Society: The Effects of Homelessness

Zanzibar Z. SiFuentes

Navajo Nation

Healy, Donald. Navajo Nation Flag. "Flags Of The World", 2008. Navajo - Arizona, New Mexico, Utah (US), https://www.fotw.info/flags/xa-navaj.html. Accessed 13 September 2024.

SiFuentes, Zanzibar.

Felt Cute Might Delete it Later. January 2025

My Identity

“Navajo Jewelry Stand at the Grand Canyon.” Corbis, Facts On File.

How Place Names Impact The Way We See Landscape

B. Toastie

Memories and narratives are intricately linked to our environment, as articulated by B. Toastie in the article “How Place Names Impact The Way We See Landscape.” The process of colonization has resulted in the erasure of indigenous names, which often fosters a distorted perception of Indigenous peoples. The reciprocal relationship between the land and its native inhabitants is a central theme in this article. Toastie emphasizes that “People are not central to the landscape, but rather are one component participating equally with other life forms.” Our memories are anchored to the land, as specific locations evoke particular experiences or scenes. Ultimately, Toastie illustrates that the disappearance of Native names and stories leads to a profound loss of identity.

Toastie, B. “How place names impact the way we see landscape.” High Country News: Know the West, 1 May 2022, https://www.hcn.org/issues/54.5/people-places-how-place-names-impact- the-way-we-see-landscape.

Okanagan Family Portrait, public domain, 1950

Sharing One Skin: The Okanagan Community

Jeanette Armstrong

In the article "Sharing One Skin," Jeanette Armstrong explores the perspective of the Okanagan People regarding their relationship with the land and the complexities of identity. The Okanagan, along with many Indigenous communities, maintain a profound connection to their environment. Armstrong states, “... without that connection to the environment, to the Earth, to what we actually are, to what humanity is, we lose our place, and confusion and chaos enter.” This quote underscores the importance of this connection, highlighting their pride in caring for their surroundings and their view of themselves as integral to it. Armstrong also reflects on her ties to both sides of her family, emphasizing her responsibilities to her mother's lineage and her connections to her father's heritage. The Okanagan identity encompasses four dimensions: physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual, each representing different facets of an individual. Ultimately, the article delves into the various components that contribute to the wholeness of a person.

Armstrong, Jeanette. “Sharing One Skin: The Okanagan Community,” in Jerry Mander and Edward Goldsmith (eds), The Case Against the Global Economy. San Francisco, CA, Sierra Club Books, 1996. Pp 460-470.

“Hopi Children Attend Boarding School.” Corbis, Facts On File.

And Then I Went To School

Joseph Suina

Joe Suina's "And Then I Went To School" recounts his experiences growing up in a New Mexican pueblo during the 1950s. His narrative takes a turn when he is required to attend a predominantly non-native school, which creates a sense of conflict for him. Suina poignantly expresses his unease, stating, “It was never to be the same again.” He recognizes that this transition signifies a profound and enduring shift in the trajectory of his life. As he adjusts to the new school environment and witnesses the diminishing closeness of his family due to technological progress, Suina grapples with the challenge of reconciling his Native identity with the established American lifestyle imposed on Native youth.

Suina, Joseph “And I went to school” memories of a pueblo childhood,”. New Mexico Journal of Reading, Winter 1985, Vol. V, No.2.

History

“The Indian Removal Act of 1830.” Fort King Heritage Foundation | Ocala, FL, 6 Mar. 2023,

ftking.org/the-indian-removal-act-of-1830.

Admin. INDIAN REMOVAL ACT OF 1830 – Trail of Tears (1832-1838) – Statutes and Stories. www.statutesandstories.com/blog_html/indian-removal-act-of-1830-trail-of-tears-1832-1838.

The Indian Relocation Act 25 Apr. 1956, weareili.org/timeline/the-indian-relocation-act-of-1956.

“The Long Walk.” Native Knowledge 360,

americanindian.si.edu/nk360/navajo/long-walk/long-walk.cshtml.

The history of homelessness has no solid date for how it began. The earliest proof of homelessness dates back to the 1600s - 1800s.

