteem and confidence. This newfound self-assuredness can be a critical step toward rebuilding their lives.
• Improve Health: Regular access to showers helps mitigate health risks associated with homelessness, such as skin infections and diseases. A healthier body fosters a healthier mind and spirit.
• Facilitate Social Reintegration: The kindness of offering showers and demonstrating that someone belongs can be a catalyst for change. It sends a powerful message that society cares, potentially inspiring individuals to seek assistance, reconnect with people, or pursue opportunities for growth.

Everyday at the Y, we see the power of a simple "Hello". The simple act of showing kindness, especially to those experiencing homelessness, can have a profound and lasting impact on their lives. When housing insecure individuals are welcomed and embraced by the YMCA and its community, they experience:

• Validation: Being treated with respect and kindness validates their humanity, reminding them that they are not defined by their housing status.
• Hope: Acts of kindness and belonging instill hope. Knowing that there are people and organizations that care can motivate individuals to seek positive change in their lives.
• Community and Support: Feeling like they belong to a community can lead to stronger support networks, which can be instrumental in helping individuals transition out of homelessness.

Uniting Against Bias

The Y can and should play a vital role in combating unconscious biases and fostering inclusivity. By raising awareness among YMCA staff, members, and the broader community about the challenges faced by the housing insecure, we can encourage empathy and understanding. Let us not forget the Y's roots in providing housing. In the 1860's the first YMCA housing units are documented having begun in Chicago, IL, according to YMCA of the USA . Some of the world's most profound individuals have stayed in YMCA housing units, such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Through history alone, we are called to this work and the positive continuation of the ways in which it has adapted.

I always like to leave people with action items or take-aways. If you have made it this far (thank you) hopefully, you are wanting to activate inclusive practices at your facility to support these folks. Here are some quick and easy ways to make the work happen right at home:

1. Waiving Fees, Provide Access: Just erase them. Take it out of your practices. They are not justifiable, kind, or needed. Instead, embrace our mission of being "For All". Make belonging your policy for housing insecure individuals and for anyone else. By doing so, you demonstrate a commitment to providing equitable opportunities for all members of your community by providing access for all.
2. Collaborating with Local Organizations: Forge partnerships with local nonprofits, shelters, and service providers to identify ways in which you can connect housing insecure individuals to their services. As the Y, we do not need to do it all, but we can activate community easily. Take it a step further if you're feeling motivated as an equity warrior and find organizations that can help you identify those experiencing homelessness and offer them free access to shower facilities proactively.
3. Education and Outreach: Use the YMCA's unique platform to educate the community about the importance of inclusivity and the unique challenges faced by the housing insecure. Break down stereotypes and encourage dialogue. Break the mold and be a catalyst for change.
4. Volunteer Opportunities: Create opportunities for housing insecure individuals to volunteer at the YMCA, in turn providing them with access to essential facilities and fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. Better yet, create opportunities for people of all housing statuses to come together. There's power in sharing our experiences first hand - it builds understanding and empathy.
5. Fundraising and Donations: Establish programs or initiatives to raise funds or collect donations to support housing insecure individuals' access to showers and other critical services and goods.

Conclusion

Admittedly, this article writing was fueled by a passion for DEIB but also by frustration that our world still sits in a space of bias. As citizens and community members, we have the opportunity to change the lives of people every single day. These issues are not unique to the YMCA or to any specific city, state, or region. We all need to look at our own actions, the processes of companies and organizations, and how our society conditions us. When we begin to question "what has always been", we'll see progress and change unfold before our eyes.

From within the Y perspective, our mission to be "For All" extends to all dimensions of diversity, including housing status. Charging housing insecure individuals for basic services like shower access runs counter to this mission and its underlying values. It is incumbent upon us to recognize and confront unconscious biases that may hinder us from acknowledging the needs of all people. By doing so, we can create a more compassionate, equitable, and resilient society, fulfilling the true spirit of the YMCA's mission and using our unique platform to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most. Let us break down the barriers, challenge our biases, and work together to support all people. Love your neighbor and be well.