Airport Homelessness: Sleeping In Transit Areas

Homeless people have often sought refuge in airports, which offer warmth, safety, 24-hour opening, accessibility by public transport, space for possessions, and facilities like food, water, and Wi-Fi. However, some airports have begun to tighten rules and restrict access to ticketed passengers and employees only, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of homeless people.

Homeless people are not welcome in airports as officials tighten rules

Homeless people have long sought refuge in airports, which offer warmth, safety, and accessibility. However, in recent years, there has been a growing trend of cities across the globe cracking down on this unspoken arrangement. This has resulted in homeless individuals being turned away from airports and left with limited options for shelter.

The Appeal of Airports for the Homeless

For years, many homeless people have found solace in airports, taking advantage of their 24-hour accessibility, safety, and lack of restrictions on carrying possessions. Airports also offer various amenities, such as hot and cold running water, access to food and charging stations, and even free blankets. As a result, airports in cities like New York, Washington DC, Honolulu, London, and Frankfurt have become temporary homes for those without a permanent address.

The Crackdown on Homeless in Airports

Despite the benefits that airports provide to the homeless, officials have increasingly taken steps to restrict their access. In December 2015, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced that they would close the LaGuardia terminal to all but ticketed passengers during late-night hours, threatening to arrest violators. Similar measures were implemented at Washington DC's Reagan National Airport and Honolulu International Airport. These actions were in response to complaints from travelers and employees, as well as media coverage highlighting the presence of homeless individuals in airport terminals.

The Impact of the Crackdown

The tightening of rules has had a significant impact on the homeless population, forcing them to seek alternative accommodations. While some may turn to shelters, others may be reluctant due to concerns about violence, theft, curfews, and bed bugs. As a result, some may choose to sleep on the streets, putting themselves at risk of dangerous weather conditions and life-threatening situations. Critics of the airport crackdowns argue that these actions criminalize homelessness instead of addressing the underlying issue, which is the lack of adequate housing.

A Complex Issue

The issue of homelessness in airports is complex, and there are no easy solutions. While airports strive to maintain the safety and comfort of their passengers and employees, they also have a responsibility to treat vulnerable populations with compassion. Finding a balance between these priorities is a challenging task for officials, and one that requires careful consideration and collaboration with homelessness advocates and social services.

Homeless people find airports safer than shelters

Homeless people have been taking refuge in airports for years, especially in colder months. While this phenomenon is not unique to one place, it has been observed in cities across the globe, including Buenos Aires, London, Frankfurt, Cleveland, Orlando, and Atlanta.

There are several reasons why homeless people might choose to stay in airports. Firstly, airports are warm, safe, open 24 hours, easily accessible by public transportation, and uncrowded at night. Additionally, airports usually don't have restrictions on carrying belongings inside, which is a significant concern for people living on the streets. Other benefits include access to food, hot and cold running water, free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and even free blankets.

However, the main reason why homeless people might prefer airports over shelters is safety. Shelters often have issues with violence, theft, bed bugs, and intoxicated individuals. There are also strict curfews at shelters, which can make it challenging for homeless individuals to maintain regular jobs. As a result, some homeless people opt to stay in airports instead, where they feel safer and have more freedom.

One homeless person who chose to remain anonymous shared their experience in a street newspaper: "Sleeping at the airport was peaceful, quiet and heartwarming. You didn't have to worry about people stealing your stuff or robbing you." This sentiment is echoed by Teresa Malbernat, a 68-year-old woman who chose to live in the Buenos Aires airport instead of a city shelter. She stated that the airport was safer than the shelters, where she had been robbed twice.

While some airports have turned a blind eye to the homeless taking refuge in their terminals, others have started to implement stricter policies to discourage this practice. Despite the understanding that homelessness is a complex issue, some airports have begun to restrict access to non-ticketed passengers during late-night hours. This has raised concerns among homelessness activists, who view these actions as a "criminalization of homelessness."

Airports crackdowns are a continuation of the criminalization of homelessness

In recent years, there has been a rise in the number of homeless people seeking shelter in airports. This has led to a crackdown by officials in several cities, who have implemented measures to prevent homeless people from accessing airport terminals. These actions have been criticized by homelessness activists as a criminalization of homelessness and a violation of human rights.

The rise in homeless people in airports

As the homeless population has climbed in major cities, there has been a corresponding increase in the number of people sleeping in airports. Airports offer a warm, safe, and accessible place to stay, with no restrictions on carrying possessions. For these reasons, many homeless people have spent the night in airports, especially during the colder winter months.

The airport crackdowns

In response to the growing number of homeless people in airports, officials in cities such as New York, Washington DC, and Honolulu have tightened rules and restricted access to terminals. For example, LaGuardia Airport in New York announced that it would close its terminal to all but ticketed passengers during late-night hours, with similar measures being taken at other airports. These measures have involved increased security presence and the threat of arrest for violators.

