The "Homeless" Problem in St. Petersburg, Could We Do This?

[NotNow]

As for the "government" arguments, the reason that the Jewish leaders brought Jesus to trial before Herod and Pilate was because that was the government, and was the only institution that could punish Jesus.  The Jewish leaders had no such power.  

Again, I reject any comparison of the life and path of Jesus to this subject matter.  It is a fallacious argument and has no merit in the discussion at hand.  

If there is some logical reason to insist that we continue to leave the "homeless" and all of the other categories lodged in our public venues without proper sanitation or service, while denying the proper and designed use of these venues to families, downtown workers, and the citizens of the city then make that argument.

[NotNow]

Yes, but the point is that the Jewish people were governed by their own religious leaders making the religious leaders ...well...their government.  So, to Notnow's point that Jesus was not a threat to the government of that time is inaccurate.  He was highly critical of his Jewish goverment and the hypocrisy that the religious leaders lived especially the Sadducees.

I think there are plenty of Sadducees walking around downtown Jacksonville now.  Religious leaders who hold political power and who cross to the other side of the street to avoid the beaten traveler.

We could spend pages discussing the society of the time and place, as well as Jesus's mission here on Earth.  I disagree with your view.

I reinterate that the religious discussion that has been initiated is not applicable to the debate at hand. 

Marginalized people?  Should we just let anyone who is "marginalized" (who gets to decide that?) do as they please?  That is an illogical and impossible statement.

[Ocklawaha]

This is an issue near to my heart... here's an idea I first saw in Colombia, and an article about one in Austria, this could certainly be a huge part of our own solution.

This would certainly expand our capacity, add to this idea the concept of shipping container-bunkhouses, and park and sleep facilities. The only thing any of these would need would be a small office unit, with bathrooms, and a shower facility. Covered with a dirt berm, these units would not even need heat or AC (underground temperatures are constant year around).

OCKLAWAHA

[NotNow]

This is just people typing on a web forum StephenDare!.  I will assume by your resorting to personal attacks that you just have no logical argument. 

We all have an opinion.  The goal here should be to help those who truly need help, and enable an environment downtown that encourages citizens to visit and live there.  I offered the article as a possible answer.  I have attempted to explain my views as logically as possible.  I can think of no reason for anyone to take a personal affront to any of this.  I will not offer any explanation for your behavior, as only you can explain it. 

I think that we have come to a conclusion of our discussion, based on your behavior.

[Ocklawaha]

This is yet another idea that we could employ in the outskirts of the city, along the interstates and US Highways. A small group of PARK-N-SLEEP facilities roughly following the guidelines set forth below would go a long way to assisting our mobile transients toward becoming stable contributing citizens of our city.

OCKLAWAHA

Issues and Conditions:

Homeless Conditions:

For  a variety of reasons, people find themselves in homeless conditions. Solicited donations to homeless citizens are sometimes used to rent hotel rooms to escape unforgiving weather. To support other critical needs and objectives, homeless citizens need a reliable and secure place to sleep, especially overnight. Otherwise, family, employment, health, emotional states and overall functionality will be at further risk.

Traditional City Issues & Strategy:

Cities often find themselves unable to sustain the shelter needs of the homeless population, primarily due to financial constraints.

City management tries to implement policies best for traditional and homeless residents, but it is difficult to achieve a mix that accommodates both. Cities usually offer some form of shelters. However, availabilities are temporary and not guaranteed. Often city policies are against loitering, panhandling, sleeping in public or in cars. It is clear that cities need alternate homeless strategies to satisfy the interests of city management, business/residential entities and the homeless population.
Policy Proposal:

Minimum Requirements:

One vacant lot, portable restroom facilities and one on-duty staff person is required to establish a minimum Park-N-Sleep site. The lot is to be enclosed by a wall or fence suitable for security and privacy. Although there would be an emergency exit, there would be only one authorized entry and exit point which is monitored by an on-duty staff person. Those needing a place to sleep would drive to the gate entrance, be greeted by the on-duty staff, directed to the site rules clearly posted, provided with a vehicle pass for display and then allowed to park and sleep overnight.

