Bloomington Confronts Growing Homeless Issue

Summary: This story was developed for my Reporting, Writing, and Editing course at Indiana University. This story was my final project for the class. We had the opportunity to discuss any topic and interview individuals related to the subject. I decided to research and report on the great homeless and panhandling conflict in Bloomington. I was extremely curious about this issue, craving to learn more throughout my time in Indiana. This assignment gave me the opportunity to do so. By the end, I became passionate about the topic and strengthened my communication, critical-thinking, reporting, and writing skills. I met incredible individuals and gained insight on this complex subject. Here is the full story I developed for the course.

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In its early development, the Interfaith Winter Shelter reached out to multiple churches in the community. Daniel Watts was attending a service at his church when he was informed of the shelter’s need for volunteers. That day, he offered to volunteer and the rest is history. Daniel Watts, now the Shelter Board President, became immersed in the shelter’s mission. Beginning as a volunteer, Watts worked his way up the organization as his passion grew.

“Once you volunteer, you realize there is truly a need,” said Watts. As the Shelter Board President, Watts noticed the surge of guests the shelter has received over the years. He has also watched the increase in addiction and young adults. Homelessness has been a growing concern in Bloomington for years. As the presence increases, so does the aggression. Business owners, students, and residents are unsettled by the hostile behavior. Businesses have suffered due to customers’ unease. Students and residents worry about their safety. Reactions to the problem have included petitions, “No Panhandling” signs, and several police calls.

“As a student here, I’m not exactly comfortable walking around on Kirkwood anymore,” said Alyssa Marcus, a psychology student, “The behavior is hard to overlook, even if I am sympathetic”. Marcus recalls incidents with the homeless community that have left her uneasy, where men and women have aggressively shouted at her and her peers as they strolled through downtown Bloomington. Marcus isn’t alone with this opinion, as many students at Indiana University have been troubled over the issue. Students attending the university have noticed the increase in hostility and violence just within recent years.

“As a police officer, it’s my job to take care of the most vulnerable,” said Lt. Craig Munroe, the IUPD Public Information Officer, “We try to balance that with allowing people to go along with their daily lives”. The Indiana University Police Department (IUPD) has also noticed the problem grow. According to Lt. Craig Munroe, the IUPD receives several calls a week about the issue, especially when there are harsh weather conditions. The IUPD typically approaches the problem by giving the person a trespass warning that lasts for a year. If there is another mishap within that year, the IUPD will arrest them for trespassing or find a shelter for them during times of bad weather. Popular destinations on campus are the Indiana Memorial Union and the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER). Mental illness has been a particular focus with the issue. The IUPD has received training on mental health and how to handle the situation without judgment. “It’s hard not to be judgmental,” said Lt. Munroe, “but we have to overcome that and address it as a mental illness-which is beyond the law enforcement”.

“There is value in talking about the problem,” said Watts, as he sipped his coffee, “the more chance people have to interact with people in this situation, the more they will understand”. Bloomington’s Interfaith Winter Shelter provides low-barrier shelter during winter. With 500 member volunteers, the organization strives to help beyond supplying a roof for the night. By interacting with their guests, the shelter demonstrates the respect the individuals don’t usually receive. The frustration has caused the community to ignore the problem, by avoiding eye contact and crossing the street to dodge People’s Park. Watts emphasized the psychological damage and dehumanization of this approach. “By saying ‘hello’, you send the message that they are people, even if they respond negatively”.

Although Watts encourages communication, he is against panhandling. “If folks know that you continue giving, they continue to come,” said Beverly Calender-Anderson, the Director of the Community and Family Resources Department, “And they also continue to have expectations”. To help the problem, the community should donate to shelters rather than giving into panhandling. The city attempted to spread this same idea with the “No Panhandling” signs throughout the city. As soon as the signs were established, controversy erupted. Some supported the initiative, while others believed it was derogatory. The signs were meant to educate residents by including a website, which provides donation links to local centers. Volunteering not only helps the community, but encourages residents to learn about homelessness and about what is all involved. Panhandling only provides a short term need instead of serving a long term need. “There are some people who really want to help and there are also people who want to see them go,” said Calender-Anderson, “but the fact of the matter is, they aren’t going away, it’s just impossible”.

Homelessness has always been a matter in Bloomington, but the magnitude is now more apparent. In early years, it was never visible. “Fifteen years ago, there was only one homeless woman, her name was Dorothy,” said Calender-Anderson, “But now the population has increased, along with the aggression and violence”. The community often turns to the city to resolve this issue. According to Calender-Anderson, the city has no specific policies, but there is a city value for the homeless issue. They city supports local shelters and centers by funding the organizations. Bloomington has also formed The Downtown Safety, Civility, and Justice Task Force, which provides recommendations for the mayor after research about various issues. The task force is implementing “Mental Health 101”, which helps individuals recognize serious mental health issues and how to approach the subject. The task force is transitioning to become a long term committee. “If there is anything I’ve learned in my experience, it’s how difficult and dehumanizing homelessness is,” said Calender-Anderson, “Everyone should have access to basic needs and everyone in the community should feel safe”.

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