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This Parking Lot Is Turned Into A Safe Haven For The Homeless At Night
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This Parking Lot Is Turned Into A Safe Haven For The Homeless At Night

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Homelessness is an issue that has always been prominent in our world. Many people don’t have a home because of an illness or because they lost their job. They have bad health and can’t start working, because of that they can’t pay for a doctor, so it’s a neverending loop.

Homeless people don’t have anywhere to go, so they sleep on the streets, covering themselves with newspapers or cardboard boxes, rummaging through the trash cans to find some food or warmer clothes.

This charity decided to help these unlucky people.

More info: beddown.org.au | Instagram | Facebook

Image credits: Beddown

Seeing these horrible ‘living’ conditions, the Australian charity Beddown decided to help these people in need. They came up with an amazing idea to make shelters in places that are vacant at night – like parking lots! The organization asked one of the largest car park operators, Secure Parking, and they agreed to launch a two-week trial in Brisbane.

Image credits: Beddown

This is how the parking lot looked before the Beddown charity and a group of kind volunteers got to work on creating a safe environment for homeless people to finally get a good night’s rest.

Image credits: Beddown

The founder of the charity Beddown Norman McGillivray came up with this idea while walking through an empty parking lot at night, why not use it as a shelter? After some careful planning, they finally made this idea a reality.

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Image credits: Beddown

The aim of this charity is to take common places only used in the daytime and make them into shelters for the homeless at night. They provide safe and secure locations for people to get a good night’s rest.

Many of the homeless suffer from sleep deprivation because of their living conditions, and it can lead to many other problems, like: depression, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, memory loss, it can also impair cognitive function and lead to alcohol or drug use, they are also constantly at risk of being attacked and the little things that they do have being stolen.

Image credits: Beddown

The charity also provided multiple services to the guests, like doctors, nurses, dentists, hairdressers. They gave them new clothing, a place to clean themselves and helped provide social services.

Image credits: Beddown

“We will look to get as close as we can to a proper comfortable bed to provide the homeless with a great night’s sleep is our ultimate goal. Sleep deprivation is a massive issue for our homeless, so being in a place that offers shelter and is safe, secure and comfortable we believe will have a big impact on those who use Beddown” – The creators of Beddown wrote on their Instagram page.

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Image credits: Beddown

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Image credits: Beddown

Here are some initial statistics after the first pilots and trials:

  • 41 guests used Beddown over the duration of the pilot.
  • 77% of them were male and 23% were female.
  • The guests rated the sleep 4.5 out of 5 and the beds 4.5 out of 5 on average.
  • 100% of the guests said they felt safe during their stay.
  • Due to overcapacity, 9 people were turned away in one night.
  • The youngest person who tried to access Beddown was just 15 years old.

Image credits: Beddown

Image credits: Beddown

“It was great to start bringing the Beddown vision to life last night with a group of our awesome volunteers for the Dry Run. Thank you to our awesome group of volunteers who came in late on a Saturday night to help us trial and set-up some beds. Although as expected we had a few challenges to overcome, it was awesome to start bringing Beddown to life. Beddown will provide an immediate response for those who sleep rough to access safe, secure shelter and access to a comfy bed and a great night’s sleep. We will work with our other collaborative partners to provide long term solutions to transition our guests into accommodation, education and employment opportunities and ultimately put ourselves out of business (this is the vision)” – They said in one of their Instagram posts.

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Image credits: Beddown

Image credits: Beddown

These are some of the many comments from the people that were a part of this charity:

“After spending the week here, having a good sleep at night and a routine, it reminded me of life and I booked myself into Rehab for 6 months.”

“Being able to sleep all night and away from drugs, I’m clearer in the day and have not used drugs for 8 days.”

“It’s the first time I have had a dream in years.”

“I don’t have to watch my back here.”

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Hidrėlėy

Hidrėlėy

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Fascinated by music, movies and sitcoms, I'm passionate about social media and can't live without the internet, especially for all the cute dog and cat pictures out there. I wish the day had about 40 hours to be able to do everything I want.

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Hidrėlėy

Hidrėlėy

Author, Pro member

Fascinated by music, movies and sitcoms, I'm passionate about social media and can't live without the internet, especially for all the cute dog and cat pictures out there. I wish the day had about 40 hours to be able to do everything I want.

