As natural disasters continue to intensify, the plight of the unhoused population has become increasingly dire. Recent hurricanes have exposed the vulnerabilities faced by those without stable housing, leaving many struggling to find safety and shelter. This article delves into the harrowing experiences of individuals and organizations on the frontlines, shedding light on the urgent need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and support for the most vulnerable members of our communities.

Braving the Elements: The Unhoused Confront Nature's Fury

Seeking Shelter in the Face of Disaster

When Hurricane Milton struck central Florida, Jessica, a mother of two, found herself in a desperate situation. With only her car and limited resources, she frantically searched for a safe haven, reaching out to strangers and pleading for a place to stay. Tragically, her experience was not unique, as many unhoused individuals faced similar challenges in the wake of the storm.In western North Carolina, the impact of Hurricane Helene was equally devastating. At least two unhoused individuals in Buncombe County lost their lives during the hurricane, according to Homeward Bound, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness. The Longs, co-founders of Angels of Hope Outreach Ministries, work directly with over 1,100 unhoused people on Florida's Treasure Coast, and they witnessed firsthand the struggles of those without a safe place to ride out the storm. One woman in Indian River County told them she was living in her tent when Milton hit, terrified by the "shaking noise everywhere" before narrowly escaping as her belongings were blown away.

Navigating the Shelter System: Barriers and Fears

The challenges faced by the unhoused population extend beyond finding immediate shelter during a crisis. A new Florida law that went into effect on October 1st has further complicated the situation, leaving many unhoused individuals hesitant to seek refuge in designated shelters. The law states that people are not allowed to sleep in public property and buildings, with the exception of temporary shelters. This has led to a pervasive fear among the unhoused that they may be arrested if they attempt to seek shelter.Kelly Long, co-founder of Angels of Hope Outreach Ministries, explains that this new legislation has "profoundly affected them mentally." The unhoused are now wary of entering shelters, worried about potential police presence and the consequences of violating the law. This has made it increasingly difficult for organizations like the Longs to convince the unhoused to seek refuge during natural disasters.

Weathering the Storm: Unhoused Individuals' Dilemma

The decision to leave their outdoor camps and belongings behind also poses a significant challenge for the unhoused. Many are reluctant to abandon their makeshift homes, fearing that their possessions will be stolen or lost. This dilemma forces them to choose between their personal safety and the security of their few remaining belongings, further exacerbating the already precarious situation they face.The impact of these hurricanes has been devastating, with some unhoused individuals losing everything they had. Christina Haney Reagan's sister, who was living in a tent in Asheville during Hurricane Helene, had most of her belongings washed away or stolen. Reagan's sister was fortunate to find shelter with her boyfriend, but many others have not been as lucky. Linda King, whose brother-in-law was likely living outdoors in Asheville during the storm, is still searching for him, with no word on his whereabouts.

Communicating Warnings and Reaching the "Off-Grid" Unhoused

Effectively communicating disaster warnings to the unhoused population presents another significant challenge. Donald Whitehead, the executive director of the National Coalition for the Homeless, explains that there are "many people who are living outside the grid," residing in remote areas or abandoned buildings, without access to televisions or cellphones that could provide them with critical alerts and evacuation information.Mary Frances Kenion, the vice president of Training and Technical Assistance at the National Alliance to End Homelessness, emphasizes the need for a proactive approach to disaster preparedness and response. She believes that communities must make a commitment to planning for the unhoused population, as the frequency and intensity of natural disasters continue to increase due to climate change.

Asheville's Approach: A Glimmer of Hope

In Asheville, North Carolina, the situation during Hurricane Helene was somewhat different. Many unhoused individuals were able to seek shelter before the storm hit, thanks to the implementation of a "Code Purple" policy. This policy, typically used for freezing weather situations, allowed people to stay in shelters without identification and provided free transportation to get there.The Homeward Bound WNC Outreach Program Manager, Mike DeSerio, credits the Code Purple policy with the success in getting unhoused individuals to safety. However, he acknowledges that the severity of Hurricane Helene still caught them by surprise, and some individuals may not have had the opportunity to reach a shelter in time.The experiences of the unhoused during these recent hurricanes have highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and support systems that prioritize the most vulnerable members of our communities. As the impacts of climate change continue to intensify, it is crucial that we address the unique challenges faced by the unhoused population and ensure that no one is left behind in the face of natural disasters.