Tent City: A Closer Look at Homelessness in Milwaukee [EDITORIAL]

“Dear temporary resident,” were the three words that marked each eviction notice given to inhabitants of Milwaukee’s tent city located under the I-794 overpass. A haunting echo of last call didn’t necessarily shock the crowd but sparked a debate surrounding intentions of clearing the area that has been a haven for the homeless population.

The encampment has attracted a small community of homeless individuals from across the city and come October 31^st, the site was ordered to be cleared out. State officials were optimistic about the transition but was it the right one? We believe the state was indeed right to order the vacating of tent city in Milwaukee because in an effort to break the homelessness cycle, the city is leading homeless individuals to safer and more dependable environments.

Tent city is accompanied by busy highways that cut through the white noise of movement and landscape lining Milwaukee’s downtown passageways. These shared grounds fall within the spaces of developments that create a blurred image of what it means to call a place “home.” When people go to sleep at night they shouldn’t be worried about how low or high the temperature might hit. They shouldn’t have car horns take the place of their morning alarms. They shouldn’t be sleeping in tents and considering it a suitable living condition. Therefore, tent city needed to see change and experience the toss up so many civilians have questioned.

Despite what some may believe, the order to vacate isn’t driven by a mission to be forceful or violent. In fact, the goal is to ensure people are connected to safer housing, so they won’t be left to fend for themselves once the treacherous cold consumes Wisconsin from all directions. Outreach workers have played an active role in the process of moving people into more permanent housing. In the search for adequate living spaces it comes down to big picture thinking – how can we ensure these people will be in housing that meets their long-term needs? What can we do to instill a feeling of security as they leave one corner of the city and enter a new one? Shelters have gotten a bad reputation in the face of vacating tent city as residents fear they will be led right back onto the streets. However, the Department of Housing and Human Services have a plan deeply rooted in partnerships within the Milwaukee community.

Third Space Brewing, for example, has pledged to donate 20% of profits so “start-up kits” could be purchased by the county. These kits would include sheets, towels and other supplies to help ease the transition into new living spaces. As colder months approach, the priority is making sure individuals are transported to housing that will keep them safe during the wintertime.

It could be said that tent city has allowed for a strong sense of community to be established within the homeless realm, therefore, tearing it apart wouldn’t appear as the proper move. As humans, it is our natural right to feel safe and we deserve that chance to feel a sense of belonging. But, repositioning the inhabitants of tent city is the safest method as fierce winters come with life threatening repercussions and the city has made it their job to put the well-being of these inhabitants first. We don’t see destruction of community, instead, we see state efforts to respect these bonds and keep them in-tact as these transitions take place. Vacating tent city is fostered by the mission to combat the cold and save these homeless individuals from unnecessary suffering.

Underlying issues driving the Milwaukee homeless situation could be history of trauma, substance abuse, or relying on the streets because of jobs and shelters falling through. This is the part we cannot turn away from and we must offer solutions to see active change. United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County has contributed quite a lot of solutions for the homeless populations as they transition.

Nicole Angresano discusses three strong methods that target a productive approach towards the homelessness cycle. For starters, hearing individual stories in order to ensure better success rates with housing placement. Funding, so raising money and investing it into helpful programs that support strategies of housing. Lastly, homeless assessment which is done with a purpose of addressing homeless people as the individuals they are. By taking their personal needs into consideration, we can make a difference in where they go during future endeavors.

Tent city made the homeless population visible and this transparency catches people off guard. However, visibility is what we need in order to stop dehumanizing the concept of homelessness. By establishing partnerships and promoting donations, Wisconsin can elevate the resources and make healthy outlets available to the homeless population.

Holiday season is upon us… let’s get out there and give back.

This editorial is based on a discussion by a JAMS 504 editorial board.