It's hard! There are times when I try to block it out, but it comes back to repeat itself. On a typical day, I arrive to my office building to sometimes find someone sleeping in front of the door amongst piles of garbage, clothes, drug paraprhenalia and random items. I have sympathy for them and many times I try to empathize. I've always had a soft spot in my heart for humans in this condition. I have went above and beyond to help many of them in my life because they need help and I am saddened by their condition.
However, what is a business owner supposed to do when this becomes constant and it affects their business. I don't think it is fair and some people say that we should just deal with it and let people live the way they want. I would love to see them in a safe space, but until you have experienced what it's like to deal with this issue first hand it would be hard to understand. Many homeless advocates don't take into consideration how this problem affects local business owners. We spend our time and lives trying to build businesses and be successful. We search for solutions from local government and programs but nothing sticks. Many business owners are left to fend for themselves and have to mitigate the problem the best they can.
Some would prefer to call the police. That's not a choice of mine because it's not a crime to be homeless. However, I believe there has to be some boundaries and structure in order for this problem to get better. I'm burned out. Mentally it takes a toll on me as I've had customers/clients in the past chose not to come to my location because of their knowledge of the homeless population in my area. Some may not want to admit it, but with homelessness and drugs come levels of criminal behavior. I've had shootings, stabbings and car jackings in the neighborhood I do business. Of course it would be easy to tell me to move to another location. I actually thought about that, but why should I have to run away from a place that I have a right to be and supports my livelihood. I want more resources for them. I really do, but what would you tell a business owner who has to deal with this problem day in and day out? (That's not a rhetorical question)-Leave answers in comments.
Alex J.
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