Optional Modifications and Considerations:

Access can be more comprehensive with the presentation of valid identification and filling out a registration form to include names and ages of all car guests, vehicle identification data, anticipated number of nights as guests and a certification that all rules are understood and potential penalties for violations.

Parking spaces could be numbered to designate reserved areas. Pavement markings could outline traffic, entrance and exit pathways.

Park-N-Sleep sites could make available window covers, eye-blinders, earplugs and other coverings to filter out occasional disruptions. Do-Not-Disturb signs for each car would discourage disturbing guests who desire privacy. Transactions could be free, loan, rent or purchase.

More formal sites could provide official mailing addresses to guests, using mailboxes or personalized mail baskets for mail administration. Decision-makers must not underestimate this policy to satisfy employment eligibility requirements.

Homeless services paraphernalia, resources and contact phone numbers could be readily available as handouts.

Suggested Site Rules:

Prohibited:

    * Unmonitored children under 18 years of age.
    * Horn blowing, loud music, excessive revving of engines / disruptive noises.
    * Headlights Hi/Lo beam. (Assumes safe external lighting for driver safety.)
    * Pets.
    * Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, guns, knives and other weapons. (strictly enforced by local law.)
    * Unlocked doors.
    * Cooking.
    * Sexual activity or Indecent exposure.
    * Tampering with cars or property of others.
    * Littering and improper food disposal.
    * Flat tires. (noncritical â€" recommended for general appearances and morale.)
    * Unofficial visits.
    * Disregarding Do-Not-Disturb signs on guest cars. (except emergencies.)

General courtesy should be practiced at all times.

PARK-N-SLEEP assumes no liability for property or personal damages incurred on the premises.

Vehicles, properties and guests are subject to search for contraband while on the premises.

Guests are subject to DUI sobriety and other testing.

Violators are subject to temporary or permanent revocation of guest privileges and legal prosecution.

Site Selection:

Park-N-Sleep locations should be free from excess environmental noises, lights and odors that would impair proper sleep. Location selection should also consider proximity to needed storage facilities and bus routes, especially for guests who do not drive. Ideally, the site would be near affordable food establishments and YMCA,YWCA or other affordable gyms for showering privileges. Selection should also consider average commute times to the most common work subdivisions.

To avoid typical community objections, site should not be within or  adjacent to established residential communities.
Obstacles Expected:

Rigid City Management Philosophy:

City management may initially dismiss the idea of authorizing its citizens to sleep in their cars. PARK-N-SLEEP is a compromise between continuing homeless policies that simply do not work and allowing unlimited sleeping in cars citywide. The PARK-N-SLEEP program can provide all interested homeless citizens a shelter from the environment under controlled conditions and at predetermined locations. Thus, management of homeless citizens will be greatly facilitated.

The PARK-N-SLEEP program should not be delayed because policy-makers devise the many scenarios against it, while having no superior alternative to substitute in its place.

City Code:

Relevant codes that restrict sleeping in cars should be modified to accommodate city controlled PARK-N-SLEEP sites.

Security Intervention:

Programs of this nature are not immune from incidents. Sites must have clearly established staff policies and protocols for police, fire and medical intervention. Sites should consider audio and video recordings of all areas. Roving security staff should be considered, especially if all property cannot be easily seen by the gate staff.

Multi-Use:

Depending on the site size and intent for usage, guests could be limited to noncommercial transportation vehicles. Otherwise, larger sites could have special areas for large trucks, RVs and Trailers. The separate area will ensure a minimum peace and availability for regular guests.

