Editorial, Tulsa World: Just because we can arrest people in homeless camps doesn't mean we should
A common solution to the growing number of homeless people living on the streets is to arrest them. Decades of research shows that is not effective.
Tulsans — like residents in cities across the U.S. — are increasingly frustrated by homeless encampments. These impromptu camp sites are public safety risks and worsen conditions in nearby neighborhoods and businesses.
Everyone agrees that better options must be available for homeless people living outdoors.
Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court found that cities have a right to enforce bans on homeless people sleeping in public places. Often, the bans require law enforcement to issue citations and/or make arrests for violations.
The case out of Oregon argued that such a ban was cruel and unusual punishment in cities that do not have enough shelter space. A 6-3 decision disagreed and upheld the ban.
Just because a city can arrest people for being in a homeless camp doesn't mean that should be the first or dominant solution. That ought to be a last resort.
Like the Oregon town, Tulsa also does not have enough housing for its population. A housing assessment from March 23 found that nearly 13,000 units of different levels will be needed in the next decade. About 4,000 units are needed now.
Ideally, the city would have enough housing options and programs to prevent homelessness, from having adequate low-income choices to legal assistance in eviction proceedings.
The city has made progress through efforts such as A Way Home Tulsa and partnerships with nonprofits working with homeless people. Plans for a low-barrier residential center are underway in a former nursing home and rehabilitation center near the Mohawk Park Golf Course.
Most people and families experiencing homelessness are out of sight. They are living in existing shelters, out of their cars or with family and friends. But there is a small but visible number camping in public spaces.
It's estimated that about 30% of Tulsa's homeless residents are experiencing mental health problems and 20% substance abuse disorders, with many struggling with those co-occurring. The most challenging group is the 15% of those showing a symptom known as anosognosia, which is a lack of awareness of being mentally ill.
Oklahoma doesn't have enough mental health workers, as a Healthy Minds Policy Initiative report stated in November. Oklahoma's psychiatrists are meeting only 39% of the state's needs, and psychologists are meeting 37% of the state's needs.
For homeless people camping outdoors, an arrest doesn't serve as a deterrent, as Tulsa World reporter Luisa Clausen and photographer Mike Simons found in interviews with people in local encampments.
"I am not scared of going to jail for a few days. There are a lot of advocates out there who truly help and come down to see us," said one man.
A revolving door at the jail isn't the right solution. The status quo isn't working, either.
Homelessness is a community problem needing community ideas and fixes. People cannot be allowed to create tent cities on public land or loiter, trespass or act in ways that harm neighborhoods.
Tulsa has the capacity to build a system that respects the dignity of homeless people while also keeping neighborhoods safe and clean.
[Editorial / Tulsa World]
