Napkin pitch regarding issues in the neighbourhood [WEEK 10]

Reimagining Suburban Green Spaces as Solutions for Homelessness  

When we picture suburban neighborhoods, images of well-manicured lawns, community parks, and verdant trails often come to mind. However, this idyllic vision stands in stark contrast to the harsh realities faced by many individuals and families experiencing homelessness in these same communities. As the crisis of housing insecurity continues to spread beyond urban cores, it's crucial that we rethink the role of suburban green spaces in addressing this complex issue.

The disconnect between pristine suburban greenery and the lack of resources for those without stable housing is multifaceted. Anti-homeless architecture like park benches designed to prevent sleeping, fenced-off areas, and strict enforcement of loitering laws create physical and legal barriers to accessing these public spaces (Berman & Paradis, 2010). Furthermore, the geographic dispersal of services and resources in suburban areas makes it challenging for those experiencing homelessness to access even the most basic amenities like public restrooms and water fountains.

Despite these obstacles, there is growing recognition that green spaces can and should play a vital role in supporting the well-being of those facing housing instability. Numerous studies have highlighted the mental and physical health benefits of spending time in nature, including reduced stress, improved mood, and increased overall resilience (Bratman et al., 2019). For individuals dealing with the trauma and adversity of homelessness, access to these therapeutic landscapes could be transformative.

So how can suburban communities reimagine their green spaces to be more inclusive and supportive of those experiencing homelessness? One approach gaining traction is the creation of sanctioned encampments or "tent cities" on public and private lands, including in suburban areas. In King County, Washington, a collaborative effort between local governments, non-profits, and faith-based organizations has led to the establishment of several such encampments, which provide a safe and legal place to camp, along with access to basic services like portable toilets, hand-washing stations, and support services (Curry-Stevens & Amatrudo, 2017). While not a permanent solution, these encampments offer a harm reduction approach that recognizes the importance of outdoor living and green spaces for those without stable housing.

Another promising solution lies in the integration of community gardens and urban agriculture initiatives into suburban green spaces. Organizations like Atlanta's Truly Living Well Center for Natural Urban Agriculture have created sustainable urban farms that not only provide fresh produce but also job training, community engagement, and a sense of purpose for individuals facing housing instability (Thomas & Safransky, 2021). By transforming underutilized green spaces into productive and therapeutic landscapes, these initiatives address food insecurity while also fostering a sense of belonging and self-sufficiency.

Ultimately, however, addressing homelessness in suburban areas will require a multi-pronged approach that tackles the root causes of housing insecurity, such as lack of affordable housing, income inequality, and the criminalization of poverty. One promising model is the "housing first" approach, which prioritizes providing stable and permanent housing as a foundation for addressing other challenges, including access to green spaces and community resources (Padgett et al., 2016).

In addition to implementing housing-focused solutions, there is a need for a fundamental shift in how suburban green spaces are designed, maintained, and regulated. Rather than acting as exclusionary zones, these spaces should be reimagined as welcoming and inclusive environments that prioritize the needs of all community members, regardless of their housing status. This could involve collaborating with local service providers, non-profits, and those with lived experience of homelessness to identify and address barriers to access, such as lack of signage, inadequate amenities, and discriminatory policies.

Furthermore, there is an opportunity for suburban communities to rethink their approach to zoning and land use, allowing for the integration of affordable housing, supportive services, and green spaces in a holistic and interconnected way. By breaking down the physical and cultural barriers that currently separate these elements, we can create more resilient, equitable, and sustainable communities that truly serve the needs of all residents.

The disconnect between idyllic suburban greenery and the harsh realities of homelessness is a symptom of deeper systemic issues, but it also represents an opportunity for positive change. By reimagining green spaces as inclusive, therapeutic, and productive environments, and by addressing the root causes of housing insecurity through innovative solutions like sanctioned encampments, community gardens, and housing-first models, suburban communities can not only improve the lives of those currently experiencing homelessness but also create more resilient and equitable communities for all.

References:

Berman, L., & Paradis, E. (2010). Zone of insiders/outsiders: Reimagining public space and critical geography from Toronto's homeless/insiders and homeless/outsiders. Social & Cultural Geography, 11(1), 45-63. https://doi.org/10.1080/14649360903430593

Bratman, G. N., Anderson, C. B., Berman, M. G., Cochran, B., de Vries, S., Flanders, J., ... & Kahn, P. H. (2019). Nature and mental health: An ecosystem service perspective. Science Advances, 5(7), eaax0903. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aax0903

Curry-Stevens, A., & Amatrudo, J. (2017). Homelessness in the suburbs: How do suburban communities define and address homelessness?. Journal of Poverty, 21(4), 357-386. https://doi.org/10.1080/10875549.2016.1141383

Padgett, D., Henwood, B. F., & Tsemberis, S. J. (2016). Housing first: Ending homelessness, transforming systems, and changing lives. Oxford University Press.

Thomas, J., & Safransky, S. (2021). Refugee and immigrant therapeutic landscapes: Building resilience through urban agriculture in a time of uncertainty. Health & Place, 70, 102607. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2021.102607