Homeless at Dale Clark

[ita]

Homeless Omahans, advocates concerned with upcoming move of downtown library

Jessica Wade
For some, the W. Dale Clark is a gateway for accessing services. It’s a place to get out of the cold or heat, use the bathroom, charge a phone, access the internet. And outside, it’s a place where several community outreach groups and churches provide meals.

But with the planned relocation of the downtown library branch and looming demolition of the W. Dale Clark to make way for a new corporate high-rise, some homeless Omahans, advocates and library staff members are concerned that those services could be disrupted and eventually, once the move is completed, made more difficult to access.

The move, some say, also highlights a need for a day shelter in or near downtown.

The W. Dale Clark has more patrons who are homeless than other branches. A staff member — one of two who spoke to The World-Herald on the condition of not being named because library staff were discouraged from speaking to the media — estimated that up to 40 homeless individuals patronize the downtown library on a typical day.

Decent discussion on the issue. OPL spokeswoman was kind of odd when asked how the demolition of Dale Clark would affect homeless persons relying on library services. She said it depends on which libraries they choose to use or if they continue to use library services. Huh? Anyway, there is also a graph showing the top 3 most frequented branches. It was Millard, Dale Clark, and Abrahams, in that order. Prior to the pandemic, Dale Clark wasn't too far behind Millard, about a 15% difference. In 2021, there was a 35% difference, and Dale Clark suffered the biggest hit to usage; there was a minus 65% difference versus 50% at the Millard and Abrahams branches.

[Athomsfere]

Homeless Omahans, advocates concerned with upcoming move of downtown library

Jessica Wade
For some, the W. Dale Clark is a gateway for accessing services. It’s a place to get out of the cold or heat, use the bathroom, charge a phone, access the internet. And outside, it’s a place where several community outreach groups and churches provide meals.

But with the planned relocation of the downtown library branch and looming demolition of the W. Dale Clark to make way for a new corporate high-rise, some homeless Omahans, advocates and library staff members are concerned that those services could be disrupted and eventually, once the move is completed, made more difficult to access.

The move, some say, also highlights a need for a day shelter in or near downtown.

The W. Dale Clark has more patrons who are homeless than other branches. A staff member — one of two who spoke to The World-Herald on the condition of not being named because library staff were discouraged from speaking to the media — estimated that up to 40 homeless individuals patronize the downtown library on a typical day.

Decent discussion on the issue. OPL spokeswoman was kind of odd when asked how the demolition of Dale Clark would affect homeless persons relying on library services. She said it depends on which libraries they choose to use or if they continue to use library services. Huh? Anyway, there is also a graph showing the top 3 most frequented branches. It was Millard, Dale Clark, and Abrahams, in that order. Prior to the pandemic, Dale Clark wasn't too far behind Millard, about a 15% difference. In 2021, there was a 35% difference, and Dale Clark suffered the biggest hit to usage; there was a minus 65% difference versus 50% at the Millard and Abrahams branches.

Maybe it's time for some more donations to the Francis house? It isn't quite housing first from memory, but a damn good program really close by...

[TitosBuritoBarn]

Homeless Omahans, advocates concerned with upcoming move of downtown library

Jessica Wade
For some, the W. Dale Clark is a gateway for accessing services. It’s a place to get out of the cold or heat, use the bathroom, charge a phone, access the internet. And outside, it’s a place where several community outreach groups and churches provide meals.

But with the planned relocation of the downtown library branch and looming demolition of the W. Dale Clark to make way for a new corporate high-rise, some homeless Omahans, advocates and library staff members are concerned that those services could be disrupted and eventually, once the move is completed, made more difficult to access.

The move, some say, also highlights a need for a day shelter in or near downtown.

The W. Dale Clark has more patrons who are homeless than other branches. A staff member — one of two who spoke to The World-Herald on the condition of not being named because library staff were discouraged from speaking to the media — estimated that up to 40 homeless individuals patronize the downtown library on a typical day.

Decent discussion on the issue. OPL spokeswoman was kind of odd when asked how the demolition of Dale Clark would affect homeless persons relying on library services. She said it depends on which libraries they choose to use or if they continue to use library services. Huh? Anyway, there is also a graph showing the top 3 most frequented branches. It was Millard, Dale Clark, and Abrahams, in that order. Prior to the pandemic, Dale Clark wasn't too far behind Millard, about a 15% difference. In 2021, there was a 35% difference, and Dale Clark suffered the biggest hit to usage; there was a minus 65% difference versus 50% at the Millard and Abrahams branches.