Aelita Senvaitytė

Aelita Senvaitytė

Moderator, BoredPanda staff

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My name is Aelita and I have been an Editor for Bored Panda since 2019. I spend my days working with my amazing team and making articles the best they can be. Fantasy and magic have always ruled over my world, from movies to TV shows, to Video Games to tabletop games like Dungeos and Dragons, I try to find magic in every part of my life. Writing is a big part of me too, I hope to publish a fantasy novel one day. I also enjoy playing guitar and singing, as music always help me to get in a great mood. I have an adorable German Shepherd named Hela and we get into all kinds of adventures together.

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Aelita Senvaitytė

Aelita Senvaitytė

Moderator, BoredPanda staff

My name is Aelita and I have been an Editor for Bored Panda since 2019. I spend my days working with my amazing team and making articles the best they can be. Fantasy and magic have always ruled over my world, from movies to TV shows, to Video Games to tabletop games like Dungeos and Dragons, I try to find magic in every part of my life. Writing is a big part of me too, I hope to publish a fantasy novel one day. I also enjoy playing guitar and singing, as music always help me to get in a great mood. I have an adorable German Shepherd named Hela and we get into all kinds of adventures together.

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sean_bullough avatar
Sean Harrison
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Meanwhile....In the city of Redmond, WA police are cracking down on the homeless living in their cars by citing them for trespassing and them towing their vehicles, right at the start of Winter. I should mention that many of the homeless that live in their vehicles around here are in college or they have jobs, they just can't afford the high cost of housing. Losing their car means they'll probably lose their jobs, not to mention all their possessions (like clean clothing). It never ceases to amaze me the lengths people will go to to "help the homeless" by doing just about everything, except giving them the one thing they need, which is housing.

katiehayes_3 avatar
DrGirlfriend
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fk... this hurts man.. I've seen anti homeless sht all over this planet.. as someone who was nowhere with nothing having nowhere to go no one who wants or cares, hungry sometimes scared...it definitely hurts when they burn,tow, trash ,soak down, spike out or metal benches it fixes nothing causes more suffering... Fkn heartbreak if you add mental illness where they can't think and do like most social creatures, it's different for them they feel they deserve to be there which is excruciating all on it's own. The ones who are working and going to school in this situation is anger inducing. Horrible they work so hard to be treated so unfairly... Hurts man all around . Sorry for saying so much hope you have a good day

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soriana313 avatar
Sori
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I liked they didn’t use pics if the homeless to show what a good thing this is. It’s an amazing project

cigarguide avatar
ariawhitaker avatar
Aria Whitaker
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know where some of our family holiday donations are going this year! This is a great idea and we will be proud to help support! I wonder how we can get a chapter of Beddown started in the US??

lyndaannegutierrez avatar
Lynda Momalo
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was thinking the same thing -- people, forward this article to your state representatives! (And anyone else you can think of.)

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mintyminameow avatar
Mewton’s Third Paw
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is nice. The beds and showers look spacious and comfortable and cleaner than many hotels. What makes me upset about it is that the government of Australia should be taking care of their citizens. If they cannot do it, why does the government even exist? The whole point of government is to ensure society is functioning and people can agree and thrive. With such homelessness, society isn’t functioning how it should and not everyone is thriving. It isn’t a company’s responsibility to do the job of the government. And this is true anywhere, not just Australia. Good for Beddown for taking on the responsibility of helping society.

earloflincoln avatar
Martha Meyer
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree so much. Citizens doing something to help is great, but the situation is the government's failure to begin with.

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elizabethcwest avatar
Pretty Pangolin
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like the added touch of putting a sleep mask and candy bar on the pillow (in one of the pix).

squirerhi avatar
Jennifer Smith
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is a pretty well-lit area and some people cannot sleep when it is bright where they are sleeping, so it was an awesome touch.

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drummerkramer avatar
Bob Beltcher
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Austin, TX just approved the city buying an old hotel and turning it into a shelter.

crabcrab avatar
Hans
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The teaser says is all. "Many people don’t have a home because of an illness [...]." How can any society allow a random event (which a severe illness typically is) to let people drop from societal life?

aglmcuco3 avatar
goodmorning
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The ideal peaceful world that everybody have home, food, healthcare, not wars ,no violence doesn't exist even in 2019 , an evolution failure from my point of view. But this kind of actions from Humans with heart is the shiny color on the black canvas of the life. Congratulations !

captaindash avatar
Full Name
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Evolution failure? Humans are about the LEAST violent species predatory species alive. Watch a nature documentary and tell me again how mean we are.