When the Europeans first came to North America. They believed that before the arrival of the European colonists, they had discovered the "New World" and the natives living in the North American continent suffered from the disease. There are many new problems for indigenous peoples and settlers. With many cultural and religious differences, settlers wanted to change the native society. Was this a reaction to Christian missionaries, most of whom were British? Or “The Spanish conquistadors wanted the Indians as slaves.” Even French traders and pirates used the Indians as tools to get furs. Walster noted among 19th-century historians that the Spanish colonists had destroyed the Indian people; the British hated and ignored them; the French government accepted and celebrated them even in a bad way. It stemmed from a lack of empathy, cultural bias, and inaccurate reporting of Native peoples. Nearly 500 years later, a new era began with the advent of television. For over a century, Native Americans have been portrayed in racist stereotypes. This was a collective that has grown over time

Olivet, Jeff, et al. “A Brief Timeline of Race and Homelessness in America.” Community Solutions, Mar. 2019.

Current State of the Issue : Taking Action

Most New Mexico college students struggle with unstable housing and limited food

Unsustainable Housing is a crisis that affects 62% of students and 58% of students with food insecurity in New Mexico. This goes even further with 70% Native and 68% Black students struggling with food insecurity, with 69% and 76% of housing insecurities. This shows the fact that students of color struggle with financial support and security throughout New Mexico.

DAVIS, BELLA. “Most New Mexico college students struggle with unstable housing and limited food.” Source NM, 29 Aug. 2024, sourcenm.com/2024/08/29/most-new-mexico-college-students-struggle-with-unstable-housing-and-limited-food.

UMN Basic Needs Project

To help with this homelessness and financial struggle crisis, UNM started the UNM Basic Needs Project in 2019. The project collaborates with UNM Staff, Students, and Faculty ¨to improve the basic needs and security of food and housing of college and university students in New Mexico...¨(pg.1, ph.1). As they grow, they plan to go statewide.

(UNM Basic Needs Project | the University of New Mexico) https://basicneeds.unm.edu/

Fordham, Alice. “Tensions Around Shelter Highlight Growing Homelessness Concerns.” KUNM, 4 Feb. 2022,

Allen, MacKenzie. “Pete’s Place Is No Longer the Solution.” Santa Fe New Mexican, 4 May 2024, www.santafenewmexican.com/opinion/my_view/petes-place-is-no-longer-the-solution/article_deaa44ec-07d9-11ef-b0d7-5716300a94f7.html.

Emergency plan on homelessness needs everyone

The Mayor of Santa Fe announced a new strategy to solve the homeless crisis in Santa Fe. It´s called the ¨Emergency Action Plan.¨ The City of Santa Fe wanted to launch an emergency action plan to deal with homelessness. The plan includes a shift from shelters to smaller, dispersed homes. The mayor is considering introducing an ordinance that would require shelters to be open 24/7. Pete's Place, located at Harrison and Cerrillos roads, is at the center of controversy over street activity outside its doors. The emergency management plan has been in the works for months and will be overseen by the new director of health and public safety, Henry Hammond-Paul. To be successful, service providers who serve the homeless must be involved.

Mexican, New. “Emergency Plan on Homelessness Needs Everyone.” Santa Fe New Mexican, 28 Oct. 2024, www.santafenewmexican.com/opinion/editorials/emergency-plan-on-homelessness-needs-everyone/article_37cde260-92ed-11ef-9900-33156c44c822.html.

¨It will take everyone, government, nonprofits, business owners, shelter neighbors, volunteers and, especially, homeless people themselves; to ease the crisis. An emergency plan is a first step. Now, let everyone know what it is.¨

(Santa Fe New Mexican, The (NM), sec. Editorials, 28 Oct. 2024. NewsBank)

Global Connections to Homelessness

“What Is the Old Town of Frankfurt? - SKYLINE ATLAS.” SKYLINE ATLAS, 22 Nov. 2020, www.skylineatlas.com/forum/what-is-the-old-town-of-frankfurt.