Maybe it's time for some more donations to the Francis house? It isn't quite housing first from memory, but a darn good program really close by...

We (and most cities) need to increase the funding and programs for assisting and treating the homeless. The public library shouldn't be doing the work of social services.

[omaha79]

Homeless Omahans, advocates concerned with upcoming move of downtown library

Jessica Wade
For some, the W. Dale Clark is a gateway for accessing services. It’s a place to get out of the cold or heat, use the bathroom, charge a phone, access the internet. And outside, it’s a place where several community outreach groups and churches provide meals.

But with the planned relocation of the downtown library branch and looming demolition of the W. Dale Clark to make way for a new corporate high-rise, some homeless Omahans, advocates and library staff members are concerned that those services could be disrupted and eventually, once the move is completed, made more difficult to access.

The move, some say, also highlights a need for a day shelter in or near downtown.

The W. Dale Clark has more patrons who are homeless than other branches. A staff member — one of two who spoke to The World-Herald on the condition of not being named because library staff were discouraged from speaking to the media — estimated that up to 40 homeless individuals patronize the downtown library on a typical day.

Decent discussion on the issue. OPL spokeswoman was kind of odd when asked how the demolition of Dale Clark would affect homeless persons relying on library services. She said it depends on which libraries they choose to use or if they continue to use library services. Huh? Anyway, there is also a graph showing the top 3 most frequented branches. It was Millard, Dale Clark, and Abrahams, in that order. Prior to the pandemic, Dale Clark wasn't too far behind Millard, about a 15% difference. In 2021, there was a 35% difference, and Dale Clark suffered the biggest hit to usage; there was a minus 65% difference versus 50% at the Millard and Abrahams branches.

Maybe it's time for some more donations to the Francis house? It isn't quite housing first from memory, but a darn good program really close by...

We (and most cities) need to increase the funding and programs for assisting and treating the homeless. The public library shouldn't be doing the work of social services.

Admittedly, I don't know much about the services offered by the library, but I always assumed it was more of a marriage of convenience and proximity. The library drew homeless that congregated in the park area and they sought refuge from the elements in the library as it was the closest public building.

It is somewhat madness to think that just because things have always been done this way that it's the best or only way to make services available to the homeless population. People tend to dig their heels in and become resistant to change simply because they are familiar with something and are unsure of what change might mean. Now, I can buy an argument that the fear is that funding would simply disappear and not be reallocated to another location. That is valid. But, opposing a new skyscraper just because the dilapidated building that currently sits on the land offers social services they probably should have never been offering in the first place, seems odd.

[Athomsfere]

Here! Here!

(or is it hear, hear ?)

Yes, pointing at losing a band aid solution for a bigger issue isn't a great place to start, or end an argument.

[Erik]

We, unfortunately, live in a society that declares the homeless as lazy as self-justification for letting these vulnerable people fall deeper and deeper into the lost world.

[ita]

One of the issues identified in the article (for those who don't have access) is the need for a dedicated day shelter with services. St. Francis was suppose to convert part of their campus to a day shelter, but ended up converting it to an addiction support center. While they changed the rules for people to be able to stay at the facility during the day, there is still an obvious need for a dedicated day shelter. Additionally, the article made clear that homeless people benefit from having access library services like computers, the internet, and books. OPL is trying to avoid having any lapses during transition to the downtown branch on 14th and Howard.

[Big E]

Admittedly, I don't know much about the services offered by the library, but I always assumed it was more of a marriage of convenience and proximity. The library drew homeless that congregated in the park area and they sought refuge from the elements in the library as it was the closest public building.

An arranged marriage brought on by decades of white flight and NIMBY-ism.

Dig up some of the old threads on here when church groups were coming downtown to feed the homeless (certainly admirable) but then complaing about all the homeless people downtown. For some reason no one ever took me up on my offer to bus the homeless to the churches in west O so they could serve them easier.

[legato9]

People railing against moving the library because homeless people use it for shelter just baffles me. It’s a library, not a homeless shelter.

The issue should only be: What is best for people who use the library for its intended function?

[omaha79]

One of the issues identified in the article (for those who don't have access) is the need for a dedicated day shelter with services. St. Francis was suppose to convert part of their campus to a day shelter, but ended up converting it to an addiction support center. While they changed the rules for people to be able to stay at the facility during the day, there is still an obvious need for a dedicated day shelter. Additionally, the article made clear that homeless people benefit from having access library services like computers, the internet, and books. OPL is trying to avoid having any lapses during transition to the downtown branch on 14th and Howard.