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ashley_ferrari avatar
xaspsx
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Homelessness has not always been part of society and is not about being unlucky. Modern capitalist society is deliberately set up this way. Houses are used as assets for rich people and kept empty on purpose. Healthcare can easily be paid for through taxes as it is in quite a few countries. But countries like the US, and the UK is heading this way now, will spend obscene proportions of our tax money on the military and other harmful things instead of what it should be used for. Poverty isn't natural, it is created.

greggv avatar
Gregg V
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

xaspsx - Poverty has been around since the dawn of man living in caves and huts. If you want to see modern poverty simply look at the socialist, communist countries that make most of citizens poorer not richer. Look up Mao, Stalin, Castro, Hitler all destroyed their countries into poverty just like Venezuela. If it was not for the Capitalism of the USA and England, you would be living under Fascist Japan or Socialist Germany. There would be no iphones, no Teslas, no freedoms, little healthcare and a much lower standard of living. Time to learn your history or go visit Cuba and Venezuela with food lines and little toilet paper with people trying to flee where?! Oh, the evil USA. LOL!

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gagne_veronique avatar
Veronique Gagne
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Keep up with the good work! This is amazing! Sleeping in a double bed instead of a cot must be awesome for them!

payet_fabienne avatar
Tahani
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

really good initiative, but sad they had to turn away people...

cgregory_1 avatar
Chris Gregory
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So glad to see this. I often wondered how we could help homeless on the Gold Coast. This idea is brilliant.

elizabethcwest avatar
Pretty Pangolin
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Alright, who's chopping onions? This is brilliant! It took guts on the part of the parking-structure company to sign on. Well done.

bronmargaret avatar
Magpie
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"..9 people were turned away one night " Could they not let those people sleep on the floor, maybe not comfy, but at least safe for one night?

misslisa avatar
Lisa Pergande
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yet here we are in Las Vegas with the new law where ant homeless sleeping on the streets if shelters have an available bed are arrested, jailed, and fined. Smh

jturcot avatar
John Turcot
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Many people don’t have a home because of an illness or because they lost their job.", according to Hidrėlėy and Aelita Senvaitytė in this article. No, that ain't the reason. The reason there is homelessness is because we continue to blame the condition on a loss of jobs, or some illness or other issue. But that is an absolutely erroneous conclusion which has noting, NADA, to do with reality. The reason why some people are homeless while you are not, is because of YOU, us, those who are sheltered. If WE did not claim to own the planet, we would not charge others to live on it -- and that, dear authors, is the only reason why some people are homeless. The rest is just gobble-dee-goo. Moreover, if we don't get our collective head out of the ground, we will also experience homelessness, either through the hands of some demented general who thought it best to nuke the enemy, or because the Earth simply got rid of us because of the way our minds work.

jeri-loman avatar
Jeri Loman
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Meanwhile properties are being bought and turned into Airbnb sites. We have a huge housing problem due to greedy property owners. In my town they raised the rent simply because people from Seattle and Calif. are moving here to escape the high costs there. But when you can sell your house in San Francisco for a million dollars plus you can afford a $400,000 house up here. But the regular workforce cannot. They are taking apartments and instead of renting them are selling them as condo's. The rents are unaffordable with the wages people make working full time. Even with wages raised to $15. an hour min. you still can barely afford a place and the rising costs of everything else. Making it illegal to live in your car is outrageous. It's your last hope before sleeping in the rain. Sorry it messes with your comfort zone!! Welcome to reality! People I know who have been homeless it is due to not being a bum, jobless or a drug addict. Just the hardships of today.

rich_mccormick avatar
Rich McCormick
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These folks deserve humanitarian awards. Brought tears to my eyes. We are all human at the end of the day no matter your station in life, rich, poor, black, white or what have you. We are all brothers and sisters! Take care of one another. Help those in need. These folks are good!

jcoolahan avatar
Jeanie Coolahan
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Such a wonderful thing to have; I wish all cities would think of this and help these people during a rough time of their life. It could happen to any one of us when we least expect it. Blessings to those who use these facilities and blessings to those who maintain them!

cem9844 avatar
Carol Maurer
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think we can try this in Phoenix! Some of the parking garages with their massive concrete may be cooler in summers when it's so dangerous for those who live on the streets. We'd need to find a way to install washrooms.

