If you have ever walked through Fresno’s beautiful downtown, you may have noticed some interesting architecture pieces.
Maybe a bench with an armrest right in the middle. A solid metal slab on the ground with large spikes sticking out of it. A planter lined with metal barbs.
This kind of urban design is not so lovingly called “hostile architecture,” and it has that name for a reason.
These pieces are built with the sole intention of making houseless individuals unable to have somewhere comfortable to rest.
“For a human body to even work right, we need sleep before you can actually do the things that you need to do,” Krystal, a Fresno Homeless Union advocate who asked to be identified by her first name, said.
On the City of Fresno’s website they claim to be focusing on a “housing first” model, and are “dedicated to providing shelter to those in need.” In addition to that, many of these websites for Fresno shelters and transitional homes share similar key phrases such as; “counseling and supportive services,” “employment services,” or “education and training.”
However, Krystal talked about her mother passing away and the shelter’s inability to provide any form of counseling to her. This led to her having to look elsewhere for help.
“They say they have counseling, (or) transportation to help us look for a job, but they don’t have any,” she said.
But it doesn’t stop with the hostile architecture and lack of resources.
According to a new Fresno City Council ordinance, “sitting, lying, sleeping or camping in a public place is prohibited.” Any violation of this ordinance is a misdemeanor and could land that person in jail including fines.
To Krystal, Fresno “just wants you gone.”
“We’re all humans and they treat us like we’re not humans, we’re like a dog or something,” she said.
Those of us fortunate to have a roof over our heads must ask, where are these human beings supposed to go?
Fresno seems to think the only appropriate response to its homeless inhabitants are fines and jail time. This effectively keeps homeless folks like Krystal out of sight and out of mind.
“We gotta fight for what’s right and we gotta hold them accountable. We’re not gonna give up,” Krystal said.
For those of us who do not treat other human beings as an eye sore, there is real action available to help our unhoused community.
There are many opportunities to vote in bills and laws that will more effectively help the unhoused community. In addition to that, there are several places to volunteer your time such as the Central California Food Bank, Fresno Rescue Mission and many more.
