Helping the Vulnerable: How to Deal With The Homeless After a Disaster

by H Davis

Natural disasters like floods and wildfires occur frequently, oftentimes without warning. Although there are a number of non-profit organizations and agencies that work together to provide citizens with safety and survival information, the reality is that this information hardly ever makes to the homeless population. This means that when disasters strike major cities, individuals and families living on the streets are by far the most vulnerable. Why? The answer typically has to deal with resources.

Individuals experiencing homelessness have little to no resources when it comes to evacuating, shelter, food, and access to transportation. Nonetheless, communities and individuals can — and should — consider creating an action plan. A plan that allows them to prepare for emergencies, and one that allows them to better help homeless people if and when a major event happens. Although weather-related disasters continue to be a threat, there are ways communities can stay prepared. Here’s how:

Develop a Plan Ahead of Time

When developing an emergency action plan, it’s important to determine the conditions for evacuation, transportation access, and means of communication. These things are important to consider because there is no warning before the event occurs. To make matters worse, when these events occur, they usually happen so fast that residents hardly have enough time to gather their personal belongings. This is especially true for homeless individuals and families. Therefore, planning ahead of time is crucial.

What’s the purpose of emergency evacuation plans?

Emergency evacuation plans are developed to make sure employees, homeowners, and community members (including homeless individuals) are able to leave the comfort of their home or work environment safely, with as little disruption as possible. The evacuation plan must identify how residents should respond to different scenarios and when they should leave the area.

Remember, when developing evacuation plans, it’s important to ask questions like “how will this information reach the homeless population or what are some ways residents can further help?” However volunteers address these questions, just be sure to plan for the worst-case scenario. Don’t forget to include nearby shelters and hospitals. Getting patients the care they need could save their lives if they get injured during an earthquake, flood, hurricane, or tornado.

Determine How You’ll Respond

Swift and deliberate actions are needed to ensure the safety of those who are homeless since they have fewer resources due to their lack of transportation, housing, medical treatment, and communication channels. These are just a few of many things that make them vulnerable. Without a proper intervention, this group, in particular, will be even more vulnerable before and after a disaster.

Individuals working with homeless people should coordinate with as many transportation companies as possible before chaos strikes. This can include contacting city bus companies, non-profit organizations, and hospitals. This is important because the majority of homeless people will not have a means of transportation and will have to rely on assistance.

Another thing most homeless individuals will need assistance with is medical treatment. Since millions of adults are now suffering from diabetes in the U.S., treating chronic pain, mental health issues, and physical conditions have become a complicated factor in the healthcare industry.

Great place to start your food storage

Why?

Well, it all comes down to cost. According to the American Diabetes Association, the total cost of diagnosing diabetes have risen to $327 billion within the last five years. It was $245 billion in 2012. This is primarily due to the fact that individuals like homeless people, don’t have the money, resources, or medication to maintain their blood insulin. As a result, it can be difficult for them to successfully monitor their health. This increases their chances of hospital visits. With that being said, planning how these people will receive the help they need is also a factor that shouldn’t be overlooked by community members.

The Recovery Stages

After a disaster have swept through the city, many residents must face the harsh reality of going from the shelter, back to their homes. For the homeless population, however, this task is much more different since they lack the resources needed to successfully relocate. Fortunately, there are a number of steps that can be taken to help aid this vulnerable population as they transition back into their lives.

If possible, try to provide long-term sheltering and permanent home suggestions if you know of any. Additionally, providing access to medical, psychological, and other helpful services should also be considered. The point of the recovery stage is to protect these individuals from experiencing homelessness all over again after being hit by a natural disaster.

With that being said, don’t be afraid to call your local homeless shelter to see what items are needed. Once you have your list ready, then be sure to contact local organizations to host food drives or other fundraising events that can help in the event of an emergency. In addition, you might also want to consider following local news. That way you can inform homeless individuals about the dangers to come personally instead of relying on other sources. As a final point, don’t be afraid to reach out. Offering moral support is enough to make someone’s day that much better. So why not start now?
––––––––––––––––––
Thanks for the read! Did I miss anything important? What are some other ways community members can help the homeless and vulnerable population? Feel free to leave a comment below.

H. Davis loves exploring the outdoors and being active. If you can’t catch him online reading, you might be able to catch him out playing football with friends or cheering on the Boise State Broncos. Follow him on Twitter at @Davis241. Thanks!