Hiding the Homeless: Inaugural Edition

On the eve of Obama's historic inauguration, Washington D.C. officials face the difficult task of securing it's urban center. But how does a city avoid the stigma of "pushing out" the 6,000 or so people who call these streets "home?" How does our country throw a lavish celebration without sweeping our poorest and most vulnerable citizens under the rug?

This is an unenviable task. With one to two million people descending on Washington (a city with a population of 400,000) for Tuesday's event, security is the number one priority. But people living on the streets rely on routine and familiarity for survival.

Last year, the city of Denver came under fire for their unscrupulous approach keeping their unhoused residents out of sight and out of mind to impress Democratic National Convention attendees. (In fact, their insensitive approach and lousy attempts to twist their intentions earned the city a spot on our "naughty" list.) But sadly, Denver is not unique, as the Washington Post illustrates:

In years past, U.S. cities grappling with sizable homeless populations rounded them up in mass arrests, bought them one-way bus tickets to nearby states or gave them movie passes to keep them out of sight during such events as the Olympics or political conventions.

Fortunately, with the dawn of a new administration, Washington D.C. is attempting a new approach to the way its homeless population is being handled. Or, at the very least, they're reframing the issue and watching their language a bit better:

The District will open all of its shelters for 24 hours during the inauguration, offering warm beverages, food and live television feeds of the day's ceremonies, said Mafara Hobson, spokeswoman for Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D).

"We'll be open all day. We'll make it a day of celebration, a fun place to stay away from the crowds," said David Treadwell, executive director of the Central Union Mission shelter in Logan Circle.

There's no denying that D.C. has reached to the community to take a more compassionate approach to their handling of the homeless. In the weeks leading up to tomorrow's big event, city officials and homeless advocates were meeting to discuss how to best handle the uprooting of homeless people during security sweeps. Pamphlets have even been crafted so out-of-town security officers know where to refer people in need of shelter or food.

In addition to the city's ten round-the-clock shelters, shuttle buses are available to those who wish to attend Tuesday's festivities. And since there are limits on luggage size within the security zone, shelters are providing homeless individuals with free storage until inaugural-related events are over. If the temperature drops below freezing, the city is prepared to open 11 additional emergency warming shelters.

But despite the city's smooth talkin', there are concerns that not enough is being done to care for the 1,200 or so homeless people who normally live on the streets that make up the inaugural parade route. In fact, only about 2,800 beds are available. And as Joel John Roberts over at LA's Homeless Blog points out, there's concern that some of these beds might go to tourists looking for free accommodations:

It's appalling to hear that many homeless shelters in the DC area are being approached by tourists who can't find a hotel/motel room in the area for the inauguration. They are looking for a free (available and no cost) bed for the big festivities. Shelters cannot discriminate against people who are seeking emergency help. (In normal times, who really wants to sleep in a homeless shelter?)

But these are not normal times. Everyone wants to be in DC. To hold that golden ticket and experience history.

But come on. With thousands of hurting people sleeping on the streets of that region each day, housed people should not be greedily taking up an emergency bed from a homeless person. It's a slap in the face of people desperately trying to make it.

I can't help but shake my head at the irony of this situation, and what it says about homelessness in America. The reality is, many of these people sleep on the streets of D.C. 365 days a year. Why aren't these vamped up services available to these people year-round. More importantly, why are we trying to come up with better ways to "cart off" our homeless rather than developing better ways of creating affordable housing, or more innovative reentry programs, or better services for those afflicted with mental health issues? Homelessness should not only be an issue when a big party is in town.

Less than 24 hours before the commencement of Obama's historic inauguration, sweeps of downtown Washington D.C. have already begun.