sassybooie avatar
Meeow
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is amazing project, wish more people do that in the States.

sharronlparsons avatar
sharron lynn parsons
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It has always bothered me, the homeless are not happy to be in that situation, every city needs to build low cost hosing, for the homeless as well as the low income who struggle,with the incredible high rent, I applaud the people that created the project, and all the volunteers, God bless you all !!!

milliemilano avatar
Jill Pennington
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But why double matresses? wouldn't it be better to have single ones then you could get more in?

ceredwynealanta avatar
Ceredwyn Ealanta
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm not sure, but their site references some homeless feeling a need for more security, possibly being separated a little makes the sleep easier due to feeling that you have your own spot. Or, who knows, maybe that's just what was donated so it's what they use. They ask for queen size sheets, so they're quite large beds. Their site does note that the quality of sleep and clean rest is one of the things they want to focus on, which is probably quite healing.

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bjk17 avatar
Betsy Maloney
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a good idea, I think. However, I believe a security guard or two would make the area safer. How to separate the women from the men? What will the cost be to clean up & put all away in the morning - before cars start piling in?

kaljoy avatar
Gaye Wearne
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Are there volunteers washing the linen every night ready for the next day? I can't get my head around that part of it. What a wonderful thing thing though, good on you all.

donnalsutton1966 avatar
Donna Stever
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I thinl this is a great idea. The problem I hear from our elected officials is "lack of funding". We had a mayor in office (no longer our mayor, thank goodness) who spent millions of dollars removing statues in parks because they were " offensive". Yes, they were significant to a horrible part of our nations history, but this history wasnt removed from schools, still spoke about in cgurchrs, etc. So to this terrible mayor, homelessness must not be offensive to her. Shes never walked a day in the life of a homeless person. So that money she frivolously spent on removing those statues would have helped a lot people have somewhere to sleep and maybe make a start on improving their life. But no, the ex mayor was more worried about a much smaller group stop whining about those statues. So I wish more great ideas could be implemented around the country. Stop judging these homeless people and help if you can.

ljaquish avatar
Louann Jaquish
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We will be judged on how we treat those who need s the most. You people are very thoughtful and kind. These people need to know that someone cares and you have shown them that. A good nights sleep and a hot shower will do wonders for their morale. And knowing there are charities for free food and clothing, etc. well thank you all.

katelynmcdonald avatar
Katelyn McDonald
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love this idea, I think we need this all over the U.S. like Columbia, Atlanta, New York, Seattle, Los Angles, and even more places.

nlitenall avatar
Melody Reid
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've shared this post with our city's homeless department. Thank you for sharing this important information.

dbutler823 avatar
Jazzie Hammerer
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would love to see this in US so many places I see empty that could be used for this ...its so much better then seeing people in the cold air at night ... it saddens me see this most are just down on there luck and could use a bit of help... Awesome Ideal hope you would think of doing that or getting some people in US to do like franchise business this is so needed all over the world .. thanks for thinking of the people who need someone to show them that we do all care

kerryericksson avatar
Kerry Ericksson
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks wonderful,but with the homeless problems arise like acting out on Drugs or Mental Illness,and many won't stay in shelters.

debwaril avatar
Debbie
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

might it have been possible to leave abit more space between beds? i know these people were used to sleeping rough but perhaps another metre to the nextperson woould have made them feel even more like a respected being

dexter0659i avatar
mermaidgirl960
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is the most amazing thing ever. People think homeless people are disgusting because they probably became homeless doing drugs, and yes while sometimes that is true, a lot of people become homeless from completely different reasons and they can spiral into depression causing to start doing drugs. Homeless people are like us, their problems have just effected them worse. The hate of homeless people is doing nothing but hurting poor people, with help they can recover and although they may not be the same, they could still at least have a home for themselves.

pavelimek avatar
Pavel
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well in my country where is free healthcare for everyone and almost no jobless people, there are still quite a lot homeless. In most cases they are on the street because they are alcoholics. Especially in winter times they can go to refugees, but most of them still freezing to death on the streets because they are not allowed to drink inside. Just saying ;)

monika-soffronow avatar
Monika Soffronow
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I. e. they are self-medicating their untreated psychiatric illnesses. That is what you wanted to say, isn't it?