Limited car ownership, availability and driving privileges:

Some homeless individuals have neither cars nor current driver licenses. Therefore, car donations to the Park-N-Post program will enable anyone to sleep at the site.  If donated cars are in short supply or for other prudent reasons, PARK-N-SLEEP may choose to prevent donated cars to be driven. Then, the drive or axle systems of donated cars should be disabled to prevent movement. Recipients of donated cars will have access to entry, exit and ignition for heating and cooling purposes. Cities need not delay implementing minimal PARK-N-SLEEP programs in order to accomodate car donations.

The on-duty or security staff will have duplicate keys for all donated cars at all times. Good heating and air conditioning systems would be preferred over aesthetic appearances of donated cars. Qualified local automotive repair specialists could be encouraged to volunteer to perform regular maintenance in exchange for tax breaks.

The optional donated,  immobilized cars will require regular intervention for gas and maintenance. Donated cars do bear added expenses and risks, thus they may be deemed unsuitable  for some city PARK-N-SLEEP programs.

Guest Safety:

To help protect guests and property, all car doors are required to be locked at all times while guests are in or away from their cars.

Those sleeping while running heat could provide a window opening of a minimum prescribed size to prevent carbon monoxide issues. PARK-N-SLEEP sites can provide mandatory, properly-sized inserts into car windows as evidence of sufficient ventilation. To retain maximum heat, one alternate approach is to use portable carbon monoxide detectors within the compartment of each car. While private car owners would be responsible for their own energy expenses, this policy option would increase city energy expenses for  guests using donated cars. Policy could be adapted to disallow running engines of donated cars or all cars at the site. In doing so, guests would rely exclusively on sufficient blankets and clothing for warmth.

More developed sites should strive for an optimum layout compromise between maximum site capacity and distances among parked vehicles. While close, adjacent parking spaces will maximize capacity, it would also increase accidental door-to-car contacts, damages and sleep interruptions due to insufficient minimum space between vehicles. Parking space layouts should incorporate side buffer zones between cars to reduce these occurrences. Likewise, front buffer zones would reduce accidental fender-bumper contacts.

Parents With Children:

It is generally accepted that living in a car is not an environment for children. Accordingly, all registrations with children are immediately referred to local social services system intervention to find suitable shelter arrangements. If after exhausting every resource, no suitable place is found, then the PARK-N-SLEEP site becomes their best option for temporary sleep and safety until an improved family environment becomes available. The site is preferred to the alternative of parking in unknown and dangerous areas with children. Parents must monitor all children under their care at all times for their safety, according to site policy.

Drug Users:

A zero tolerance drug possession and use policy must be fully enforced while on PARK-N-SLEEP sites as a prerequisite for all guests. Site drug behavior will rapidly degrade the intended use and relative enjoyment of PARK-N-SLEEP sites. On-duty staff must be trained to report all known or suspected drug activity to police. Verified or voluntary admission of drug addictions should be referred according to local protocols for services and appropriate medical and other professional interventions.

Restrictive Qualifications Requirements:

The goal is to ensure that essentially any adult agreeing to the site terms can obtain rest at the site. Because the reasons for homeless status are varied, data such as income, employment, cause of homelessness or previous residency may be collected but should not be considered for qualification.

City Mayors and PARK-N-SLEEP Management:

The goal is not to place an excessive burden on city finances and resources. Minimum sites could offer limited hours to enable only overnight sleep. Note that this plan would not accommodate those working alternate hours and unfortunately would be unavailable for this limited time PARK-N-SLEEP service.

To reduce or possibly eliminate city budgeting concerns, city government should consider local PARK-N-SLEEP sponsorships and donations from individuals, businesses and goodwill organizations. Land may be donated by philanthropic organizations and individuals, as providing a path to sheltering those in need is a very noble cause. Likewise, many individuals will search their hearts and will be eager to donate their unused cars, knowing that their gifts will provide much needed shelters for others.  A comprehensive search may reveal that state or federal funds could be considered for this program under emergency relief, social need, research or other essential services.

City officials should not dismiss the efficiency gained  and cost reduced by using the sites as one-spot screening and delivery locations for  homelessness related duties by local social services departments. This will actually reduce time and fuel expenses related to identifying and serving the homeless population.

