The Homeless of Port-of-Spain

Photo 1 shows a vagrant lying on the corridor of George Street, Port-of-Spain. 

Homelessness

The photo shows a displaced man lying on George Street, Port-of-Spain. The issue of vagrancy or homelessness is a common problem that affects so many people in the capital city. It is very unlikely for one to visit Port-of-Spain without noticing many displaced individuals. According to Daly (2008) and Pacione (2009), homelessness is an issue for cities of both the Global North and South; within cities of the Global South the presence of large numbers of homeless people on the streets has been an enduring concern.  Also, it can be noticed that homelessness affects various age groups, gender and ethnicity within the streets of Port-of-Spain. Therefore, it is not unlikely to see children who are displaced on the streets. The presence of homeless people in Port-of-Spain has highlighted a series of social and economic issues that possibly contributed to this level of homelessness. These issues include dysfunctional families, unemployment and lack of affordable houses. Gottdiener and Budd (2005) have identified the homeless as those who cannot personally afford shelter and most often consist of marginalized groups such as the unemployed, recent migrants, substance abusers, mentally ill people, ethnic minorities, battered women, runaway youths and street children.  

Homelessness is a very difficult issue to combat in Port-of-Spain, but with the intervention of the local state, private sector and community base organizations (CBOs), such as community support groups, church groups, youth groups and others, the level of homeless persons could be significantly reduced. For instance, the local state should offer jobs to such people with the aim of helping them financially to afford shelter in the city.  However, some have stated a more direct approach is needed to solve the issue. For example, the problem should be viewed through the eyes of homeless persons in order to have a better understanding of their situation so that effective measures could be implemented.

References

Daly, G. 2008. “Housing and homelessness.” In Urban Geography 4^th edition, edited by Hall, Tim and Heather Barrett, 276. London and New York: Routledge.

Pacione, M. 2009. “Urban Geography: A Global Perspective.”  In Urban Geography 4^th edition, edited by Hall, Tim and Heather Barrett, 276. London and New York: Routledge.

Gottdiener, M. and Budd, L. 2005. “Key Concept in Urban Studies.” In Urban Geography 4^th edition, edited by Hall, Tim and Heather Barrett, 276. London and New York: Routledge.