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mssusanmarie2013 avatar
Susan
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The moment I saw this I knew it was not in American. I'm so ashamed of my country.

carolinacookie4 avatar
Kathy Thomas
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's a wonderful move on their part......I just hope and pray they are prepared to go in there daily and clean it up because from past history.....they will trash it.

leoh avatar
Leo H
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The problem is parking garages aren't heated...and if you add heat then it will attract mice,rats,cats

belindamatson avatar
Belinda Matson
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

FYI this is Brisbane QLD Australia where winter overnight temperatures very rarely get below 11degrees Celsius (50 f), but of course for countries with snow etc temperatures & rodents could be an issue.

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tripichick avatar
joi
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

and those nice, polite, well-behaved undomiciled pers will quietly bed down at 8pm and not assault each other, right?

innkeepper_2000 avatar
Judy Court
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Queen mattresses??? Not necessary..singles take less space. Who does the linens? I see possible scabies, fleas etc infestation and the Board of Health stepping in. The concept is amazing, however this will end up with the homeless still taking away the air mattress and linens never to be seen again. It only takes one person with a knife and/or needle to puncture the mattress and then the fight for possession starts. These areas are highly lit and full of gas fumes. Hand out sleeping bags and warm clothes they will settle where they can.

jocropley avatar
Jo Cropley
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So all that bedding gets taken down each day and rewashed and remade each night ?.. Who does all the washing .. who pays for that ?.. really just would like to see how this is holding up in about 6 months ?.

carolinacookie4 avatar
Kathy Thomas
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had the same question......I know in most cities, it's certainly true where we live....parking spaces come at a premium....we are in desperate need of parking.....how do they manage this? They must have no parking problems.

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cgthompson avatar
Concerned
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

We have more beds than homeless so we don't have a homelessness problem. We do have problems with the severe mentally ill and/or drug addiction. We used to be able to institutionalize them until the ACLU sued states into bankruptcy to "free" them - and kept suing even after states kept improving services until states and Fed ended up passing laws banning institutionalization. That needs reversed. Outpatient services don't work for most of the chronic homeless. They need to be in a home or otherwise case managed - both the carrot and the stick are needed for results. Calizuela failed by only using the carrot. Other states failed by only using the stick.

lyndaannegutierrez avatar
Lynda Momalo
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How can you say that we don't have a homelessness problem? Many people who are homeless are not mentally ill or addicts -- many work or attend school full time but simply can't afford rent -- especially the upfront costs of first, last, and security. I agree that we need a better solution to treating mental health issues -- but that's not what's being discussed here.

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annabellehitchcox avatar
xXKittensweetXx
Community Member
4 years ago

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“Being able to sleep all night and away from drugs, I’m clearer in the day and have not used drugs for 8 days.” hmm... only eight XD

csuid avatar
Hilarious
Community Member
4 years ago

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Who will be washing the bedding every day? I don't see how this cannot be a hygiene issue unless the mattresses are wrapped in plastic.

lyndaannegutierrez avatar
Lynda Momalo
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I assume that the volunteers have taken this into consideration -- and there are waterproof mattress covers on the market that probably are used -- if, in fact, the beds aren't already plastic air mattresses, which wipe clean.

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csuid avatar
Hilarious
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Who will clean the bedding? How often? :((

lyndaannegutierrez avatar
liza_z_w avatar
Lama Lady
Community Member
4 years ago

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Good idea in general but why in a parking lot ?! The air in there must be really bad, making the homeless sick. Better : Tents in the park with some heaters people.

sean_bullough avatar
Sean Harrison
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Meanwhile....In the city of Redmond, WA police are cracking down on the homeless living in their cars by citing them for trespassing and them towing their vehicles, right at the start of Winter. I should mention that many of the homeless that live in their vehicles around here are in college or they have jobs, they just can't afford the high cost of housing. Losing their car means they'll probably lose their jobs, not to mention all their possessions (like clean clothing). It never ceases to amaze me the lengths people will go to to "help the homeless" by doing just about everything, except giving them the one thing they need, which is housing.

katiehayes_3 avatar
DrGirlfriend
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fk... this hurts man.. I've seen anti homeless sht all over this planet.. as someone who was nowhere with nothing having nowhere to go no one who wants or cares, hungry sometimes scared...it definitely hurts when they burn,tow, trash ,soak down, spike out or metal benches it fixes nothing causes more suffering... Fkn heartbreak if you add mental illness where they can't think and do like most social creatures, it's different for them they feel they deserve to be there which is excruciating all on it's own. The ones who are working and going to school in this situation is anger inducing. Horrible they work so hard to be treated so unfairly... Hurts man all around . Sorry for saying so much hope you have a good day

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soriana313 avatar
Sori
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I liked they didn’t use pics if the homeless to show what a good thing this is. It’s an amazing project

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Aria Whitaker
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know where some of our family holiday donations are going this year! This is a great idea and we will be proud to help support! I wonder how we can get a chapter of Beddown started in the US??

