Bozeman has a homelessness problem. Local politicians have exacerbated that problem through failed, ideologically driven policies that have resulted in excess spending of taxpayer dollars on homeless services with an extremely poor return-on-investment. Despite throwing money at this societal issue, the numbers of those that have moved into permanent housing from our city streets remains abysmally low. According to a 2021 HUD study, and proven by Bozeman’s Ordinance 2147, “responding to encampments is resource-intensive for local governments” with “implications for the health, safety, and well-being of the people living in them and can negatively affect the surrounding neighborhoods.”

On the local level, urban camping has increased crime including methamphetamine and fentanyl dealing, deliberate homicide, aggravated assault, and rape. At the same time, these camps house some families with children in conditions that are detrimental to their long-term health outcomes. One startling acknowledgment made by the city presentation at the commission meeting on August 6th was something many locals have been saying since the enactment of Ordinance 2147: There are people out there taking advantage of Bozeman’s lenient policy, and they are not local. Bozeman city officials are now set to review the current ordinance and develop alternative humane proposals to recognize those that are truly in need as well as reigning in the present atmosphere which is promoting urban blight and environmental degradation. Here are some ideas to help them make necessary changes:

1. Ban unauthorized street camping and establish sanctioned, policed encampments to ensure increased safety and security among the homeless while removing them from the dangers associated with living in the right-of-way.
2. Divert funds away from ineffective “Housing First” programs to fund these sanctioned areas and short-term shelter assistance. Providing permanent rent-free supportive housing only increases the numbers of those claiming homelessness as it removes any incentive for people to pay when others are not.
3. Access to housing assistance programs must include: (a) Proof of employment or proof of actively seeking employment or proof of a disability preventing employment of any kind; (b) Remain out of the justice system going forward; (c) Active participation of individuals with community support centers for mental illness, substance abuse treatment, and finding permanent housing beyond subsidized units; and (d) Enhanced penalties for withdrawing from community offered resources—making them liable for illegal dumping and littering through community service hours if they are unable to pay fines.
4. Resume the bussing program that existed prior to the entrance of HRDC, but with a more compassionate approach. Historically, Bozeman would buy homeless persons a one-way bus ticket to a city with more homeless services such as Seattle or Denver. I suggest we instead try to connect individuals with family and/or friends that are able and willing to help bring them in from the street. A ticket could then be purchased with a confirmed contact on the other end.

Addiction is not an excuse; many people have recovered from alcohol and drug addictions to lead successful lives. Mental illness is not an excuse; it is a crutch utilized by those unwilling to recognize their problems and overcome them with therapy, medications, or other means of treatment. Prior criminal history is not an excuse; some convicted felons that have repaid their debt to society go on to lead meaningful lives and are not defined by their past decisions; they realize a life of crime is no life at all. The Bozeman City Commission must understand that unfortunate outcomes usually come from unfortunate choices. Life is not fair, and the world owes you nothing except that which you have earned. Those homeless that find themselves in that position and want to make it out must first find strength inside to work hard and make tough choices. They can, and do, pull themselves out of those circumstances, sometimes without help, but should know that help is there when they are ready to better their condition. Those that are unprepared or unwilling to participate in their own success have no place in Bozeman or Montana. We simply do not have the resources to support anything less.

Dunton, L., Khadduri, J., Burnett, K., Fiore, N., & Yetvin, W. (2021, April 5). Exploring Homelessness Among People Living in Encampments and Associated Cost: City Approaches to Encampments and What They Cost. Office of Policy Development and Research. https://www.huduser.gov/portal/sites/default/files/pdf/Exploring-Homelessness-Among-People.pdf