Libraries and the Homeless

Here in San Diego, like in many other cities, libraries and the homeless community often intersect. A library can be one of the few places the homeless can go and feel welcome. But sometimes the needs of the homeless can overwhelm library staff, especially when they don't feel able to provide the services and resources individuals may need. In addition, it can also be a challenge to ensure they are creating a welcoming space for all while still keeping the safety and comfort of their staff and other patrons at the forefront. At the Central Library in downtown San Diego, more or less the epicenter of the homeless and mental health crisis in San Diego, the library has teamed up with San Diego County Health and Human Services to open a department on the third floor where those who need help can access information to resources and referrals. The services offered by this program include emergency housing referrals, referrals to doctors, and food distribution referrals. Creating partnerships with local programs that help the homeless can be very beneficial to a library and help take some of the burden off the shoulders of staff. For example, in 2008, the San Francisco Public Library became the first in the nation to hire its own full time psychiatric social worker (Ruhlmann, 43). The intersection of homelessness and libraries can be a complex issue, but creating awareness, proper training of staff, and providing access to much-needed resources are a few small ways to help those in need.

                      San Diego's Downtown Library Keeps Homeless Warm and Dry -- KPBS


Works Cited:
Ruhlmann, Ellyn. “A HOME to the HOMELESS.” American Libraries, vol. 45, no. 11/12, 2014, pp. 40–44., www.jstor.org/stable/24603545. Accessed 28 Apr. 2020.