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Lynda Momalo
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was thinking the same thing -- people, forward this article to your state representatives! (And anyone else you can think of.)

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Mewton’s Third Paw
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is nice. The beds and showers look spacious and comfortable and cleaner than many hotels. What makes me upset about it is that the government of Australia should be taking care of their citizens. If they cannot do it, why does the government even exist? The whole point of government is to ensure society is functioning and people can agree and thrive. With such homelessness, society isn’t functioning how it should and not everyone is thriving. It isn’t a company’s responsibility to do the job of the government. And this is true anywhere, not just Australia. Good for Beddown for taking on the responsibility of helping society.

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Martha Meyer
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree so much. Citizens doing something to help is great, but the situation is the government's failure to begin with.

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Pretty Pangolin
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like the added touch of putting a sleep mask and candy bar on the pillow (in one of the pix).

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Jennifer Smith
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is a pretty well-lit area and some people cannot sleep when it is bright where they are sleeping, so it was an awesome touch.

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Bob Beltcher
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Austin, TX just approved the city buying an old hotel and turning it into a shelter.

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Hans
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The teaser says is all. "Many people don’t have a home because of an illness [...]." How can any society allow a random event (which a severe illness typically is) to let people drop from societal life?

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goodmorning
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The ideal peaceful world that everybody have home, food, healthcare, not wars ,no violence doesn't exist even in 2019 , an evolution failure from my point of view. But this kind of actions from Humans with heart is the shiny color on the black canvas of the life. Congratulations !

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Full Name
Community Member
4 years ago

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Evolution failure? Humans are about the LEAST violent species predatory species alive. Watch a nature documentary and tell me again how mean we are.

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xaspsx
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Homelessness has not always been part of society and is not about being unlucky. Modern capitalist society is deliberately set up this way. Houses are used as assets for rich people and kept empty on purpose. Healthcare can easily be paid for through taxes as it is in quite a few countries. But countries like the US, and the UK is heading this way now, will spend obscene proportions of our tax money on the military and other harmful things instead of what it should be used for. Poverty isn't natural, it is created.

greggv avatar
Gregg V
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

xaspsx - Poverty has been around since the dawn of man living in caves and huts. If you want to see modern poverty simply look at the socialist, communist countries that make most of citizens poorer not richer. Look up Mao, Stalin, Castro, Hitler all destroyed their countries into poverty just like Venezuela. If it was not for the Capitalism of the USA and England, you would be living under Fascist Japan or Socialist Germany. There would be no iphones, no Teslas, no freedoms, little healthcare and a much lower standard of living. Time to learn your history or go visit Cuba and Venezuela with food lines and little toilet paper with people trying to flee where?! Oh, the evil USA. LOL!

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Veronique Gagne
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Keep up with the good work! This is amazing! Sleeping in a double bed instead of a cot must be awesome for them!

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Tahani
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

really good initiative, but sad they had to turn away people...

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Chris Gregory
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So glad to see this. I often wondered how we could help homeless on the Gold Coast. This idea is brilliant.

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Pretty Pangolin
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Alright, who's chopping onions? This is brilliant! It took guts on the part of the parking-structure company to sign on. Well done.

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Magpie
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"..9 people were turned away one night " Could they not let those people sleep on the floor, maybe not comfy, but at least safe for one night?

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Lisa Pergande
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yet here we are in Las Vegas with the new law where ant homeless sleeping on the streets if shelters have an available bed are arrested, jailed, and fined. Smh

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John Turcot
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Many people don’t have a home because of an illness or because they lost their job.", according to Hidrėlėy and Aelita Senvaitytė in this article. No, that ain't the reason. The reason there is homelessness is because we continue to blame the condition on a loss of jobs, or some illness or other issue. But that is an absolutely erroneous conclusion which has noting, NADA, to do with reality. The reason why some people are homeless while you are not, is because of YOU, us, those who are sheltered. If WE did not claim to own the planet, we would not charge others to live on it -- and that, dear authors, is the only reason why some people are homeless. The rest is just gobble-dee-goo. Moreover, if we don't get our collective head out of the ground, we will also experience homelessness, either through the hands of some demented general who thought it best to nuke the enemy, or because the Earth simply got rid of us because of the way our minds work.

