The Summer Shelter Surge

by Shannon Moriarty · 2009-07-08 07:40:00 UTC
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It's July and summer is in full swing with hot days, getaways, and... shelter stays?

It's a trend known as the "summer surge," when the number of homeless families seeking help increases during the summer months.

Why a summer surge? Naturally, it's different for each family, but there are trends. For example, a family without a home may be welcome on the couch of a friend or family member so long as school is in session. But once the kids are out of school, a small apartment can feel even more cramped. In addition, landlords who may be reluctant to evict in the cold winter months are less hesitant when the weather is pleasant.

The summer surge may not be new, but the NY Times reported this week that it's probably going to be much worse this year... record-setting, even. With the city's homeless population up 20 percent over the last year and with unemployment rates climbing, it's no wonder they are concerned about shelter capacity. New York isn't the only city witnessing this phenomenon, according to the NY Times:

Other cities are noticing a similar trend. In Toledo, Ohio, one overcrowded shelter has been turning away dozens of people each night. In Charlotte, N.C., a shelter that is typically open only in winter has stayed open for the summer to meet demand, which is 20 percent higher than last summer. Across town, a Salvation Army shelter is so full, it has set up mats on the floors.

There's no question that homeless advocates must get creative to meet the anticipated demand for shelter beds this summer. But this summer's surge in demand will no doubt test the limits of an already strained shelter system.

In the meantime, the summer surge is telling of the stark juxtaposition between the "haves" and the "have-nots" in our society. While the wealthiest among us will be "summering" on Cape Cod and Lake Tahoe, others will be struggling to survive in old apartment buildings, dingy motel rooms, and shiny blue mats on shelter floors.

Shannon Moriarty has worked in various homeless shelters and service organizations around the country. She is a graduate student studying housing and urban policy at Tufts University.
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