Exclusive: A Micro-study on Homelessness in Trinidad (Undergraduate Paper)
INTRODUCTION
Homelessness is a social ill that plagues most societies in the 21st century, and centuries that preceded it. According to Marshall et al (2007) each geographical location and culture shows its own version of homelessness, which exhibits a unique spatial identity and characteristic. Of the world's population of approximately 6.6 billion people, an estimate of over 1 billion people are homeless (Marshall et al 2007). This estimation however, varies on how "homelessness" is defined in various geographical locations and cultural contexts. With no widely accepted definition, Springer et al (1998) defines homelessness as people who are in need of short term assistance to avoid being on the street. This assistance ranges from housing, literary or employment training, even medical help to combat mental and physical illnesses.
The aim of this study is to assess "How homelessness differs in urban and rural areas, and why might understanding those differences allow communities, and the nation of Trinidad and Tobago to better address this problem”. This requires a different perspective of what homelessness is defined as, relating to what is known as seen versus unseen homelessness. Homelessness is defined as a continuum of housing situations which includes street dwelling; staying in shelters; occupying vacant or abandoned buildings not intended as residence and sharing residential space with or without permission.
This definition is the foundation of what this study is based on, and aids in the differentiation of seen versus unseen homelessness. Homelessness is only viewed and accepted as street dwellers, the person(s) that one comes in direct contact with while walking through a town or major city, therefore, urban street dwellers is considered the "poster boy" for this social ill. Even though street dwellers are visibly homeless the term of “homelessness" goes way beyond what is seen, and accounts for cases of unseen homelessness, such as occupying a residential space with or without permission and residing in their cars, workplaces, abandoned buildings or the house of a friend or family member. This contradiction of seen or unseen also relates to urban and rural homelessness, whereby urban homeless would only be represented by street dwellers residing in the streets, parks, shelters of the towns and major cities. Rural homeless, which presents enumeration barriers, are represented by squatters or subjects moving from place to place. An example of this was quoted in the 2011 Population and Housing Census, which presented an overall estimation, where street dwellers where referred to as persons found sleeping on the side walk and pavement of the streets (Ministry of Planning and The Economy 2012). This estimate may provide values of street dwellers which often tend to misrepresent, the true estimation and definition of homelessness in this study’s opinion.
This study aims to bridge the gap in understanding between rural and urban homelessness, and extension that homeless persons are not only those represented by street dwellers, and why might understanding these differences may provide solutions to address the social ill of homelessness in Trinidad and Tobago. This research has proven important because a phenomenon such as homelessness is more than counting numbers of homeless subjects (Marshall 2007). In extension, understanding the views of social workers, city corporation leaders and average citizens, for they are the ones interacting with the homeless, and according to the definition of homelessness from Springer et al (2008), are the ones who can provide short term assistance aiding persons off the street.
LITERATURE REVIEW
This study of “How homelessness differs in urban and rural areas, and why might understanding those differences allow communities, and the nation of Trinidad and Tobago to better address this problem, guided the review of certain literature to gain a holistic view of the phenomenon known as homelessness. Understanding this phenomenon, one must first derive a definition to guide the research. Homelessness in relation to this study is defined as a continuum of housing situations which includes street dwelling; staying in shelters; occupying vacant or abandoned buildings not intended as residence and sharing of a residential space. This definition, when reviewed in the literature, was termed to be along a continuum of abject to partial homelessness. Marshall et al (2007) indicates that abject homelessness refers to being without a shelter and what is termed to be “roofless”. Abject homelessness would now be referred to street dwellers, those that reside on the street; and sleep on the pavement or nearby park benches. Continuing along this continuum, subjects would move from those extremes of abject conditions to more partial homelessness. Marshall et al (2007) continues the continuum of homeless residing on the street by day, but mostly at home at night; to those who live in squatter settlements; those who are temporarily accommodated by friends and relatives and move regularly; to those who live in public shelters. This continuum, moving from abject to partial homelessness, contributes directly to this research because it views homelessness beyond what is seen, which are street dwellers to the unseen aspects of the homeless such as temporarily residing with friends or within their cars or workplaces. This understanding is crucial as it closes the gap of what is ignorantly accepted as homelessness, bridging ideas and possibly creating solutions. Bridges such as inclusion in the National Census Data, aiding in the public’s understanding that homelessness is more than street dwellers, and even though they are the most visibly affected, the homeless residing in smaller communities, shelters are just as impacted by the social ill.
