By Casey Mosbacher, SCS Intern
It is no secret that the misconceptions about the unhoused population and the spread of stigmas run rampant through society. Individuals believe that the presence of unhoused individuals harms their neighborhood’s value, deems the area “less safe,” and inherently pushes a “run-down” narrative. At Shoreline Community Services, not only do we fight against this notion, but we also actively propel positive changes in the community thanks to the populations we serve. We do this through meaningful impacts on our Guests’ lives and through direct contributions to the Central Beach community.
Shoreline has various opportunities in place to start the process of getting our unhoused neighbors better resources. Resources we can provide and connect individuals with are numerous, ranging from basic supports like phone charging to more complex assistance such as housing navigation. Shoreline has on-site resources like showers, laundry, phone charging, computer access, receiving mail, and wellness and health care. We also provide connections to off-site providers and services, assisting and guiding guests through processes such as housing applications, veterans services, benefits enrollment (like SNAP), document recovery, transportation support, and legal and tax documentation. From one end to another, we put time, care, and individualized support into empowering Guests as they work toward long-term stability and wellbeing and, in turn, engage more positively with the surrounding community.
Not only are the services provided impactful for the Guests, but simply having a place to go may be the strongest driver of improved quality of life. Many Guests express that what makes the Compass Station Resource Center important to them is the sense of community, shared interest, and dignity they experience. It’s an indoor place to work, to get up and go to, helping to break up the days. A place filled with people striving to improve their situation and access help. A place where the people care and normal conversation occurs. It’s a place to go that offers comfort, safety, and consistency. This sense of belonging is often just as meaningful as the tangible services we provide.
Lastly, Shoreline and the Community Care Crew actively give back to the greater Central Beach community every day. The Community Care Crew is a group of up to 12 individuals who are given paid transitional work in the Central Beach Area with perks of case management, career management, gym membership, transitional housing, and job placement. The work that they do directly serves our area, including street cleaning, power washing, graffiti removal, light landscaping, custodial/janitorial services, and event setup/takedown.
I would like to close with a reminder about the humility of the homeless population: they are in an uncomfortable position, not a burden for the general public day to day. They are not out to cause harm, inconvenience, or upset anyone, they just need a place to belong. Shoreline may perpetuate healthy choices and encourage positive actions, but all the work is done by the community we serve. Everyone has their own experiences and reasons for being where they are. Give grace, most are doing what they can.
References
Agans, R. P., Liu, G., Jones, M., Verjan, C., Silverbush, M., Kalsbeek, W. D., Survey Research Unit, University of North Carolina, Rho, & Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. (2009). Public attitudes toward the homeless [Journal-article]. http://www.asasrms.org/Proceedings/y2011/Files/400188.pdf
Community Care Crew – Shoreline Community Services. (n.d.). https://shorelinecs.org/community-care-crew/
Link, B. G., Schwartz, S., Moore, R., Phelan, J., Struening, E., Stueve, A., & Colten, M. E. (1995). Public knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about homeless people: Evidence for compassion fatigue? American Journal of Community Psychology, 23(4), 533–555. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf02506967