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Jeri Loman
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Meanwhile properties are being bought and turned into Airbnb sites. We have a huge housing problem due to greedy property owners. In my town they raised the rent simply because people from Seattle and Calif. are moving here to escape the high costs there. But when you can sell your house in San Francisco for a million dollars plus you can afford a $400,000 house up here. But the regular workforce cannot. They are taking apartments and instead of renting them are selling them as condo's. The rents are unaffordable with the wages people make working full time. Even with wages raised to $15. an hour min. you still can barely afford a place and the rising costs of everything else. Making it illegal to live in your car is outrageous. It's your last hope before sleeping in the rain. Sorry it messes with your comfort zone!! Welcome to reality! People I know who have been homeless it is due to not being a bum, jobless or a drug addict. Just the hardships of today.

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Rich McCormick
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These folks deserve humanitarian awards. Brought tears to my eyes. We are all human at the end of the day no matter your station in life, rich, poor, black, white or what have you. We are all brothers and sisters! Take care of one another. Help those in need. These folks are good!

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Jeanie Coolahan
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Such a wonderful thing to have; I wish all cities would think of this and help these people during a rough time of their life. It could happen to any one of us when we least expect it. Blessings to those who use these facilities and blessings to those who maintain them!

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Carol Maurer
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think we can try this in Phoenix! Some of the parking garages with their massive concrete may be cooler in summers when it's so dangerous for those who live on the streets. We'd need to find a way to install washrooms.

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Meeow
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is amazing project, wish more people do that in the States.

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sharron lynn parsons
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It has always bothered me, the homeless are not happy to be in that situation, every city needs to build low cost hosing, for the homeless as well as the low income who struggle,with the incredible high rent, I applaud the people that created the project, and all the volunteers, God bless you all !!!

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Jill Pennington
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But why double matresses? wouldn't it be better to have single ones then you could get more in?

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Ceredwyn Ealanta
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm not sure, but their site references some homeless feeling a need for more security, possibly being separated a little makes the sleep easier due to feeling that you have your own spot. Or, who knows, maybe that's just what was donated so it's what they use. They ask for queen size sheets, so they're quite large beds. Their site does note that the quality of sleep and clean rest is one of the things they want to focus on, which is probably quite healing.

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Betsy Maloney
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a good idea, I think. However, I believe a security guard or two would make the area safer. How to separate the women from the men? What will the cost be to clean up & put all away in the morning - before cars start piling in?

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Gaye Wearne
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Are there volunteers washing the linen every night ready for the next day? I can't get my head around that part of it. What a wonderful thing thing though, good on you all.

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Donna Stever
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I thinl this is a great idea. The problem I hear from our elected officials is "lack of funding". We had a mayor in office (no longer our mayor, thank goodness) who spent millions of dollars removing statues in parks because they were " offensive". Yes, they were significant to a horrible part of our nations history, but this history wasnt removed from schools, still spoke about in cgurchrs, etc. So to this terrible mayor, homelessness must not be offensive to her. Shes never walked a day in the life of a homeless person. So that money she frivolously spent on removing those statues would have helped a lot people have somewhere to sleep and maybe make a start on improving their life. But no, the ex mayor was more worried about a much smaller group stop whining about those statues. So I wish more great ideas could be implemented around the country. Stop judging these homeless people and help if you can.

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Louann Jaquish
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We will be judged on how we treat those who need s the most. You people are very thoughtful and kind. These people need to know that someone cares and you have shown them that. A good nights sleep and a hot shower will do wonders for their morale. And knowing there are charities for free food and clothing, etc. well thank you all.

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Katelyn McDonald
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love this idea, I think we need this all over the U.S. like Columbia, Atlanta, New York, Seattle, Los Angles, and even more places.

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Melody Reid
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've shared this post with our city's homeless department. Thank you for sharing this important information.

