Reg Watson and John King

Homelessness is on the rise Economy Unemployment Approximately 1.1% of the population is homeless 6596 homeless 17,800 homeless during any given year 80% men (in shelters) 20% women (in shelters) 2000 homeless families over the course of one year DC not highest in nation Florida 1.4% New Orleans 4% (Katrina) Retrieved from

Their Mission – To End Homelessness. “… people who are currently experiencing homelessness or have formerly experienced homelessness must be actively involved in all of our work.” Their Vision: To live in a society that is just and without homelessness. The Homeless Challenge

Preparing for the journey Consider preconceived ideas/feelings about homeless people Dress in shabbiest clothes; no change of clothes, wear layers Carry blanket and coat (for pillow) Do not bathe for at least 2 days prior; no deodorant Men do not shave for at least 5 days Little or no cash No jewelry: watches, rings, earrings, necklaces, etc. Bring cardboard for mattress Cigarettes

A Continuum Disheveled………………………………………Well Groomed Incoherent………………………………………Articulate Uneducated ………….…………… College education Illiterate………………………………………….Literate Invisible/Unnoticed…………..…………..Visible

Diversity of Race—What we observed Primarily African American men Latinos Caucasians Asian Gender Mostly men A few women Experiencing Racism Hotel Bathroom

Daniel – the Notre Dame guy & aspirations for the White House (1986) John – suspicious Steve – talkative, provide useful information (cigarette salesman) Glen – mother’s death, job loss, on the streets for 4 years Trish – aggressive panhandler & coke addict Karen – cleaning up her act but not ready to get off the street John the carpenter

A few stats: In DC approximately 29% of homeless people are mentally ill 38% have a history of substance abuse 17% are physically disabled Disabled veterans on the streets Schizophrenia Dissociative Identity Disorder Depression Visually Impaired Homeless

Some are positive and hopeful Others are Negative and Bitter Aggressive Apathetic Numb

From Homeless Point of View (POV) City/Mayor Disinterested in the Homeless Not doing enough Systematically trying to run them out

Figuring out where to get food, shelter, clothing, shower, laundry Mobile Food Vans Martha’s Table Salvation Army Shelters vs. The Street Creative Ways of Earning Income Street Vender “Street Sense” Paper Exploiting the homeless vs. needs

We came into this with preconceived ideas. What we came away with: