PROBLEM
A significant number of people in Frederick get derailed even before reaching the shelter stage of the “housing river.” They may be barred from shelters and other services due to belligerent behavior, substance abuse, or mental health challenges; they may simply prefer the street to a group setting.
Besides trying to get enough food and sleep, they struggle with keeping track of possessions, figuring out when and where to go to the bathroom, and surviving extreme temperatures. To get a sense for the scope of this problem, just walk the length of Carroll Creek in the late night or early morning.
PROPOSAL
Part One—partner with a downtown church or other organization to create a 24/7 aid station with restrooms, hot/cold drinks, packaged food, and a bag check*. This station could be staffed by pairs of volunteers and stocked by donations, but would require an overall manager. Setting up a 24/7 aid
station could significantly improve the quality of life for those who are reduced to living on the streets of Frederick. It might also decrease public urination/defecation and pollution of the creek.
Part Two—construct a series of portable units that could be placed on private land or unused space such as the top floor of a parking structure. Each unit would include two rooms and a (chemical) toilet, all with separate keypad access. Units would be completely freestanding: powered by solar panels, climate-controlled, and supplied with bottled water for drinking. They would need to be serviced on a weekly basis. These units could be made available based on a formula, with preference given to veterans, disabled individuals, those being treated for a chronic mental/physical condition, etc. Case management for residents could be provided through existing channels. See this page for more details.
This strategy for providing semi-permanent supportive housing has a number of advantages:
- Relatively inexpensive; an estimate for the attached sketch is about $8,000
- Scalable—you can start with just a few units and grow as support permits or need increases
- Offers a variety of ways for community members and organizations to participate: pay for the construction of a unit, host a unit, “adopt” a unit, etc.
- Small footprint—units could be placed virtually anywhere
- Allows individuals to have their own space, rather than trying to live in a group setting
Portable housing units could help fill in the cracks that prevent some unhoused individuals from benefiting from existing shelter options.
* Users would be assigned a wheeled trash can or other container, fitted with a locked lid; they would receive a numbered wristband identifying their container. Cans would be stored in an access- and climate-controlled area, no perishables allowed.