Visitor parks easing homelessness all over America
From the editor of Imagining a Better World Journal-
The model of "Visitor Parks," first tried in Santa Cruz, California has proved so successful, it is spreading to cities all over the country with remarkable effect. Cities large and small are dedicating land where visitors in motor homes or cars with camping gear may park overnight with stays of up to 2 months allowed. Basic garbage collection services and a resident security guard paid with voluntary donation fees make sure the parks remain in a clean and safe condition. A public hot shower complex, with locker space available and even a poste restante outlet for receiving mail is common in most of them. Homeless service centers are generally within easy commute distance, providing not only service in finding permanent housing for the homeless but mental health and drug rehab services for citizens in need of them and a donation drop off area for clothing, bedding, or camping equipment. These parks have begun to be used not only by those temporarily homeless in the area but by a wide range of US citizens and even foreign tourists who are experimenting with "life on the road" either as a holiday or a way of life. No longer need residents fear being rousted by police simply for sleeping in a car. Police report that incidents of violence, crime and public nuisance behavior are way down in all cities that have opened visitor parks and run them according to the model. Residents report that this alternate living style has provided a cushion, not only for those in financial crisis, but for those seeking more freedom and adventure in their lives, who wish to live without a fixed address either short or long term.
The model of "Visitor Parks," first tried in Santa Cruz, California has proved so successful, it is spreading to cities all over the country with remarkable effect. Cities large and small are dedicating land where visitors in motor homes or cars with camping gear may park overnight with stays of up to 2 months allowed. Basic garbage collection services and a resident security guard paid with voluntary donation fees make sure the parks remain in a clean and safe condition. A public hot shower complex, with locker space available and even a poste restante outlet for receiving mail is common in most of them. Homeless service centers are generally within easy commute distance, providing not only service in finding permanent housing for the homeless but mental health and drug rehab services for citizens in need of them and a donation drop off area for clothing, bedding, or camping equipment. These parks have begun to be used not only by those temporarily homeless in the area but by a wide range of US citizens and even foreign tourists who are experimenting with "life on the road" either as a holiday or a way of life. No longer need residents fear being rousted by police simply for sleeping in a car. Police report that incidents of violence, crime and public nuisance behavior are way down in all cities that have opened visitor parks and run them according to the model. Residents report that this alternate living style has provided a cushion, not only for those in financial crisis, but for those seeking more freedom and adventure in their lives, who wish to live without a fixed address either short or long term.
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