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"I have been out (homeless) for so
long that it seems that there is no turning back. It's like there is wall
between me and the rest of the world - that I'm looking down a tunnel at myself.
I've quit drinking before but it's the only thing that keeps me warm. Besides,
I'll never be part of your world again. It's too late. Thanks for the services
you can provide me and knowing where the boundaries lie."
- Richard, 34, lives in Burlington
Some among the homeless appear to want only to be left alone. Many are
actively using/abusing alcohol and/or drugs. They are unwilling or unable to
meet the short-term sobriety requirements of local shelters, to participate in
treatment, to maintain sobriety, to obtain/maintain employment.
- To get into any of the emergency shelters in Burlington, you cannot be
visibly intoxicated or under the influence of other substances.
- There are currently only six detox beds available in the county. Last year, those beds were filled every night - and
served over 2,200 people. Around 20% of those spending the night in a
detox bed are homeless.
Currently, these homeless people sleep in the streets or in the woods,
sometimes in shelters, in hospitals and in penal institutions. That jeopardizes
public safety (mostly for them) and has high public costs.
This group poses the hardest challenges - both in strategies that address
their need for treatment and their housing needs (both when in treatment and in
relapse).
For those who are currently unwilling to engage in treatment for addiction
disorders, it may be necessary to create a type of housing that recognizes the
addiction, makes services available, but does not require sobriety. Models of
so-called "low demand" housing do exist. Another possibility might be
low cost hostel or dormitory type housing with daily or weekly rental terms.
For some among this group, most available in-state treatment for addiction
disorders may not be appropriate because it is too short term, and has no
follow-up recovery or sober housing.
Providing a range of options in a non-coercive manner, with consumer input
and/or involving former consumers in outreach and/or services, may increase
chances for success.[47]
[47]
Nicole Glasser, Giving Voice to Homeless People in Policy, Practice and
Research, Practical Lessons: The
1998 Symposium on Homelessness Research, U.S. Departments of HUD and HHS
(1999).
Page last updated March 5, 2004
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