Communities Making Recovery A Possibility
Community Making Recovery A Possibility
It's a deep thought; to think just how much our world has changed in these last two years. Life, as we had known it before, becomes a sweet memory. The kind we hope to one-day experience and live in again. For many people, the pre-pandemic life isn't the only memory they hope to one day return to it's; also one where their lives have stability and a place of their own becomes a home. It's no secret that the city of Portland has become known for its homeless crisis and is a home to thousands of homeless wanderers.
There are various circumstances that contribute to the loss of stability that breaks down an individual's life foundation and can force them to have a completely different life outcome than they had intended. The most difficult aspect in overcoming such circumstances and returning to build stability is doing is alone.
The community has become that helping hand too wanderers and the engine that can kickstart the road to recovery. I came across this when I was able to speak with staff members of local shelters that shared with me just how much the community can do for a person.
My initial thought was to ask questions about the individuals at shelters and questions they may have. I never expected that community questions would be more dominant and become the common questions that shelters receive. Every person I had spoken with had shared with me the role of the local community and how it enables individuals to recover. People call in daily to multiple homeless shelters asking what the needs are and fulfilling ones within their power.
The majority of shelters survive because they are funded by the local community, not the state of Oregon or even the federal government. It's purely a community effort that provides resources homeless individuals and families require to get on the road to recovery. Donating goods, such as blankets, diapers, food, tents, clothes, toothbrushes, women hygiene products, etc.. are just some of the steps the community takes in making a difference in someone's life. Another product of success according to various shelters is the homeless community witnessing the transformation of one of their peers. Meaning when they see someone's life change who was in a similar situation as themselves they are encouraged to keep moving forward.
In order for something to change you it must be challenging. The combination of mental health issues and drug addictions are one of the most greatest challenges on the road to recovery. In a study conducted on the Portland homeless community of 2016, it was discovered around 35-50% were affected by mental illness and even more from drug addictions. Many of the shelters make it a golden "rule" that drug use is not permitted and addiction must be broken for long term residency. Progress is being made even though the state is not doing enough in aiding with mental illness and drafting policies to confront drug abuse.
Another part of recovery from shelters comes in giving an address where people are able to use to seek jobs. This opens the door for many to feel a sense of hope in getting back on their feet. Local shelters also partner with local businesses who are willing to hire such individuals and give them an opportunity to work.
Finally, a message that came across was that many people consider themselves to be "houseless" and not "homeless". The reasoning being that they are able to build a "home" with their community and others like themselves. The community truly does make an effort to make recovery a possibility many can hold onto and return to days of a more stable life.
Take a look at a list of questions collected from local Portland shelters:
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