As the summer draws to an end and cold weather settles in, more are still struggling to find placements.
In the late summer months, Veterans Park in Manchester had at least 20 homeless individuals in one night. In Concord, one particular man slept on a bench in front of the State House almost every night. Although there are shelters that provide a warm place to sleep, it is harder to fit massive amounts of people in shelters where homeless populations are coming from different directions. It’s a struggle for those who battle alcohol or drug addiction, as well as mental illness. Those who are suffering with illnesses often suffer in silence and won’t seek help from resources or shelters.
And those who suffer from schizophrenia and aren’t treated might often avoid confrontation out of fear.
Aside from mental illnesses, most apartments now even require credit checks, and it also can be a burden for those who have little income to afford housing. With little income and high rent costs, having a one-bedroom can be almost unreachable.
Although there are services for those who are low income, being able to provide the necessary documentation can be so difficult that one simply doesn’t try. It is important to help those who cannot help themselves, and provide additional placement opportunities for those suffering from mental illness and drug addiction to reduce the numbers of the homeless in the eyes of our city.
MELISSA GARREN
Concord