Don Warfe, a resident of downtown Buffalo worries that the presence of the homeless “gives tourists a bad impression.”
Let’s hope it does.
In their recent article and newscast on Buffalo’s “homeless problem,” WIVB News presents a cynical, coldhearted perspective on the issue of homelessness downtown.
Despite publishing a solemn discussion of the poverty levels in Buffalo and the challenges faced by food banks and soup kitchens just under six months ago, WIVB News seems to have forgotten that “eye-opening” report.
In light of the many exciting developments downtown, including the just-opened high rise hotel sure to attract tourists ready to enjoy what Buffalo has to offer, the struggles of the city’s most impoverished residents have become nothing more than an unfortunate distraction to business owners, as WIVB News makes clear.
As the fourth poorest city in the United States, with more than a quarter of its residents living in poverty, it’s not surprising that there are many homeless people in the area. These people need to be helped, not hidden away from visitors who might cringe at the reality of Buffalo’s economic travails.
In 2013, 5,754 people in Erie County were homeless at some point, and 81 percent of that population was located in the City of Buffalo. Though only a slight – 1.2 percent – increase from 2012, more individuals were in need of housing assistance, according to the Homeless Alliance of Western New York’s annual report.
More housing is needed – the report outlines a need for 800 units for the chronically homeless. Charities like the Buffalo City Mission face increased needs, providing 17 percent more overnight stays and 13 percent more meals than the previous year, and requiring a $26 million expansion to its facilities.
This is the reality. This is Buffalo. And residents downtown need to accept that. They should realize that charity and compassion, not complaints, is a more productive contribution to Buffalo’s urban environment.
Without a doubt, the experience of seeing an emblem of luxury and corporate success contrasted against one of the most extreme examples of poverty and destitution in America is not going to be enjoyable for tourists – or residents – in Buffalo.
But it’s the homeless people suffering on the streets of Buffalo who deserve sympathy and assistance, not the residents and visitors who feel uncomfortable passing by.
Seeing the plight of the homeless may be unpleasant, but it doesn’t compare to those actually experiencing it.
Warfe states that he wants the homeless people “moved” – but to where, and to what end? Relocating a problem doesn’t solve the issue, especially when the problem at hand is pervasive, widespread and indicative of poverty on a wider scale.
Shipping homeless people from one area of town to another accomplishes nothing.
The individuals in question will be homeless, desperate and in need of assistance, even if they’re not downtown.
Like many urban areas nationwide, there is a significant homeless population in Buffalo and surrounding areas in Erie County. And like all other cities that are host to people at the lowest points in their lives, Buffalo has a responsibility to help these individuals.
High-rise hotels and luxury housing are all lucrative institutions that point toward Buffalo’s ongoing resurgence. But as Buffalo tries to rise above its past and present hardships, the people on the ground, with nowhere else to go, cannot be forgotten and abandoned – any more than they already have.
email: editorial@ubspectrum.com