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Jazzie Hammerer
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would love to see this in US so many places I see empty that could be used for this ...its so much better then seeing people in the cold air at night ... it saddens me see this most are just down on there luck and could use a bit of help... Awesome Ideal hope you would think of doing that or getting some people in US to do like franchise business this is so needed all over the world .. thanks for thinking of the people who need someone to show them that we do all care

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Kerry Ericksson
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks wonderful,but with the homeless problems arise like acting out on Drugs or Mental Illness,and many won't stay in shelters.

debwaril avatar
Debbie
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

might it have been possible to leave abit more space between beds? i know these people were used to sleeping rough but perhaps another metre to the nextperson woould have made them feel even more like a respected being

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mermaidgirl960
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is the most amazing thing ever. People think homeless people are disgusting because they probably became homeless doing drugs, and yes while sometimes that is true, a lot of people become homeless from completely different reasons and they can spiral into depression causing to start doing drugs. Homeless people are like us, their problems have just effected them worse. The hate of homeless people is doing nothing but hurting poor people, with help they can recover and although they may not be the same, they could still at least have a home for themselves.

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Pavel
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well in my country where is free healthcare for everyone and almost no jobless people, there are still quite a lot homeless. In most cases they are on the street because they are alcoholics. Especially in winter times they can go to refugees, but most of them still freezing to death on the streets because they are not allowed to drink inside. Just saying ;)

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Monika Soffronow
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I. e. they are self-medicating their untreated psychiatric illnesses. That is what you wanted to say, isn't it?

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Susan
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The moment I saw this I knew it was not in American. I'm so ashamed of my country.

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Kathy Thomas
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's a wonderful move on their part......I just hope and pray they are prepared to go in there daily and clean it up because from past history.....they will trash it.

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Leo H
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The problem is parking garages aren't heated...and if you add heat then it will attract mice,rats,cats

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Belinda Matson
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

FYI this is Brisbane QLD Australia where winter overnight temperatures very rarely get below 11degrees Celsius (50 f), but of course for countries with snow etc temperatures & rodents could be an issue.

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joi
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

and those nice, polite, well-behaved undomiciled pers will quietly bed down at 8pm and not assault each other, right?

innkeepper_2000 avatar
Judy Court
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Queen mattresses??? Not necessary..singles take less space. Who does the linens? I see possible scabies, fleas etc infestation and the Board of Health stepping in. The concept is amazing, however this will end up with the homeless still taking away the air mattress and linens never to be seen again. It only takes one person with a knife and/or needle to puncture the mattress and then the fight for possession starts. These areas are highly lit and full of gas fumes. Hand out sleeping bags and warm clothes they will settle where they can.

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Jo Cropley
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So all that bedding gets taken down each day and rewashed and remade each night ?.. Who does all the washing .. who pays for that ?.. really just would like to see how this is holding up in about 6 months ?.

carolinacookie4 avatar
Kathy Thomas
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had the same question......I know in most cities, it's certainly true where we live....parking spaces come at a premium....we are in desperate need of parking.....how do they manage this? They must have no parking problems.

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Concerned
Community Member
4 years ago

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We have more beds than homeless so we don't have a homelessness problem. We do have problems with the severe mentally ill and/or drug addiction. We used to be able to institutionalize them until the ACLU sued states into bankruptcy to "free" them - and kept suing even after states kept improving services until states and Fed ended up passing laws banning institutionalization. That needs reversed. Outpatient services don't work for most of the chronic homeless. They need to be in a home or otherwise case managed - both the carrot and the stick are needed for results. Calizuela failed by only using the carrot. Other states failed by only using the stick.

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Lynda Momalo
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How can you say that we don't have a homelessness problem? Many people who are homeless are not mentally ill or addicts -- many work or attend school full time but simply can't afford rent -- especially the upfront costs of first, last, and security. I agree that we need a better solution to treating mental health issues -- but that's not what's being discussed here.

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xXKittensweetXx
Community Member
4 years ago

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“Being able to sleep all night and away from drugs, I’m clearer in the day and have not used drugs for 8 days.” hmm... only eight XD

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Hilarious
Community Member
4 years ago

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Who will be washing the bedding every day? I don't see how this cannot be a hygiene issue unless the mattresses are wrapped in plastic.

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Lynda Momalo
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I assume that the volunteers have taken this into consideration -- and there are waterproof mattress covers on the market that probably are used -- if, in fact, the beds aren't already plastic air mattresses, which wipe clean.

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Hilarious
Community Member
4 years ago

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Who will clean the bedding? How often? :((

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Lama Lady
Community Member
4 years ago

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Good idea in general but why in a parking lot ?! The air in there must be really bad, making the homeless sick. Better : Tents in the park with some heaters people.

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