Homeless Face Survival Struggles as Night Shelters Shutter

Download IPFS

As night shelters across cities close due to funding cuts, homeless individuals are left grappling with survival on the streets, facing harsh weather and dwindling resources. Recent closures in places like Fresno and Denver highlight a growing crisis, exacerbating the plight of the vulnerable. This article explores the impact of these closures, the challenges faced by the homeless, and the urgent need for sustainable solutions.

In Fresno, California, the Fresno Housing Authority (FHA) announced the closure of two key shelters, Journey Home and Golden State Triage, by the end of 2025, citing dried-up federal and state funds. “The beginning of the end for the city’s shelters has commenced,” said Fresno City Councilmember Miguel Arias, as reported by Fresnoland. Jason Throop, a 53-year-old homeless man, secured a spot at Journey Home only to learn of its impending closure, leaving him with nowhere to turn. Nationwide, over 770,000 people were unhoused in 2024, per CBS News, with shelter shortages intensifying the crisis. In Denver, the SAFER shelter, run by Mental Health Colorado (MHC), will close in weeks due to funding issues, leaving residents like Sarah Wright facing homelessness again, as noted by Denverite.

The closure of night shelters, often the last refuge for the homeless, forces individuals into unsafe conditions. In Vancouver, where shelters close by 7 a.m., people like Bobby Prasad endure sleepless nights in public spaces, fearing violence. “It’s quite tragic,” said Michelle Jerome of the Kettle Society, highlighting the lack of daytime options. Vancouver’s city council is exploring daytime drop-in centers, but progress is slow, per the Vancouver Sun. Similarly, in Glasgow, the Glasgow Homelessness Involvement and Feedback Team (GHIFT) reported that communal shelters compromise dignity, pushing some to prefer sleeping rough.

These closures reflect a broader failure of government policies, with budget cuts undermining essential services. The loss of California’s Homelessness Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) funds, slashed by 50%, has crippled shelter operations. While some advocate for harm reduction, as seen in Los Angeles’ Skid Row, the focus must shift to permanent housing and job opportunities. The resilience of the homeless is remarkable, but without decisive action, their struggle will only deepen, demanding accountability from leaders to restore hope and security.