The holistic view of homelessness also required literature that associated with the homeless population existing in Trinidad and Tobago. A study of homelessness in Trinidad and Tobago, conducted by Dr. Trevor Grant, published in 2008 attempted to provide scientific information on this growing sub-culture. According to Grant (2008), homelessness in Trinidad and Tobago had been neglected by the Government of past and present as well as Governmental organizations, therefore allowing homelessness to weave itself into the social fabric of the country. These statements were generated from the research conducted in Port-of-Spain whereby homeless people were studied via questionnaires and interviews. Apart from collecting demographic data indicating gender, age and ethic differences, it also accumulated reasons for homelessness. According to Grant (2008), 40% were forced into homelessness due to housing problems (nowhere to live, house destroyed by disaster or thrown out), 26% due to parents passing away and no one being able to take care of them, 21% had family problems (martial, drugs and alcohol related problems) and 13% were in prison, unemployed and unable to find work.
This literature indicates the causes of homelessness in Port-of-Spain based on the data acquired. This data is now able to be related to the homeless continuum stated by Marshall et al (2007). An example of this relates to the 26% of homeless subjects that stated their reason for homelessness was due to their parents passing away, and no one else being able to take care of them. These subjects are likely to be further away from partially homeless and more under abject homeless conditions.
The study by Grant (2008), presented with geographical data which indicated that the homeless population in Port-of-Spain are not originally from the area. Grant (2008) directs that 64% of the respondents were born in North Trinidad, (Port-of-Spain, Belmont, Woodbrook), 24% in South (San Fernando, Couva) and 12% not being natives to Trinidad and incudes natives from Tobago, Guyana and Grenada. This information therefore presents data in relation to this research of urban and rural homelessness. This indicated that not all homeless persons in the urban environment, originated in that urban space, but may of migrated from a rural area because the city provides more opportunities for survival. Acquisition of this information shows a potential link between urban and rural homelessness. However, the information acquired from Grant (2008) only provided information for the homeless residing in Port-of-Spain. Even though the city s apart of Trinidad, limitations can arise when adapting to other towns and cities within Trinidad and Tobago. However, according to Marshall et al (2007), third world environment shows similar trends of drug abuse, family breakdown, economic crisis and natural disasters, which are known causes of homelessness, which relates to conclusions made by Grant (2008). This however can be debated in context of Trinidad and Tobago’s development status of either Third World, First World or Developing country. However, in the Caribbean context, these trends can certainly be applied to potential causes of homelessness.
This therefore leads to a concluding point that due to the potential relationship between urban and rural homelessness, urban spaces in Port-of-Spain are more accompanying to the homeless, aiding in its high street dwelling estimates residing in the city. According to Bergamaschi et al (2014), public space is essential in the daily life of the homeless whereby they do not only live or interact with the public space like the rest of citizens, but rather they live in the public space, having no alternative private space. The structure of Port-of-Spain, with high commercial activity by high end businesses and low end street vending, coupled with sleeping areas provided by narrow streets and the various park benches located in every square, creates a viable habitat for the homeless. According to Bergamaschi et al (2014), narrow streets and park benches are attractive because they can be easily transformed into temporary beds, assuring not only protection from bad weather, but creates a sense of privacy. Castrignano (2004, 81-81) indicates that a city centre has high fruition characteristics, fills the role of facilitating the necessary survival resources such as food, money and homes. This theory therefore indicates that due to the hospitality offered to the homeless by Port-of-Spain, the city supports the growing sub-culture of homelessness.
This literature review created the holistic view and foundation used by the study to understand homelessness. It aided in the understanding of a homeless continuum, causes of homelessness within the city and the potential relationship between rural and urban homelessness.
METHODOLOGY
A method is defined as the tools required to generate data and analysis (Sarantakos 1998). For the study of rural and urban homelessness, both qualitative and quantitative methods was applied due to their ability to provide descriptions and measurements required to make a successful attempt in deriving usable data. According to Marshall et al (2007), to derive insight into the lives of the homeless, both qualitative and quantitative methodologies may provide opportunities for intervention and policy formation in testing against homelessness in Trinidad and Tobago.
