VOICES FROM THE STREET
“THE CRISIS OF LONELINESS”
BY SCOTT KERMAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BLANCHET HOUSE
Photo by Allison Barr
There is a crisis of loneliness in our community. Chronic loneliness can have a significant impact on our physical and mental health and relief isn’t found at a store. It takes commitment to provide safe public spaces for connection.
Many people we serve stay in temporary housing or a shelter with a looming day to vacate which can hinder community building. Lack of social connection and community are not simply emotional challenges. Loneliness and isolation affect a person’s physical health and well-being. Alternatively, feeling connected and having a community can improve a person’s physical health.
Food Insecurity
Nearly 20% of Portland’s Old Town residents are food insecure according to the data published by the city.
32% of tenants qualify as Severely Rent Burdened, which means more than 50% of their income is required to pay rent. This leaves little money left for food, let alone a nutritious meal like those served by Blanchet House.
Physical Disability
More than 25% of residents in Old Town are disabled, which includes hearing, vision, cognitive, ambulatory, self-care, and independent living challenges. A person may have financial assistance, but physical disabilities can make grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning difficult.
Elderly
12% of Oregonians aged 65 years or older live alone according to the Oregon Aging Statistics & Resource Guide. Many of our meal guests are senior citizens living alone on a fixed income. A growing body of research suggests the people we spend time with daily have a very large impact on our well-being. Positive social interactions provide a sense of purposefulness in older adults.
We need to talk about companionship and social connection more. Loneliness is a significant challenge facing persons experiencing houselessness. Many people experiencing houselessness have experienced childhood trauma, which also is connected to adult loneliness. Chronic isolation and withdrawal from social activities as a result of homelessness affect one’s mental health, increasing feelings of paranoia, cognitive deterioration, and depression.
.Blanchet House is not just a place to eat, it’s a community space where diners can visit with others, make friends, and be treated with respect and dignity. A home for those with or without a roof over their heads.
Mother Teresa has said,
“Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted
is the most terrible poverty.”
.