Mayors and city council representatives may habitually desire “business as usual” homeless policies. The topic may be politically sensitive. What is unrealized are the many eligible voters who would be very grateful for their improved daily conditions due to this new city program.

Remember that while citizens may lose their homes, they often have cars.  A suitable, secure parking site could be just what they need for now.

City Management may consider an open community hearing to obtain a consensus of all affected parties, which includes the locall homeless population.

Contingencies should be considered for full capacity demand. If the current lot becomes full, the staff should call or provide phone numbers to alternate PARK-N-SLEEP sites within the city or nearby cities. To ensure fairness, reservations should be disallowed as a policy. Space should be provided as available.

For long-term management, city governments should consider awarding contracts based on bid and experience to run their PARK-N-SLEEP programs.

Basic background checks for outstanding warrants may be a component of pre-admissions policy. However, these administrative efforts should be organized not to delay delivery of same-day benefits. State driver license and vehicle license plate checks may be sufficient initial entry criteria.

Policy makers must always remember the central goal of battling and eradicating homelessness within the city. So, potential fee-related products and policies must not impede access to the PARK-N-SLEEP program in any way.

Negative Perceptions and Objections:

Resistance exists when there is something to lose. Entities will resist PARK-N-SLEEP sites because they may organize unwelcomed groups of citizens within perceived safety boundaries. Concerned residents and businesses will evaluate both benefits and risks. Unfortunately, improving the lives of many homeless citizens alone will not be a sufficient motivator for many communities.

Perimeter gates or walls will control entry and exit, protect guests and provide barriers such that citizens outside will see and hear minimal activity from inside.

Concessions may be given if site guests routinely volunteer time and services to the local community. Site guests could provide value to every community. Examples include neighborhood cleanup, painting and preservation. Some will even have specialized skills to offer. A successful public relations campaign can help manage perceptions and responses.

Entities objecting to this proposal or otherwise finding it to be unfeasible are very likely to already have a secure place to exist and to sleep at night. Proper justice will be given to  this proposal only by perceiving it through the eyes and experiences of those homeless citizens who are actually living on the streets.  While some entities believe sleeping in cars to be uncivilized, those in need will find it to be an essential leap forward. So it is a matter of perspective and life experience. Ultimately, in the absence of a superior plan that sustains all homeless citizens, PARK-N-SLEEP  becomes the most feasible, effective and morally correct action.

Capacity and Expansion Limitations:

The capacity to provide for every interested homeless entity is limited only by the availability of feasible land and the number of donated automobiles to accommodate those not owning cars within the city.

PARK-N-SLEEP Adaptability  Challenges:

This proposal is actually a general template designed to be modified according to local needs and inspirations. Many varieties of PARK-N-SLEEP programs are possible to meet the needs of government, residential, business and homeless entities.
Vision:

This proposal is designed for cities requiring a fast, effective and sustainable plan for many homeless citizens. As difficult as one may imagine, this program may provide improved, long-term conditions for many. After giving full consideration and contemplation to this proposal, one will realize the potential for PARK-N-SLEEP programs to end “on-the-street” homelessness within any city at relatively low or zero cost to government.

It is speculation that city management may have the opportunity to possibly reclassify citizens at PARK-N-SLEEP sites as an improved status compared to “on the street” homeless citizens. While they would not be living in traditional homes, they also would not be “on the street.” They would be in a program that gives them the opportunity to sustain some degree of normality by having a fixed location to exist, rest and enjoy increased privacy. This policy supports further progress for positive individual self-esteem, optimism, employment eligibility, family stability, social bonds and contemplations for the future.

http://humanitytest.org/blog/park-n-sleep-sites-homeless-solution-for-the-city-mayor

[NotNow]

I like the way you think Ock!