A day shelter is key. And, such a facility should have access to resources like computers for job applications along with educational services like resume building, etc. The library likely still isn't the best facility for those kinds of services. As another poster said, a library is a library. If homeless are using it for the intended purpose, they should be welcomed like any other patron. But, having it be a place for homeless to get out of the elements isn't really what a library is designed for and is better served in having a day shelter.

[Linkin5]

I have no idea the validity of this but there were a couple posts on urbandsm stating Omaha was bussing homeless people to Des Moines. Has anyone heard anything similar to this?

[Garrett]

I have no idea the validity of this but there were a couple posts on urbandsm stating Omaha was bussing homeless people to Des Moines. Has anyone heard anything similar to this?

Did a certain former conspiracy theorist poster from here switch sides after he got banned?

[Garrett]

I have no idea the validity of this but there were a couple posts on urbandsm stating Omaha was bussing homeless people to Des Moines. Has anyone heard anything similar to this?

I did some searching and couldn't find the posts on their forums. Where were they?

[Linkin5]

I have no idea the validity of this but there were a couple posts on urbandsm stating Omaha was bussing homeless people to Des Moines. Has anyone heard anything similar to this?

I did some searching and couldn't find the posts on their forums. Where were they?

https://urbandsm.com/forum/viewtopic.ph ... 69#p188469

[Louie]

I have no idea the validity of this but there were a couple posts on urbandsm stating Omaha was bussing homeless people to Des Moines. Has anyone heard anything similar to this?

I did some searching and couldn't find the posts on their forums. Where were they?

https://urbandsm.com/forum/viewtopic.ph ... 69#p188469

That's complete lunacy to suggest that. I understand it happened in New York awhile back, but Omaha is no NY.

[Toto]

A picture is worth a thousand words.

[almighty_tuna]

A picture is worth a thousand words.

What are some of the thousand words you are trying to convey here?

[Toto]

A picture is worth a thousand words.

What are some of the thousand words you are trying to convey here?

Omaha has a serious homeless problem. Even with all the great things going on it town, we need to make time to address this issue too. I understand that its a complex issue that will take time, but it seems to be getting worse not better.

[Busguy2010]

If you go to YouTube and look up soft white underbelly, you'll see real quick homeless people are that way because they can't get a job or don't want a job, addicted to drugs, or have mental problems. Those don't seem like things you can fix. It's a losing battle, there will always be homeless people no matter what you do. The matter to me for the city here is how do they hide it?

[nebport5]

I bet there will be an effort to "hide" them away from the crown jewel at 72nd & Dodge upon its completion. Short of that I'm sure most would rather see money go towards filling pot holes.

[Garrett]

If you go to YouTube and look up soft white underbelly, you'll see real quick homeless people are that way because they can't get a job or don't want a job, addicted to drugs, or have mental problems. Those don't seem like things you can fix. It's a losing battle, there will always be homeless people no matter what you do. The matter to me for the city here is how do they hide it?

Finland has largely eradicated homelessness. Helsinki only has one 50 bed shelter in a metro area of 1.6 million people. Homelessness can be tackled, you just have to dedicate the resources to make housing available.

[thenewguy]

If you go to YouTube and look up soft white underbelly, you'll see real quick homeless people are that way because they can't get a job or don't want a job, addicted to drugs, or have mental problems. Those don't seem like things you can fix. It's a losing battle, there will always be homeless people no matter what you do. The matter to me for the city here is how do they hide it?

Finland has largely eradicated homelessness. Helsinki only has one 50 bed shelter in a metro area of 1.6 million people. Homelessness can be tackled, you just have to dedicate the resources to make housing available.

I was just going to say that it looks like this homeless camp is the same one (from two different angles), and is right by the homeless shelter north of downtown. The immediate thought i had was looking at ways to expand the facility to house more individuals, but I also know that there are those who wouldn't want to live IN the shelter, even if there was room (meaning it's not always as simple as throwing more beds at the problem). Many of the things we are seeing with regard to homelessness and drug addiction are the direct result of cutting funding for mental health care in this country.

[ricko]

If you go to YouTube and look up soft white underbelly, you'll see real quick homeless people are that way because they can't get a job or don't want a job, addicted to drugs, or have mental problems. Those don't seem like things you can fix. It's a losing battle, there will always be homeless people no matter what you do. The matter to me for the city here is how do they hide it?