The impact on the homeless population

The airport crackdowns have had a significant impact on the homeless population, who are often left with few options for shelter. In some cases, people have been turned away from airports and forced to seek alternative accommodation, such as motels or homeless shelters. However, homeless shelters often have issues with safety, theft, and restrictive rules, making them unappealing or inaccessible to some.

Criticism of the crackdowns

Homelessness activists and advocates have criticized the airport crackdowns as a criminalization of homelessness. They argue that these measures do not address the root causes of homelessness and instead further marginalize and punish vulnerable people. Instead, they call for more housing and support services to be provided, rather than treating homelessness as a criminal issue.

A complex issue

The issue of homelessness in airports is complex and multifaceted. While airports have a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of their passengers and staff, they also have a duty to treat all people with dignity and respect. By working with homelessness organizations and providing alternative solutions, airports can play a positive role in supporting vulnerable members of their community.

Councils refuse to offer shelter to homeless people

Homeless people have been seeking refuge in airports around the world, from London to Frankfurt, as they are warm, safe, open 24 hours, accessible by public transportation, and uncrowded at night. However, this has led to a crackdown by officials, who have started tightening rules and restricting access to non-passengers. This has resulted in homeless people being turned away or even arrested.

In the UK, councils are responsible for providing assistance to homeless individuals, but there have been instances where they have refused to offer shelter. One such example is the case of around 30 homeless people sleeping at Heathrow's Terminal 5 due to their immigration status, which left them unable to claim benefits, including emergency accommodation. The Hillingdon Council in the London Borough of Hillingdon claimed that they had offered accommodation to rough sleepers in other parts of the borough and shifted the responsibility for those at the airport to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

When councils refuse to offer shelter to homeless people, it is often due to their immigration status or eligibility criteria. Councils are required to assess an individual's situation and determine if they meet the conditions for assistance, which can include immigration status and priority needs such as having children or being vulnerable. If the council decides that an individual does not meet these conditions, they are obligated to provide a letter explaining their decision, and individuals have the right to request a review if they believe the decision is incorrect.

To address this issue, homeless individuals can take several steps. Firstly, they should check their immigration status and gather evidence, such as letters and documents from the Home Office, to prove their eligibility. If the council continues to refuse assistance, individuals can seek legal advice and initiate a judicial review with the help of a solicitor. Additionally, they can complain to the ombudsman, although this may take a significant amount of time.

Homeless people resist going into shelters

Homeless people may resist going into shelters for a variety of reasons, including safety concerns, lack of privacy, and strict rules and regulations. Here are some of the key factors that contribute to their reluctance:

Safety Concerns:

• Homeless individuals often fear violence, theft, and abuse in crowded and unfamiliar environments. They worry about their belongings being stolen and their personal safety.
• The presence of drugs, drug dealers, and individuals with mental health issues can make shelters seem dangerous.
• Some shelters lack adequate security personnel, especially at night, which further increases the feeling of insecurity.

Lack of Privacy and Personal Space:

• Shelters typically have large dormitories with many people sharing the same space. This lack of privacy can cause discomfort and make individuals feel vulnerable.
• The close proximity to others can also lead to anxiety, depression, and exacerbation of mental health conditions due to the constant noise and unfamiliar surroundings.
• The lack of walls or locks in some shelters adds to the feeling of insecurity about personal belongings and safety.

Strict Rules and Regulations:

• Shelters often have strict rules, including curfews, drug tests, and searches, which can feel invasive and deter people from staying there.
• The schedules for check-in, check-out, and meals can make it challenging for individuals to look for jobs or tend to other commitments.
• Some shelters have religious affiliations and impose specific philosophical or moral rules on their residents, which may not align with the individual's beliefs.

Preference for Familiar Surroundings:

• Homeless people may feel more comfortable and secure in their established street surroundings, despite the challenges they face there.
• Leaving familiar surroundings can be difficult, especially for those who have been on the streets for a long time and have formed supportive relationships with other homeless individuals.

Difficulty with Pets:

Homeless individuals with pets may avoid shelters if they cannot bring their animals with them. They fear being separated from their beloved companions or having their pets taken away.

Other Practical Concerns:

• Shelters are intended to be temporary solutions, with limits on the length of stay (often around three months) to accommodate more people in need.
• The lack of cleanliness and proper hygiene facilities can lead to health problems and further discomfort.
• Difficulty in accessing mail, important documents, and government benefits without a permanent address is another practical challenge.
• Transportation issues may also arise, making it hard for individuals to reach shelters or commute to work.

These factors contribute to the resistance of some homeless people to seek shelter. It is important to understand their perspectives and address these concerns to provide more effective and supportive services.

Frequently asked questions