Vancouver resident Peter Bracchi outlines the impacts from homelessness

Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and do not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com

What if the Men’s Share House was in your Neighborhood for the last seven years?

Why has our mayor let this happen to the city of Vancouver?

Here is what has gone on in my neighborhood for the last seven years.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/mTaZHtwTCbzkrm8q7

Living on the streets in urban environments, especially in areas with high foot traffic, commercial activity, and infrastructure like buses, police, and fire services, can create a number of serious dangers and environmental pollution problems. These issues arise from both the lack of basic services (such as plumbing and sanitation) and the challenges posed by living in close proximity to busy urban systems. Here are some key dangers and pollution concerns:

1. Sanitation and waste management problems

Health risks from lack of toilets: Without access to proper sanitation facilities, individuals living on the street may resort to public spaces, such as sidewalks or alleys, for urination and defecation. This creates serious health risks, including the spread of diseases such as hepatitis, cholera, and gastrointestinal infections. Fecal contamination of public spaces can lead to outbreaks of infectious diseases.

Waste accumulation: People living on the streets often lack the means to dispose of trash and personal waste, leading to litter and garbage accumulating in public spaces. This not only creates an unsightly environment but also attracts pests, including rodents and insects, which further contribute to the spread of disease.

2. Water pollution and stormwater issues

Contaminated runoff: In urban areas, stormwater runoff often collects pollutants from various sources, including litter, oil, chemicals, and human waste. When people are living on the streets, their discarded waste (such as plastic, trash, and waste from makeshift shelters) can block stormwater drains, exacerbating flooding and causing contamination of nearby water bodies, streams, or rivers.

Water quality concerns: Improper disposal of human waste can contribute to the contamination of both surface water and groundwater sources. This can affect not only the urban environment but also the broader ecosystem and public water supplies, potentially harming aquatic life and posing a risk to public health.

3. Public health and safety concerns

Spread of disease: In addition to gastrointestinal diseases, the crowded, unsanitary conditions in which people live can foster the spread of other diseases like tuberculosis, respiratory infections, and even more severe conditions like scabies and lice. The lack of regular access to healthcare exacerbates these risks.

Air quality and respiratory Issues: Living near busy streets with high levels of commercial, residential, and transit traffic creates air quality problems. Exhaust from buses, cars, trucks, and other vehicles releases particulate matter and pollutants such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, which can lead to respiratory problems, particularly for people with compromised immune systems.

4. Safety and crime risks

Exposure to violence: People living on the streets are highly vulnerable to violence and exploitation, including assaults, thefts, and other forms of crime. The urban environment, especially in commercial areas, may not be designed to ensure the safety of people living on the streets.

Accidents and injury: The presence of busy traffic, especially without proper pedestrian infrastructure, increases the risk of accidents and injuries, whether from cars, buses, or tripping hazards on sidewalks. Lack of proper shelter also exposes people to the elements, leading to injuries from extreme weather.

5. Environmental degradation and aesthetic issues

Urban blight: The presence of people living on the streets and the associated litter, waste, and makeshift structures can contribute to the degradation of urban aesthetics. Over time, this can lead to a perception of blight and negatively impact local businesses and property values.

Land Degradation: Improper use of public spaces (such as parks, sidewalks, and vacant lots) can lead to physical damage, such as soil erosion or degradation of green spaces, as people may set up temporary shelters or campfires.

6. Psychosocial and mental health issues

Mental health deterioration: Living on the streets often involves trauma, isolation, and exposure to violence, which can worsen mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The lack of access to services or support systems further exacerbates this problem, creating a vicious cycle.

Substance abuse: People living on the streets may also struggle with substance abuse, which compounds the social and environmental challenges of homelessness. The presence of drug paraphernalia or alcohol consumption in public spaces creates additional hazards for both individuals living on the streets and the broader community.

7. Traffic and pedestrian conflicts

Pedestrian and vehicle conflicts: Homeless individuals living on sidewalks or near busy roads create conflicts between pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles. This can lead to accidents or delays in traffic, and increases the danger to people who are already vulnerable.

Impediments to Emergency Services: Makeshift shelters and street encampments can obstruct access to emergency vehicles, police, or fire services. In situations of emergency, this can delay response times or hinder the ability to provide help, further exacerbating the danger.

8. Increased burden on municipal services

Emergency services strain: The presence of people living on the streets increases the demand for emergency services, such as police, fire, and healthcare. Local governments may be overwhelmed with managing the additional strain on public services, resources, and shelters, which could reduce overall service quality for all residents.

9. Impacts on local businesses and economy

Economic strain: businesses located near areas where people are living on the streets may experience financial strain due to reduced customer traffic, vandalism, theft, and overall community perception. This can negatively impact the local economy and further contribute to urban decay.

Loss of productivity: If people do not have access to proper sanitation or shelter, they may struggle to participate in the formal workforce, leading to a cycle of poverty and unemployment that perpetuates the issues on both a personal and societal level.

Peter Bracchi
Vancouver

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