Finland has largely eradicated homelessness. Helsinki only has one 50 bed shelter in a metro area of 1.6 million people. Homelessness can be tackled, you just have to dedicate the resources to make housing available.

I was just going to say that it looks like this homeless camp is the same one (from two different angles), and is right by the homeless shelter north of downtown. The immediate thought i had was looking at ways to expand the facility to house more individuals, but I also know that there are those who wouldn't want to live IN the shelter, even if there was room (meaning it's not always as simple as throwing more beds at the problem). Many of the things we are seeing with regard to homelessness and drug addiction are the direct result of cutting funding for mental health care in this country.

^^^^^^
This

I’ve never dealt directly with the unhoused, but I know several people, including family, who have. It’s complicated. Historically, we’ve always had this. My personal take——we used to have cheap hotels/flophouses to keep people off the streets—-they were mostly west, north and east of downtown. No rules, just a place to stay. I even remember people living in derelict boxcars on abandoned rail lines. The community decided these places were an eyesore and had to go. At some point, mental health services took a nosedive. I’ll admit that mental institutions were awful hellholes, but many of the mentally unstable end up in prisons——the rest are on the streets. This country is losing its soul and its capacity and desire to protect its most vulnerable.

[Cermak]

Homelessness has always been a problem. Even here in Omaha with our less than ideal weather you see it more than ever. Runaway inflation has only compounded the problem. We are lucky Omaha is relatively inexpensive compared to most of the country, especially both coast. You’ve got to be pretty much a millionaire to afford even a modest home in California’s largest metro’s.

[nativeomahan]

For some, being homeless is a temporary problem caused by sudden unemployment or a lack of funds. Shelters can and do provide a transitional place for these (often families with children) to live while they get back on their feet.
Sadly for I think most homeless the cause is rooted in alcoholism, drug addiction and mental illness. Sometimes all three. Those people don’t easily fit into a regimented shelter environment, because they either won’t or can’t follow rules, and don’t want to be told to do anything. Our nation has let many of these people down because mental health and drug addiction rehab program funding just isn’t there. Job training is another need as well, but people won’t qualify for job training until they first address their addictions and any mental health issues.
I just don’t see this issue going away.

[Dundeemaha]

There is an extremely effective policy that is both cost effective and dramatically reduces homelessness:

Provide long-term housing.

Many studies across the US and Canada have shown that it not only dramatically improves the quality of life and economic outcomes of unhoused people but actually saves money because it dramatically reduces ER visits and police interventions. We have a homeless problem because we choose to. At least we've made some micro-scale efforts in Omaha to address this with the tiny home village and expansion of the Siena Francis House.

[Busguy2010]

I just about crapped my pants when I saw legislature is discussing a bill "to prevent tent camping in Nebraska". Couldn't read them as they are LJS and OWH, but by the picture, it's to prohibit living in a tent. For the first split second I thought they were wanting to prohibit recreational tent camping, and I was making plans to move to a different state lol

[Renovator2559]

I don't remember seeing camping by homeless in the many years I've lived in Midtown. I hardly see any homeless in downtown, so the shelters may be effective. Also I don't remember noticing any strong or off-putting smells from the homeless. (maybe the shelters allow them to shower?)

Here in Los Angeles, I saw so many homeless everywhere and even if there weren't homeless in a certain part, the smell of very potent urine was there. I even had to see a homeless doing drugs along the window, outside of Wild Living Foods restaurant while we ate.

In DTLA you have to have tolerance to stomach revolting smells you've never smelled before. The smells of weed, drugs, nasty urine, feces and homeless with very strong odors is the norm.

And yes long term housing is the best way to tackle the issue. As well as getting rid of parasitic non-profits that give the illusion of helping the homeless, while pocketing million checks in their pockets, all in an effort to keep themselves relevant.

Major question, why can't we build pod style living like the pod hotels in Japan but for the homeless? This would save so much space, while making it economical for funding. The small and cramped space would incentivize homeless to seek a bigger living on their own. Are our zoning laws the issue?

[Garrett]

“A homeless”

[skinzfan23]

I noticed today that there a quite a few tents and other things under the 14th st bridge just south of downtown.

[Busguy2010]

Major question, why can't we build pod style living like the pod hotels in Japan but for the homeless? This would save so much space, while making it economical for funding. The small and cramped space would incentivize homeless to seek a bigger living on their own. Are our zoning laws the issue?

