Homeless People Living In Airports: A Comfortable Shelter?

Homelessness is a growing problem in airports across the United States. Airports such as Orlando International Airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and Philadelphia International Airport have all experienced an increase in homeless people seeking shelter within their terminals. The appeal of airports lies in their accessibility, warmth in winter, coolness in summer, 24/7 opening times, restrooms, food, and safety. However, the presence of homeless people in airports has raised concerns among airport officials and travellers alike. While some travellers express empathy for the homeless, others view the airport as an inappropriate place for them to reside. Airport authorities have responded in different ways, including providing bus tickets to homeless services, allowing people to stay in certain terminals, and issuing trespass warnings or arrests for criminal trespassing.

Homeless people seek amenities like air conditioning, restrooms, and food at airports

Homeless people often seek amenities like air conditioning, restrooms, and food at airports. Airports are attractive to the homeless population because they are warm in the winter, cool in the summer, open 24/7, and provide access to essential facilities like restrooms and food. They also offer a sense of safety and security compared to other public spaces.

For example, at Orlando International Airport, authorities have noticed a fast-growing homeless population seeking these amenities. Similarly, Charlotte Douglas International Airport has seen an increase in homelessness, with reports of up to 30 unhoused people calling the airport home each night. This trend is not unique to these airports, and other large airports are facing similar challenges.

The homeless population at airports varies in size and situation. Some may be passing through, while others have made the airport their temporary or long-term residence. At LaGuardia Airport, it was reported that people had been living in the food court for up to five years, with as many as 50 people residing in the Central Terminal. The airport provided them with shelter, food, and access to sanitary facilities.

The presence of homeless individuals at airports can create tensions with travellers and officials. While some travellers express concern or discomfort, others display empathy and understanding for their situation. Airport officials are often tasked with monitoring and managing the situation, sometimes resulting in trespass orders or arrests for criminal trespassing, as in the case of Philadelphia International Airport. However, it is recognised that simply moving homeless individuals elsewhere does not solve the underlying problem.

To address the issue, some airports, like Orlando International Airport, are engaging with homeless advocacy groups to find ways to discourage vagrants from making the airport their home and provide them with necessary services. It is a complex issue that requires a balance between maintaining the functionality of the airport and addressing the needs of the homeless population.

Airports are generally considered safe havens for the homeless

The COVID-19 pandemic has also played a role in the increase in homeless populations at airports. With shelters reducing their capacity to maintain safer conditions, airports have become an alternative option for those with no other choices. Philadelphia International Airport, for instance, became home to a growing group of about 100 homeless people during the pandemic. While this number is higher than usual, it is not uncommon for 15 to 25 people to reside at the airport year-round.

The accessibility and amenities of airports make them attractive options for the homeless. Airports are often warm in the winter, cool in the summer, open 24/7, and provide restrooms and food. They are also considered one of the safest places for the homeless to stay. However, this also poses a challenge for airport security, who have to monitor and control access to these spaces.

The presence of homeless individuals at airports can create tensions between city officials, homeless advocates, and the general public. While some travellers may be understanding of the situation, others may find it uncomfortable or concerning. As a result, airports often have to find ways to discourage the homeless from seeking shelter within their premises, such as issuing trespass warnings or providing bus tickets to homeless shelters or soup kitchens. However, these methods may not effectively solve the problem, as individuals often return to the airport or end up moving between locations without addressing the underlying issues of homelessness.

The homeless population at airports grew during the COVID-19 pandemic

The homeless are a vulnerable population during the pandemic, as they often lack access to regular healthcare and may have pre-existing medical conditions. They are twice as likely to be hospitalized due to COVID-19 and two to three times more likely to die from it than the general population. The pandemic has also made life harder for the homeless in other ways, as people are more reluctant to come into close contact with them.

In Atlanta, the increase in the number of homeless people at the airport led to discussions about alternative housing solutions. Officials considered using local recreational centers or the Atlanta Detention Center as temporary shelters, but these options were not pursued due to resistance from the homeless population and the desire to avoid placing shelters in residential neighborhoods. Instead, the city worked with the Georgia Department of Public Health to lease a hotel to house homeless residents who had COVID-19 or were awaiting test results. This isolation facility provided meals, medical assistance, and CDC-guided safety measures for up to 170 people.

The pandemic has highlighted the unique challenges of managing the homeless population during a public health crisis, particularly the difficulty of isolating those who test positive for the virus. It has also brought attention to the lack of resources available to the homeless, even outside of a pandemic, and the need for more supportive solutions.

Airports have different methods of dealing with homeless people, including providing bus tickets or contacting homeless advocacy groups

Homeless people have been known to reside in airports, taking advantage of the amenities available to travellers and patrons, such as air conditioning, restrooms, and food. Airports have different methods of dealing with homeless people, including providing bus tickets or contacting homeless advocacy groups.

For example, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority has been buying bus tickets in bulk to provide the homeless with free rides from the terminal. However, this approach has been criticised as ineffective, as many individuals return to the airport after utilising services in the city centre. In response, the Aviation Authority has stated that it is engaging with homeless advocacy groups to develop more sustainable solutions.

Similarly, Charlotte Douglas International Airport has witnessed an increase in homelessness within its premises. While the airport authorities have expressed concern about the impact on travellers' experiences, they acknowledge the underlying issue of homelessness in the region. They are considering ways to discourage the homeless from residing at the airport while also providing assistance to get them back on their feet.

Philadelphia International Airport has also faced challenges with a growing number of homeless people occupying the airport since the COVID-19 pandemic. While the airport previously allowed people to stay in Terminal A-East, there have been calls for alternative solutions as tensions rise between the city and homeless service providers. Sister Mary Scullion, president of the homeless advocacy group Project HOME, emphasised the need for additional services to address the mental health issues prevalent among this population.

LaGuardia Airport in New York City has also been mentioned in discussions about homelessness in airports, with reports of individuals residing in the food court and utilising the airport's facilities for their daily needs.

Some airports have unrestricted access, making it easier for homeless people to stay there

Homeless people have been known to reside in airports, with some airports reporting an increase in homelessness. Airports with unrestricted access make it easier for homeless people to stay there. For example, Charlotte Douglas International Airport has no controlled access to baggage claim, so anyone can walk in off the street and set up camp, use the facilities, or take a nap.

Some airports have tried to address the issue of homelessness by providing the homeless with bus tickets to leave the airport, but this has not been effective as many people return or use the tickets to travel to and from soup kitchens.

Airports can provide a safe and comfortable place for homeless people to stay, with access to food, shelter, and sanitary facilities. However, it can also be challenging for security to monitor and control the presence of homeless people in the airport.

In some cases, homeless people have been known to reside in airports for extended periods, such as in the case of LaGuardia Airport, where people have lived in the food court for up to five years. The presence of homeless people in airports can also cause tensions with city officials and shelter providers, who may be concerned about the impression it gives to travellers.

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