[Ocklawaha]

PLEASE, before anyone jumps that Ock want's to put the homeless in containers, pipes or parked vehicles, consider the photo above. Just another trailer you say? Not! When I worked for Dan Curtis Productions in Hollywood, our whole cast and crew lived in such primitive settings for weeks at a time. Poor homeless people like Cloris Leachman, Jack Palance, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter and Chloe Moretz.


One more time, this doesn't have to be hard, nor does it have to break the city budget, we just need determination to do some simple changes to make livability and a solid work ethic meld with our mass transit, education, medical and other social services. Given a chance to have a hot shower, a ride to work, a training program, and a safe comfortable place to sleep (including spouse and children if needs be) most of the homeless problem would melt away. Homelessness shouldn't be a crime, but like so many things today, we tend to legislate lifestyle based on some Utopian mantra. Many of the rules and regulations at our shelters are completely unreasonable, most of our hours of service windows are out of touch with reality, and many of our sundry agencies could be playing a much bigger role in solving the problem.

Far from being pure expenses, these things should be looked at as INVESTMENTS IN HUMANITY, imagine the dividends. We could even finance them through local labor pool services. How many homeless do you know with a skill? I know a "professionally unemployed" woman who is an RN! I know a homeless guy who can build a computer out of old shoe boxes and bailing wire... What if we were able to market some of those skills? This is so doable, we just need the will.

Like all Green Horizon structures, ERU-BUNK features include:
Green Design
Environmentally-responsible, energy-efficient design is manufactured from 100% recyclable or recycled materials.

Completely Self-Sustaining
Built-in water supply, waste water storage, power system, heating and cooling system, and all the necessary equipment and supplies for the unit's function. Standard RV-style connections enable use of available infrastructure and utilities.

Fully-Transportable
Unit collapses to fit inside a worldwide standard, 40' high cube marine shipping container, for transportation by land or sea anywhere in the world. An integrated trailering system enables transportation of individual units by truck.

Rapid Deployment
Green Horizon structures are easily deployed by as few as two people in a matter of hours, without any special skills or training required. In fact, everything needed to setup a Green Horizon unit ships within the unit itself. 

Hub Concept
Networkable as part of a multi-unit hub, to take advantage of shared resources for long-term deployment. http://www.greenhorizonmfg.com/bunkHouse.htm

Bunkhouse or Rig House
from Custom Shipping Container

The strength of a converted custom shipping container lends itself to be used as a bunkhouse, whether on the oilfields or as rig houses or on ranches.

Popular for disaster relief or military personel they are transportable using trailers and don't need specific foundations. Whether it is a 20 footer built into a two bedded righouse or a 20 or 30 people bunkhouse made from a 40 footer.

The sturdy cinstruction lends itself to many years of hard use. Designed using every cubic inch to give rugged comfort and practical living a steel shipping container built into Custom Shipping Containers is virtually indestructible.
Bunkhouse, shipping container bunkhouse, shipping container Although bunkhouses are mainly for sleeping in, other necessities of life need to be catered for.

These include shower utilities, toilets, food prep areas, laundry and desk space. Electrical outlets, for international use should this be encessary, and generators. Air - conditioning, or HVAC, plumbing, water hook-ups, vinyl flooring can be supplied.

While these necessities may be catered for in other buildings, it would depend on the sleeping accomodation needed and the purpose for the dormitory or bunkjouse. Other features like insulation, which ensures a cosy or cool interior and placement of doors and windows for throughdrafts are also important to consider.

Not being able to rest or sleep is counterproductive.

While we're here I suppose we could consider snoring - although who cares when youre tired.

While this may be for rough and ready use it makes good financial, healthwise and practical sense to provide the best situation for sleeping and life in general.

Let us discuss what is needed in your storage container for new situations as we always have new and innovative uses being designed and built.