Gremany

The city of Ulm Germany, 75 miles west of Munich, introduced these small shelters, dubbed 'Ulmer Nest', on 8 January 2024 in parks and at other places where homeless people sleep, these specialized shelters and hostels for the homeless; however, many individuals in need decline to utilize these facilities due to the presence of pets they cannot bring with them or for various psychological reasons. Consequently, these pods serve as a "last resort" option for those who are forced to sleep outdoors, exposing themselves to severe weather conditions and low temperatures. The pods are not assigned to individuals; rather, they function similarly to a "closed" public bench, allowing anyone to occupy an available pod overnight and vacate it in the morning. Afterward, public service workers will clean the pod to prepare it for the next user.

Bianca. “Sleeping Pods for the Homeless Piloted in Munich Before Country-Wide Roll-out.” Despatch, 2 Mar. 2021, www.despatch.com/blog/sleeping-pods-for-the-homeless-piloted-in-munich-before-country-wide-roll-out/?srsltid=AfmBOoqodDBSy260rTe7kQY669CuO84C0r3GwltaOvPqJJkZ1rFfbtOv.

27th, Mishika Khurana |. Sa8905-Cartography and Geovis |. Wednesday November. “Discovering Toronto: A Map of Stories and Landmarks.” ArcGIS StoryMaps, 27 Nov. 2024, storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/2bd2f594c5074c06b4c6e98b43a4d120.

Canada

In Canada, key components of effective programs encompass case management or care navigation, on-site harm reduction and addiction support, assistance with daily living activities while encouraging life skills and independence, social and recreational activities, relationship development, community engagement, adaptable physical environments, and staff who are accessible and empowered to support older adults. Canham and colleagues have identified and classified various shelter or housing models for older adults facing homelessness based on the level of support required and the anticipated duration of stay. These models include emergency, transitional, or temporary housing with support; permanent supportive housing; and palliative care and hospice services for end-of-life situations. They were successfully transitioned to a level of greater independence in permanent supportive housing. The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) model integrates health and social services within low-income, supportive housing for older adults. Although not specific to older adults who had previously experienced homelessness, this model may reduce hospital use and admissions.

Canada, Infrastructure. Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada - Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy. 28 Jan. 2025, housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/homelessness-sans-abri/index-eng.html.

Explore the Iconic Hollywood Sign | Official Site. www.hollywoodsign.org/#Newsletter.

Claifornia

California has an action plan outlining a three-year strategy to combat homelessness in California from 2025 to 2027. It serves as a framework for the Council to organize and evaluate its investments, ensuring that initiatives are strategic, quantifiable, and aligned with our collective vision. The five goals of the Action Plan establish measurable objectives to drive results and evaluate our progress toward this vision. These goals are as follows:

1. Assist more individuals in exiting unsheltered homelessness: Raise the annual percentage of individuals transitioning into emergency shelters, transitional housing, or permanent housing from 42% to at least 70%.

2. Facilitate more transitions into housing: Increase the annual percentage of individuals experiencing homelessness who secure permanent housing from 18% to at least 60%.

3. Prevent recurrences of homelessness: Ensure that at least 95% of individuals who move into permanent housing do not face homelessness again within six months.

4. Enhance prevention of homelessness: Improve access to publicly funded health and social safety net services for those at risk of homelessness to address health and economic vulnerabilities.

5. Expand housing availability: Approve the construction of over 1.5 million homes, with at least 710,000 designated for low- and very low-income households. Strategic Investments

California, State Of. Statewide Action Plan for Preventing and Ending Homelessness - California Interagency Council on Homelessness. www.bcsh.ca.gov/calich/action_plan.

Personal connections

Growing up, my life has never been easy. Low Income and being close to poverty have happened to me and people around me more than once. This wasn’t just a scary and disturbing experience, it was a new eye opener. Showing me that everyone goes through things like this and some don’t. This has led me to wonder what life would be like if I were poor and homeless. Would my parents or I have gotten out? Would anyone have helped? These questions help me try to move forward. So I do my best. Now that I'm becoming an adult, this is something that I find scary; one wrong move, and I could mess things up. This is the case for some people, and that's a scary truth. And it’s important to know for others and myself.

Action Plan 1

Action Plan 2

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