A count of 45 random persons out of the general public were selected for this study, whereby only 30 persons agreed to participate. However, due to the required data contrast between urban and rural areas, seeding procedures was therefore applied to aid in a desired outcome. Based on external research, and data collected from the Ministry of Planning and Environment, Central Statistical Office, classified urban and rural communities throughout Trinidad, which aided seeding procedures to be planted a lot the East-West corridor’s urban areas, as well as the urban community of Sangre Grande. Assistance was also obtained from two undergraduate students conducting a similar study, which aided in distributing questionnaires in the rural village of Rio Claro and sub-urban community of Oropune Village/Piarco. Information from the Central Statistical Office also aided in the formation of question four, asking “Where do you live”, whereby the choices was related to what they described as urban, sub-urban or rural areas.
The usage of a questionnaire, a quantitative methodology, consisted of twenty close ended questions, which directed the respondent to required answers, enabling statistical analysis to be completed on the derived data. This was then followed by five open ended questions which tried to gauge the respondent’s view on homelessness for both rural and urban communities.
Carded key informant interviews were another important aspect in acquiring valuable qualitative information. According to Sarantakos (1998), an interview is a valuable technique in social research because there is a lesser chance of misunderstanding and provides more opportunities for inconsistencies to be revised. Key informants chosen to aid in the research’s development and success was a service provider residing in Port-of-Spain, next to the CDSP carpark as well as the Mayor of Port-of-Spain. Interviews from someone “on the ground”, interacting with the homeless and a city corporation leader, influential in potential policies was chosen to provide contrasting views of homelessness as well as a unique perspective based on their social status. The setting was chosen by the respondent to aid in their comfort, and ability to discuss ideas freely. A good field researcher must be able to feel comfortable in the presence of the informants, and the informant must feel comfortable as well (Singleton et al 1988).
FINDINGS
The data analysis was derived from thirty respondent questionnaires throughout three community classifications in Trinidad. These classifications ranged from the East-West corridor (urban area), Oropune Village/Piarco (suburban) and Rio Claro (rural) to aid in the following descriptive statistics, showing differences in urban and rural homelessness.
Demographic data suggest that both male and female respondents’ participation in the study was 50% each. Data continued to show that 40% of the respondents were within the ages of 18-25 years, 23.3% within the range of 26-35 years, 10% in the 36-45 year range, 6.7% percent was 46 years and older and a moderate 20% refused to respond. This data therefore created an average of 28.32 years being the average respondent, and a medium of 42 years. Geographical data presented that 23.3% lived in the inner city (more urban area), 50% lived in the suburbs, 20% lived in rural towns and 6.7% decided not to indicate. This data shows that half of the respondents resided in sub-urban areas indicating that both urban and rural characteristics.
The type of homelessness yielded data showing that 30% of the homelessness in communities resided in abandoned buildings, with a slightly larger 33.3% termed to be squatters. Street dwellers represented 20%, shelters 10% and shared residential spaces to be 6.7%. This therefore indicates that based on data retrieved, squatting and residing in abandoned buildings to be the two most popular form of homelessness based on community responses. This can be attributed to the larger respondents of 70% living in rural and sub-urban areas. The data also represents that there are more homeless men than women reside in communities with data showing a huge 83.3% and a mere 10% for women. Forty-six point seven percent indicated that indicated that homelessness has not affected their community, with a smaller portion of 30% specifying that the homeless had a somewhat bad effect on their community. Twenty-three point three percent showed mixed emotions of whether the homeless has affected their community. Data also indicated that 63.3% of the homeless persons within the community was once residents of that community, while 30% were newcomers. This high value of newcomers therefore indicates that homeless people migrate in search of better survival conditions. Community data showed that 56.7% of respondents does not discriminate against the homeless and view them as normal community residents. The interaction between respondents and homeless specify that 60% are willing to help a homeless person in their community and very highly would not extend help to town or city dwellers. This creates that indication of accepted rural homelessness.
A last point of statistical analysis indicates that the respondents do believe that Port-of-Spain city structure is aiding to the increased street dwellers indicated by statistical studies. A huge 76.6% believe that the city structure aids in increasing urban dwellers to reside in the city.
The acquired statistical data aided certain inferences to which this study is aimed at proving. The idea of the homeless continuum, stated by Marshall et al (2007) has proven important in understanding the values and types of homelessness. The value of 63.3% of squatting and residing in abandoned buildings, shows that homelessness in the community is more partial, with the homeless having a place to reside either with or without permission. This therefore gives the indication of homelessness within rural areas are more accepted, and less regulated by laws. This theory is supported by the respondent’s reaction, whether they would help a homeless person in their community, which 60% indicated they would aid a homeless person. Therefore, this opens the question of instead of urban versus rural homelessness, one could focus on city versus community homelessness, with residents showing more acceptance for the homeless in their community compared to local towns or the major city of Port-of-Spain.
