Tiny homes are a Band-Aid to problem | Letter to the editor

Posted

The homeless problem is a complex one, and I have seen and been involved with it for the last few decades.  Last summer I worked with a number of people at Fort Worden who lived in their cars. These people had no drug problems, they just couldn’t find an affordable place to rent. 

But unfortunately, many of the homeless I have interacted with have addiction and mental issues that cause them not to be trustworthy. I am not saying that they’re morally wrong, or “bad people,” but I would hesitate to let them into my home. 

Tiny homes, aka shacks, have been tried. They have been referred to as dog houses. Because they have no plumbing, women are at great risk when they need to use the facilities at night, particularly in a concentration of homeless folks, some of whom might be felons. Self-governing can turn into a situation like "Lord of the Flies." 

We need to take into account that the homeless but employed people should also be given homes. Who decides who gets theirs for free?  

I knew a couple new to town (homeless) who camped at the fairgrounds. They both got jobs and finally found housing. They would not have stayed there if it was unsafe. I was on fairground property last spring when the homeless were staying in one of the buildings and I did not feel safe. I do not blame those individuals but I know what addiction or mental illness can do, and I am wary. 

To house the homeless an apartment building would make more sense than a few tiny homes because of land values. A home with plumbing is necessary for women and children. A location near to food centers and pharmacies would help, as well. Addiction treatment and a hospital are best close by.   

The fairgrounds are a very family friendly place with facilities for 4-H and the Port Townsend Rock Club among others. They make their money partially from the campground. Moving at-risk homeless into tiny houses there might get them out of downtown, but at the cost of trashing the surrounding neighborhood. 

The fairgrounds are far away from the support the at-risk homeless need to begin to fix their root causes. And the fairground’s campground already houses many working homeless who pay the camping fee’s when they stay there and feel safe. 

Please consider a more encompassing approach for this complex problem, one that keeps the campground safe for other transitioning people and leads to a more permanent solution for a complex problem. 

Sara Aruguete 
PORT TOWNSEND