Unit Includes:

40 ft storage container - pre-owned steel container in a good wind and water tight condition

Interior fully insulated with 1.75 inch (40 mm) â€" 16 DV polystyrene laminated to 0,5 mm frost whitechromadek (walls and ceiling) - ask about our other insulation options or see other options on this site

Industrial flooring covering the existing wooden floor

4 x steel panel entrance doors with heavy duty mortise lock sets

4 x aluminum fly screen doors

4 Large aluminum windows fitted with 0.5 inch / 12mm burglar bars, mosquito nets and transportation covers

2 Medium windows fitted with 0.5 inch/ 12mm burglar bars, mosquito nets and transportation covers

1 x 1.75 inch / 40mm insulated partition wall

4 x 1.75 inch / 40 mm insulated partition walls with inter-leading wooden doors

2 x 110 volt or 220 volt distribution pannels (other options available)

6 x waterproof bulk head lights

4 x 16 amp double switch plugs

2 x 50 litre hot water heater

2 x shower cubicles each with a shower curtain

4 x hand basins with hot and cold taps

2 x toilets with toilet brushes

4 x single base and mattress sets with four single lockers

4 x desks and 4 x chairs

4 x 9000 split type air-conditioning units

Wire brush, primer and paint exterior to a color of your choice

(Ask about other custom shipping contaienr options)

http://www.custom-shippingcontainers.com/customshippingcontainer-bunkhouse4.html

OCKLAWAHA

[For_F-L-O-R-I-D-A]

10 years ago, there were so many homeless in DT SP that as a kid growing up in the area going to Rays games, we would avoid being DT at all costs so were were not berated by them for money left and right. Now, I love going down to SP and there are no homeless in sight. This of course is a combination of new development and good policies. It is pretty incredible to see. Of all cities. SP should serve as the blueprint for a DT revival in Jax because it is the most similar.

[For_F-L-O-R-I-D-A]

Definitely. As residents, business and restaurants exploded, it naturally pushed the homeless away. The homeless, as discussed here, normally are not looking to be in populated places.

[johncb]

I am SO on the fence about this subject ! I agree that the death of rooming houses has contributed greatly to the homeless problem,St.Pete was basically a city full of hotels and rooming houses when I started going there in the late 70s. Charmingly run down grand old hotels ,private rooming houses and small guest houses were everywhere,and very cheap. Williams park was full of little old gents in seersucker suits  and immaculate little old ladies in hats (and some in gloves!) and there was a charm to St. Pete,whispers of a bygone era. I last lived there in the early 90s,and in 2007 I made a much anticipated trip back there after a many year absence,even treating myself to a stay at the Vinoy (as I remembered it as a ruin and was thrilled it was rehabbed). I checked in,got settled and walked up to Williams park. As I came around a corner,I was completely stunned at what I saw. I felt like Scarlett when she went down to the depot to fetch the doctor,absolutely shocked and appalled ! I encountered a veritable SEA of 100s of homeless people,and the air reeked like an open air cess pool ! They were everywhere,on all the benches,sleeping,drinking,arguing,trash strewn everywhere. Long gone were the little old ladies in their hats,the old gents in their summer suits,the charm,the gentility . I was asked for money,cigs,propositioned to pay for sex at least 10 times in 15 minutes. I was cursed at when I refused,and had it been night Id have been afraid. Absolutely heartbreaking to see how it had gotten.
So,yes,I feel for the homeless deeply (I managed the Ambassador and worked with several agencies that dealt with them) but I can see how it would be preferable if they didn't congregate in public places in such vast numbers.I hate that they had to criminalize homelessness there,but you truly had to see it to appreciate the reason why. St.Pete has transformed their downtown,and lets face it,people wouldn't have started patronizing downtown if they had to wade through a sea of homeless . its unfair I guess,but its reality.

As an aside,I was stunned at how much rents are there now ! Never in a million years would I have thought itd get so expensive to live in St.Pete !

[Bill Hoff]

I'm hopeful that in Jax, the local business leadership will become more involved in this issue, with Moran at the Jax Chamber now.

That was key in Charlotte's approach.

Gulliford had the same conclusion when he participated in a series of workshops on the Downtown homeless issue a couple years ago: key business stakeholders need to care about this issue.