Homeless shelter beds go unoccupied every day. This is despite their welcoming comfort and protection from the harsh outdoors.
An estimated 200,000+ people of South Africa are living on the streets. This classification is for any individual without a permanent shelter. Other estimates place this number in the millions.
There are too few shelters to provide for all those in need. Yet, many shelters go unoccupied each night for several reasons.
Why? Continue reading to learn seven reasons these beds go unused.
#1: Protecting their belongings
Homelessness does not automatically constitute living without possessions. Many refused to occupy shelters due to common theft. Frequent shelter visitors include ex-convicts seeking easy money by pilfering fellow occupants possessions.
#2: Unpleasant experience
6% of homeless of the Hillbrow, Johannesburg area have a severe mental illness. This creates an uncomfortable experience for those sound of mind. An outburst or attack frightens many enough to avoid these locations.
Paranoia, too, plays a large part of people’s avoidance. Large groups and business can instigate those with schizophrenia.
#3: Companionship
Many avoid homeless shelter beds for companionship with fellow vagrants. Peer influence and a sense of community create a perceived, safer space. Many will refuse because they’re no longer surrounded by the people they know.
#4: Predatory inhabitants
Shelter locations are hunting grounds for malicious types: drug dealers.
Many homeless visiting these locations are recovering from addiction. Dealers congregate to these locations for business. This makes time spent at the shelter a tough temptation for those trying to stay on their path to recovery.
#5: Disease and infestation
Not all shelters have adequate funds to provide modern facilities to their inhabitants. Body lice and bed bugs are spread rapidly in undermanaged locations. This is enough to deter many homeless from staying.
Modern facilities use steel homeless shelter beds to provide added support and cleanliness. This mitigates the spread of disease and infestation.
#6: Inconvenient
Shelters are typically on a first come, first serve basis. Receiving the same bed isn’t likely for those venturing off the property. This creates an inconvenience for those forced to vacate the area each day.
An understaffed shelter can entail hours of waiting to receive a bed. Many feel their time is best spent elsewhere. Likewise, it’s not worth the confrontation if there is a dispute about allotments.
#7: Abusive staff
Corruption and abuse do happen in shelters. These cases are often undocumented for fear of repercussion. Or, a police for simply not caring for those less fortunate.
Abuse may stem from stress and aggravation. Hundreds of occupants, many of whom with mental illness, will test hardiness. Staff may lash occupants to vent frustrations.
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Steel bunk beds create a significant benefit for shelters. These investments would optimize the limited space to fit more inhabitants. Or, create ample personal space to discourage conflict with others.
A safe and comfortable slumber experience is our mission. We stand behind our products and believe every person deserves a good night’s rest.
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