Imagine you had to leave your home overnight. What would you take with you?
Why is storage for unsheltered people a critical issue?
- Unsheltered people have possessions that are valuable and worth protecting.
- People experience discrimination, and are sometimes targeted, for having their belongings with them at all times.
- People’s belongings (including medicine and medical devices) are often vandalised, stolen, or lost..
- Loss of official documents like social security cards, driver’s licenses and marriage certificates create additional barriers to services and housing.
- Belongings taken during homeless sweeps are not always stored and may be impossible to retrieve
- Keeping outdoor survival equipment secure can stop people from pursuing employment and other opportunities that can lead to housing
- Warming and cooling centers can save lives in extreme weather – but – people may choose to stay outside and secure their belongings so they have a place to sleep that night
- Hauling belongings everywhere and maintaining hypervigilance is physically and emotionally exhausting.
What Can We Do About Storage?
- Street Storage (London)
- Storage Pilot Program (Downtown Improvement District, Minneapolis)
- The Bin: Personal Property Storage (Los Angeles)
Ideas for Pierce County? Bring them to the Pierce County Coalition to End Homelessness – let’s solve this.
Safe Sites 4 All 