Another point of analysis is the connection between rural and urban homelessness. Building on the work of Grant (2008), homeless persons that reside in Port-of-Spain confessed of being from another town, indicating migration. Based on each unique cause of homelessness, one common factor is the migration of the homeless to the city of Port-of-Spain for better survival conditions. However, quoted from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (1970), rural improvement would ease the pressure on cities who may not be ready for a population influx. This statement indicates that increased rural development consisting of more economic activity can persuade the homeless away from the major city of Port-of-Spain, and towards a more economically active rural zone, which may lead to easier social inclusion.
The last point of analysis refers to the public space of Port-of-Spain. Indicated by the Central Statistical Office 2011 report, as well as the opinions of respondents, the city of Port-of-Spain encourages the influx of street dwellers. Not blaming the homeless, for they are just trying to survive, with the city being the ideal place. According to Bergamaschi et al (2014), the city provides ideal public spaces such as park benches which are transformed into living quarters for the homeless. Also, the opportunity to beg for food and money from citizens passing through the city. The lack of privatisation of public space, lack of city regulations and provision of social services for the homeless, creates the cycle to a well-known city problem of homelessness.
To disrupt this cycle, the city corporation needs a united effort alongside the Ministry of Planning and Urban Development to redevelop the city of Port-of-Spain, as one that wards off homelessness but also not neglecting the social problem. The rise of “anti-homeless structures, whereby according to Bergamaschi et al (2014), is a new form of urban furniture to exclude of homeless persons changing its use from public to private. This initiative would persuade the homeless not to reside in these areas, to which the second phase of establishing more social centres would then be available to accommodate the socially displaced persons. This initiative can gain traction in the public because data from the respondents indicated that 93.3% does not think enough is being done to cure the social ill of homelessness.
The key informant interviews, which was carded with the Mayor of Port of Spain, Tim Chi Solomon provided unique perspectives on how his office operates, but also caters for homelessness. However, after the completion of the interview, it was brought to this study’s attention that they Mayor’s office and city corporation does not have any legislation to deal with homelessness in the city. The Mayor was quoted saying that “his office needs a more hands on approach, provided with the proper legislation so that the laws assigned to them can be used not to hurt, but help the homeless”. This lack of “bite”, therefore brings to light the statistical figures of 76.6% of respondents believing that the city of Port of Spain aids in increasing its urban street dwelling population. This lack of regulation and legislation would continue to provide habitats for the homeless to thrive, potentially leading to failure of the city corporation or state to the people and city inhabitants. This view of the state failing its people was also supported by another key informant interviewee, a service provider who directly interacts with the homeless daily. This interviewee indicated that he sees a new homeless person visiting his store daily, supporting the idea that street dwellers migrate due to lack of opportunity elsewhere, but also because they city can facilitate an acceptable standard of living. The interviewee goes on to indicate that the homeless residing in the street, are usually at risk of joining a gang from the environs of the city, aiding in criminal activity, contributing to an even more pressing social illness of crime. The key informant goes on to specify how organizations that cater for the homeless, only temporarily addresses the problem, by picking up drug addicts, rehabilitate them and upon release, fails to integrate the homeless into a stable society. So when released, these persons are still homeless and becomes reintegrated back into the ills of society.
CONCLUSION
Upon analysis of this qualitative information, it is of the view that both key informants presented ideas to curb homelessness at their respective social strata, but both are tied by ropes much mightier than themselves. The present ideas such as legislative power for city corporations to training for service providers to better cope with the homeless. The service provider indicated that assistance from the corporation may go a long way seeing that NGO’s like themselves are the ground troops that constantly come into contact with the homeless. However, the corporation, despite being busy on other city problems and showing a bit of neglect towards small NGO’s, are also focused on getting legislative powers to combat this sub-culture of homelessness. Quantitative analysis has led to the marriage of both measurements and numerical data with qualitative acquired information. Both methods have derived the understanding that the city structure of Port of Spain facilitates the social ill of homelessness, failing to provide regulations to aid city dwellers from themselves. Also, with potential rural development, rural homeless may become urban homelessness when rural area becomes unsustainable for street life. This therefore indicates that the differences in urban and rural homeless aren’t so much differences, but share a similar network to which to impact of one, may cause an impact in another.
