A NEW APPROACH: STRENGTH AND HOPE FOR THE HOMELESS, ADDICTION AND MENTAL ILLNESS
Author Richard Bodell

Just as a child questions about the calling of our existence and purpose. Such inquiries are often checked by a weary disciple who has lost all hope of imperfect fragmentary rules. Indeed, if it is not written, then it is not so.

The child desires answers, and the weary soul needs our help. As such, may I suggest allowing street missions to be a part of the solution regarding the continued conundrum of homelessness. Indeed, such an alternative to mission work can be invaluable for the problem of those in despair. Addiction, and all other ills are caused by the loss of purpose and hope. Street missions have been at the forefront in all major cities for years. Hence, the experience of helping those that are lost.

Perhaps we can consider, unlike housing first, that it initially provides a place to live without preconditions. Rather, a treatment-first proposition that requires a commitment to mandatory participation in mental health and/or substance abuse treatment. Indeed, one can look at the Birmingham Model in Alabama that offers room and board on the pretext of sobriety. However, if one fails in his/her commitment, moves to shelters with an opportunity to come back regarding clean and sober living. (Heritage Foundation, Feb. 8th, 2024).

Such effectiveness of treatment-first programs out-performs housing-first programs, reducing drug-use and it follows, boosts employment stability more than housing-first initiatives (Heritage Foundation Feb. 8th, 2024). Moreover, San Francisco’s 2023 change in policy to treatment-first, requiring drug/alcohol testing for services, thus cut unsheltered homelessness by 15% within six months (Texas Public Policy Foundation, Oct. 2nd, 2023). Such personal accountability lends credence to one’s purpose.

Nothing is inexorable to the addict that one is mentally and physically ill yet additionally been spiritually sick. Perhaps as the spiritual malady is awakened, one’s mental and physical dysfunction awakens with clarity. Such acknowledgement of a Higher Power is paramount to love as a consuming fire.

If we accept the premise that addiction, is a disease. It follows, not everyone can self-medicate and function in society. With such distinction, a need to consider homelessness, addiction, mental illness interconnected issues forming a challenging cycle for individuals. A vicious thread, if you will, burdened freedom of cause and effect. One may think he/she is free yet inhabited by the insecurity of hardness and contempt.

Thus, the consideration to prioritize rules of law, decorum and public safety. In turn, working with churches, synagogues, mosques and various mission services. Cutting zoning restrictions, loosening red tape to incentivize private investment for low-income housing; thus, reducing cost that drives homelessness. Trust the organizations that do it best by shrinking government’s role and thereby increasing private-sector presence, such as religious charities that do it best.

In turn, may I suggest incorporating the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of AA, as a program for recovery from addiction, can and is an invaluable tool in confronting such issues. The inner-city missions are experienced hamlets addressing the ongoing concerns. More importantly, the need to restore the light of purpose in each troubled soul.

Yes, it may be hard to understand. Just as simple truth is hard to understand. Years of a person experiencing strife, discord and misery. Many a cry of conscience against the neglect of a higher power in recovery. Many a dim longing for it as an unknown need before the scales are removed from the eyes; and hardened heart is softened by the comfort that something greater than yourself cares for your very existence. The darkness of dread yields to the light of truth. Perhaps such truth, as we are not wandering the perils of life alone. Indeed, an alternative of love, joy, peace and forbearance that is only experienced with the help of clarity in mind. Ah yes, the help of such fellow men that found a way out via the program of AA and its affiliates.

Unlike housing-first models, treatment-first programs require active participation in mental health or substance abuse recovery. The Birmingham Model in Alabama exemplifies this approach, offering room and board contingent on sobriety. If individuals relapse, they transition to shelters with the opportunity to return upon recommitment.

Studies show treatment-first programs outperform housing-first initiatives in reducing drug use and improving employment stability. San Francisco’s policy shift in 2023 led to a 15% reduction in unsheltered homelessness within six months.

Such is the greatest gift that is available to anyone in despair…spiritual awakening. We are here for a purpose. Such purpose is our spiritual awakening. Releasing our guilt, despair, unforgiveness and yes finding sobriety means life itself. This is purpose. Indeed, the spiritual experience of 12 step work is the key to survival from addiction, mental illness and despair. We must awaken or die. We have nothing to imagine, the deep love of knowing one is special in the realm of existence awakens purpose. Years of hardness and contempt quenched the soul. Yet now without pretense one can imagine once again the possibilities.

Hence the support of non-profit ministries. Such forms of workforce and reentry programs stir the individual with renewed vigor. Job training and reentry for at-risk individuals prevent homelessness via employment. Pairing such an approach with housing stability. The effectiveness in programs of reentry in Washington DC dropped homelessness 18% since 2016 (DC gov, 2024); even ex-inmate reentry programs cut in half recidivism in homelessness (USICH, 2021).

Yet, California regrettably does not hold such public/private partnerships. Thus 23% of our homeless struggling with mental illness, addiction, homelessness goes untreated.

Promoting self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on public institutions, awakens the spirit of an individual. Aligning work with rewards/benefits ethos. A lifetime of daily awakening, discarding more and more the old life of fear, anxiety and depression that simply drains the human spirit. Such new perspectives and endeavors lead to a new fresh perspective of a life that does work under all conditions and circumstances. If one is willing, moment by moment, day by day, to see things more clearly, love more dearly and live life with renewed purpose.

Such evidence of efficacy produces outcomes in areas: San Diego, CA 12% decline, Houston, TX (63%) and even San Francisco, CA (15%) show work/rewards/shelter equals measurable success. Instilling the renewed vigor of purpose. Tying treatment/shelter/rewards reduces cost avoiding billions in subsidies. It reintroduces the longing in all of us. A life acknowledging something greater in all of us.

Addressing a “Higher Power” in 12-step work, does not need to pose tension in some, nor need to be a stigma. While my personal need is rooted in God, others may define “higher power” in a way that is suitable with their personal beliefs, traditions and duties. It may perhaps be his/her support group or nature, for instance.

Such programs along with street ministries embedded in inner-city work treat the whole person—treatment, shelter, mental health and addiction. Thus, reducing burden of the unsheltered by 50% plus (Cicero Institute). The core drivers are the emphasis of getting clean and sober, along with housing and invigorating purpose. Such studies, like those from the Urban Institute, reduce homelessness recurrence by over 70% for families.

The point being, it is my hope and many like me that live 12-step programs, that government would perhaps consider the benefits of such work. Moreover, the experience and success of the local charities/street missions working in the inner-city nationwide, using 12-step programs. Indeed, it goes directly to those in need.

Incorporating the need for housing, overcoming addiction, work subsidies, the missions spend $5,000–$15,000/individual (Union Rescue Mission, LA 2024). Moreover, they do it well. After all the 12 steps and 12 traditions (common welfare of all), originating with Alcoholics Anonymous and adapted for various societal ills, offer a proven structured path to recovery. Providing a saving path of recovery, personal accountability, peer support and spiritual growth.

May this notion addressing the crisis in our communities be discussed with willing hearts. May the noise of the few be curtailed by the reason and understanding of the compassionate. May our egos submit to the greater good.