Breaking up Homeless Encampments can have Negative Effects

Bay Area Homeless advocates are learning more about the social benefits of living in encampments.  Whether it’s in the context of employment, career advancement, housing, relationships, our general well-being or lifespan, the importance of human connection is a critical component for anyone to live a full life. 

Many of our unhoused neighbors feel that communal living situations, whether living individually in a tent, car, or camper, gives them access to neighbors with similar struggles and provides greater stability than living on the street alone. 

The social opportunities can also improve the likelihood of accepting mental health or substance treatment, health care, and job skill resources.  These critical paths are key to help move people off of the street and back into supportive or affordable housing.

Our homeless neighbors are not different from any other socioeconomic group, some will improve their circumstances, some face greater struggles, some will face legal and addiction issues – but these challenges exist in every social strata, we just don’t see them as visibly in our day to day lives.