Hoping for Humanity: Libraries and the Homeless

 Hoping for Humanity: Libraries and the Homeless

By Melissa Arreola

Image by Matt Collamer

Just as libraries are so much more than their books, librarians are so much more than conduits to information. They are helpers at heart who genuinely care for the members of their communities – and that includes those experiencing homelessness. Librarians are advocates for the underserved and hold the necessary tools to make a difference. In a world where unhoused individuals experience biased dismissal, scrutiny, discrimination, and stigmatization, the library becomes a haven as well as a gateway to possibility where they can actively work on self-development, gain knowledge and skills, and simply just be.

Martha Foscarinis, director of the National Law Center for Homelessness and Poverty, uses her platform to call for empathy, saying “It’s really important for libraries to preserve one of the few remaining public sanctuaries [for the homeless] and […] to develop programs to help them” (Samuels). Many times, homeless individuals seek out the resources available at the library with the goal of improving their situation. This is often because libraries are seen as sanctuaries with equal access to social and natural support systems as well as a safe place to gather answers and information as they work towards self-growth (Aykanian). The free WiFi and computer access that libraries offer are major assets when it comes to creating resumes and seeking employment opportunities, and that’s just the beginning of what libraries can offer.

Reporter Elizabeth Segal also highlighted ways that library programming proactively supports the homeless community in a 2018 article titled “A Haven for the Homeless.” These services include hosting resource fairs that direct these individuals towards city and county support services, assisting in acquiring important documents and identifications, locating medical or veteran’s affairs facilities, helping with filling out paperwork, and pointing them in the direction of mental health care when necessary (Segal). Another step that can be taken is the incorporation of social workers into the library staff. For example, the Santa Monica Public Library in California assists many unhoused patrons and has seen firsthand the benefits of having the support of social workers in their ranks. They are key to training and informing staff on how to aid the unhoused appropriately and effectively in addition to helping with assessments and intervention when needed (Aykanian).

There are many options and avenues libraries can take to aid those who need a helping hand, but what’s most important is to lead with kindness and compassion. Although controversy exists around allowing the homeless community into public libraries for fear of disruption, shunning them only contributes to the cycle of their experiences. Unfair perceptions should not dictate their right to entire community spaces that are meant to be for all. Empathy goes a long way, especially in the lives of those experiencing crises, so we should all aim to be as understanding as we can be.

Check out these videos for some more insight into the ways libraries are helping to make a big difference in the lives of the unhoused.

DISCOVER: DC Public Library's Peer Navigator Program

Prime Focus: US Libraries on the Frontlines of Homelessness

References:

ABC News. “Prime Focus: US Libraries on the Frontlines of Homelessness.” YouTube, 5 May 2023, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hm2AY-HtALo.

Aykanian, Amanda, et al. “Library-Based Field Placements: Meeting the Diverse Needs of Patrons, Including Those Experiencing Homelessness.” Journal of Social Work Education, vol. 56, no. 1, Jan. 2020, pp. S72–80. EBSCOhost, https://doi-org.ezproxy.palomar.edu/10.1080/10437797.2020.1723757.

Collamer, Matt. “Man Holding Card With Seeking Human Kindness Text.” Unsplash, 11 Feb. 2018, unsplash.com/@breakyourboundaries4.

DC Public Library. “DISCOVER: DC Public Library’s Peer Navigator Program.” YouTube, 16 Sept. 2022, www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpGdglY3dDA.

Samuels, Robert. "Advocates for libraries and affordable housing talk about ways to serve homeless (Posted 2014-06-27 02:26:24): Across the nation, education and employment programs at libraries have helped homeless patrons." The Washington Post (Online)WP Company LLC d/b/a The Washington Post, 2014. ProQuest, https://login.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?auth=shibboleth&url=https://www.proquest.com/blogs-podcasts-websites/advocates-libraries-affordable-housing-talk-about/docview/1540649257/se-2.

Segal, Elizabeth. “A Haven for the Homeless.” U.S. News - The Report, May 2018, pp. C10–13. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ulh&AN=129580573&site=ehost-live&scope=site.