Homeless in Seattle
Most readers will recall a movie entitled “Sleepless in Seattle” which was not about the homeless. Still, that title would also apply to the homeless in Seattle.
In many respects the homeless in Seattle are like the homeless in any city – small or large. They are the mentally ill, the addicted, the working poor who cannot afford the high price of housing. those convicted of crimes we decide render them the untouchable; the ones which are not safe to have near us or our families; the ones who crimes label them as much worse than – the ones whose label themselves the undeserving – the hopeless and unworthy of love. There are also those who are homeless by choice; those one used to refer to as hobos
Seattle is a city of immigrants:
It is not surprising that one finds signs in the windows of some businesses stating that one will be asked to leave if one engages in behavior which exhibits homophobia, sexism, racism or any other behavior which makes people feel unwelcome. I also saw a sign in a window which says “We proudly serve immigrants and refugees.”
Thus, in this very welcoming city, it seems incongruous that there is a movement to make the homeless less welcome or certainly less visible. It is true that being constantly solicited for money, having drunk or high individuals in one’s face, having to step over prone bodies when trying to enter a business establishment discourages tourists and some other customers. Who wants to feel guilty for having a little money to spend; money for which one has worked very hard? Who wants to be reminded that this, too, could be you tomorrow or the day after?
Although it has been said by no less a figure than Jesus, “The poor you shall always have with you.” and although many seem to hold on to the myth that if one is a good person one can “pull oneself up by one’s bootstraps” it is uncomfortable and to some “distasteful” to be have the senses constantly assailed by those who may not have used soap, shampoo, or laundry detergent before moving outside of their wall less homes.
Some are homeless or squatting because they are unable to pay for or maintain a residence. If one has ever been a landlord, no matter what the “class” of the apartment or house one is renting one knows the frustration of having a tenant who is destructive of property, accompanied by all the disruption and potential danger of addiction, or who makes neighbors or other tenants uncomfortable. It is very difficult and often expensive to remove those tenants. A friend of mine recently had to replace all the kitchen cabinets, the toilets and make other extensive repairs to an apartment before it could again be rented out. Someone else I know was fearful of allowing their children to play in their neighborhood because of gang related or drug related violence. Yet physical and emotional violence also takes place in very wealthy neighborhoods often behind fences, tall hedges or long tree lined driveways.
It is not easy to be homeless even if the climate is fairly temperate and one does not have children who might need expensive medical care. When I lived in Alaska I would visit those who chose to live “off the land” in some isolated place. Yet, when one of their children or their spouse became gravely ill they wanted the help of the Coast Guard or others to get their loved one to the doctor or hospital for care. Dropping out is not easy or without its contradictions
A friend of mine just messaged me to say she had bought some things from a couple so that they could have money to move into an apartment. They are blessed to have such a friend and she is blessed to have the money to assist them.
Are there more homeless, more drifters, and more hobos who do not fit in or who feel a profound sense of disconnection from the larger community; who feel left out; who feel that they cannot allow themselves to wither away in industrial boxes. Are there just more people and fewer communities.
What do the homeless have to teach us? Are they the prophets of today? Are we willing to listen or are we too busy preaching?
Once again, more questions than answers.
Written July 16, 2018
Most readers will recall a movie entitled “Sleepless in Seattle” which was not about the homeless. Still, that title would also apply to the homeless in Seattle.
In many respects the homeless in Seattle are like the homeless in any city – small or large. They are the mentally ill, the addicted, the working poor who cannot afford the high price of housing. those convicted of crimes we decide render them the untouchable; the ones which are not safe to have near us or our families; the ones who crimes label them as much worse than – the ones whose label themselves the undeserving – the hopeless and unworthy of love. There are also those who are homeless by choice; those one used to refer to as hobos
Seattle is a city of immigrants:
- The indigenous from all parts of the Pacific Northwest.
- The Chinese and other Asians who were often recruited to help run fisheries and businesses
- Those who migrated from other parts of the states looking for new beginning.
- Those fleeing violence and poverty in other parts of the world.
- Those attracted by business such as Boeing, Amazon, and dot.com companies drifting out of California.
- Those attracted by the mild temperatures and ready access to hiking, skiing, fishing, boating, biking, skateboarding and other outdoor activities.
- Those looking for a cultural center which feels like a small town.
- Those who appreciate the many independent book stores.
It is not surprising that one finds signs in the windows of some businesses stating that one will be asked to leave if one engages in behavior which exhibits homophobia, sexism, racism or any other behavior which makes people feel unwelcome. I also saw a sign in a window which says “We proudly serve immigrants and refugees.”
Thus, in this very welcoming city, it seems incongruous that there is a movement to make the homeless less welcome or certainly less visible. It is true that being constantly solicited for money, having drunk or high individuals in one’s face, having to step over prone bodies when trying to enter a business establishment discourages tourists and some other customers. Who wants to feel guilty for having a little money to spend; money for which one has worked very hard? Who wants to be reminded that this, too, could be you tomorrow or the day after?
Although it has been said by no less a figure than Jesus, “The poor you shall always have with you.” and although many seem to hold on to the myth that if one is a good person one can “pull oneself up by one’s bootstraps” it is uncomfortable and to some “distasteful” to be have the senses constantly assailed by those who may not have used soap, shampoo, or laundry detergent before moving outside of their wall less homes.
Some are homeless or squatting because they are unable to pay for or maintain a residence. If one has ever been a landlord, no matter what the “class” of the apartment or house one is renting one knows the frustration of having a tenant who is destructive of property, accompanied by all the disruption and potential danger of addiction, or who makes neighbors or other tenants uncomfortable. It is very difficult and often expensive to remove those tenants. A friend of mine recently had to replace all the kitchen cabinets, the toilets and make other extensive repairs to an apartment before it could again be rented out. Someone else I know was fearful of allowing their children to play in their neighborhood because of gang related or drug related violence. Yet physical and emotional violence also takes place in very wealthy neighborhoods often behind fences, tall hedges or long tree lined driveways.
It is not easy to be homeless even if the climate is fairly temperate and one does not have children who might need expensive medical care. When I lived in Alaska I would visit those who chose to live “off the land” in some isolated place. Yet, when one of their children or their spouse became gravely ill they wanted the help of the Coast Guard or others to get their loved one to the doctor or hospital for care. Dropping out is not easy or without its contradictions
A friend of mine just messaged me to say she had bought some things from a couple so that they could have money to move into an apartment. They are blessed to have such a friend and she is blessed to have the money to assist them.
Are there more homeless, more drifters, and more hobos who do not fit in or who feel a profound sense of disconnection from the larger community; who feel left out; who feel that they cannot allow themselves to wither away in industrial boxes. Are there just more people and fewer communities.
What do the homeless have to teach us? Are they the prophets of today? Are we willing to listen or are we too busy preaching?
Once again, more questions than answers.
Written July 16, 2018
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