Not A Lack of Bootstraps, But A Lack of Boots

Original Image by Simply Psychology

    Many of us have most likely heard of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. 

 

    A well known theory in Psychology that is often depicted as a pyramid or triangle, the chart is meant to represent a 5-tier model of all basic human needs. The highest point, which also makes up the smallest tier, claims that the last hierarchical need in order for one to thrive is Self-Actualization-- representative of one’s sense of purpose and inner potential. But before a human can realistically engage with this tier, they must first have access to all the lower levels that act as its foundations; Self-Esteem, Love and Belonging, Safety and Security, and most essentially, Psychological needs. Human Psychology suggests that air, food, water, clothes, and shelter are the absolute most basic necessities one needs in order to not just survive, but to focus on and strive for these higher tiers of needs. It is extremely difficult give back to one's community, to focus on concepts of creativity and love, when the threat of starvation, addiction, or homelessness are not first addressed.

    What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Portland? For many, it’s the rain.

    According to the National Weather Service, The West Hills alone can have up to 60 inches of rain per year, 90% of which just falling between mid-October and mid-May. Locals and longtime residents alike can attest to these seven long months of nonstop downpour; every year, like clockwork, the weather drops in temperature and the sky takes on a permanent shade of gray. The rain itself can vary in severity-- sometimes nothing more than a light drizzle, sometimes an unrelenting mist. But sometimes it comes down in buckets; icy sheets of hail, snow that cities never seem fully prepared for, and the wind provides zero relief from the cold, biting at any extremity that isn’t firmly swaddled in layers of Winter clothes. 

 

    But then lately there’s also been the heat. We’ve gotten a break from the rain, yes, but now there’s the heat. The National Weather Service claims that only 3% of our annual rainfall occurs between the months of July through August; temperatures have been reaching the 90s in the shade, and without so much as a stray cloud for comfort, it’s not hard to feel Summer clinging to your skin in a fine sheen of sweat.

 

    The Pacific Northwest in particular is known for sacrificing optimal weather conditions in exchange for some of the most breathtaking landscapes in America. But when the heat, or the rain, or the wind becomes too much, many, at least, can seek comfort in their homes. Air conditioning is an expensive privilege in Portland, but even without, one can still seek shelter from both rain or shine. You have running water and electricity– a kitchen and bathroom with all the expected amenities. 

 

    The City of Portland claims that homelessness has increased by 65% from 2015 to 2023, roughly equating to over 6,000 individuals left on the streets without proper shelter. Along that same vein, the Homeless Strategy and Solutions Initiative (HSSI) Behavioral Health Work Group claims that Oregon has the highest rates of methamphetamine and prescription opioid misuse in the nation, with an estimated 58-88% of Oregon’s houseless population reportedly experiencing some form of substance abuse.

 

    For those of whom that are physically and mentally disabled, shelter provides you with a place to go after doctors' visits. It’s a place to safely store your medications and important documents, a place to deliver and administer life-saving healthcare. It’s a place where you don’t have to worry so much about the heat and the rain. Shelter provides you with an address when filling out forms for things like rehabilitation facilities and other forms of addiction treatment. A drivers’ license. Job applications. 

    Portland's issue with homelessness is not due to a lack of effort, from those that are struggling. You cannot get to point C without first passing point A. You cannot treat a scar until the wound has healed-- until the blade is removed and the bleeding stops. One cannot pull themselves up by their bootstraps if they do not have the boots to do so-- if they have not yet first been taught to crawl.

     

    It is the responsibility of Portland, not just as a city, but as a community, to ensure everyone has this vital starting point, not just so they can survive, but so they can live.

 

 

 

 

Sources & More Info

Simply Psychology's Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs 

Resolving Homelessness: The Critical Need for a Substance Use Disorder System of Care