I think in a perfect America, that should work. Could probably have one building on one lot house thousands per night. So long as it's per night.

But it's far from perfect. I can't put into words how many issues would arise. Urine, feces, drug use, people refusing to leave, people passing out, overdosing, etc. Nobody would want to do the job of upkeep at a place like that.

The majority of the homeless population aren't good honest people who just happened to fall hard on their luck. No, I don't have sources, I have eyes and experience.

[GenX]

These bills about banning public sleeping is being pushed by some organization and are being introduced in many states.

[Brad]

I noticed a few tents popping up just west of 84th Street on the hill that goes up to the UP Railroad tracks. Between the railroad and I-80.

[Renovator2559]

“A homeless”

Lols, thanks for the more thorough read, sometimes not devoting enough time to editing, while on the go, especially while waiting in the baggage claim area and just hitting submit; leads to funny runon sentences.

I noticed today that there a quite a few tents and other things under the 14th st bridge just south of downtown.

You are right, I've only passed there via biking a few times, but other than that, there's nothing really interesting to visit South of there.
this explains why there's legislation action against tenting. This has to be nipped in the bud

Well Nebraska is funding mental health for children, so best to start young in preventing mental illness in the first place.

Mental health also starts with the toxic way that the typical American eats, processed foods with hormone disruptors, fertility reduction "depopulation" neurotoxins and cancer causing compounds. All of these foods "feed", are highly acidic and is against the alkaline design of the human body. Alkalinity is synonymous with cell electron (-) communication; hamper cellular communication and functions deteriorate. Which will lead to mental imbalances and mental disorders. This especially affects the younger we are exposed to the typical acid american diet, as the young are more vulnerable to poisons. The FDA must be placed accountable for approving unsafe foods and for serving as a revolving door of pharmaceutical execs.

Our produce used to be sprayed with toxic glyphosates (acid) during the growth of produce and in 2006; they started spraying on produce after harvesting, correlating with the rise of celiac disease.
https://ksj.mit.edu/tracker-archive/stu ... lyphosate/

On top of that, alcohol and drugs which are pouring through our borders. Also end up taking plenty of victims. Drugs and alcohol are also highly acidic, which will lead to mental issues.
Close the wide open borders and the amount of drugs in the streets will drop.

We have to stop systemic poisoning of our bodies. Including pharma chemicals that have a host of side effects, including mental issues and never will cure anything but only introduce other imbalances and only placate symptoms.

We have to ask ourselves, why is water fluoridation still a thing in the US, despite Americans being exposed to many sources of fluoride, many countries have now banned fluoridation in the water, despite independent studies amounting evidence, of fluoride causing lower IQ in children, skeletal fluorosis; which over decades lead to brittle bones, (profitable) hip fractures in old age.
https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defe ... dies-find/
Fluoride is a halogen as is Iodine, fluoride displaces iodine in the body, paving the way for cellular disfunction.

We have to go back to currency backed by assets such as gold and silver because as soon as we switched from gold backed currency to inflationary currency, our economic problems started slowly and subtle.

We have to put an end to senseless perpetual wars, which do not benefit the public; but benefit weapon manufacturers and central banks who fund both sides.Abolish the CIA whose had their hand in destabilizing other countries.

We have to close our borders, except for legal entries; if we can't even take care of our homeless, what makes us think taking a mass of 8 million "refugees" will be doable, when we have a homeless problem?

We have to stop the billions of free money to ukraine, throwing it like candy and instead use it for domestic problems.

At the current state, any of these points seem impossible but soon we will come to our senses; so that we can enact change and fulfill any of these objectives. Let us watch the events unfold and learn from them; we are on the path in solving and preventing the homeless issue and correcting societal and economic decline.

I think in a perfect America, that should work. Could probably have one building on one lot house thousands per night. So long as it's per night.

But it's far from perfect. I can't put into words how many issues would arise. Urine, feces, drug use, people refusing to leave, people passing out, overdosing, etc. Nobody would want to do the job of upkeep at a place like that.

The majority of the homeless population aren't good honest people who just happened to fall hard on their luck. No, I don't have sources, I have eyes and experience.

As the pod living dense places, you would have a psychiatric ward and a large common or multiple bathroom facilities.


The only reason that homeless smell of feces and urine, is because they don't have the means of proper higiene.

As I said, I've noticed nasty homeless smells in DTLA, with each homeless person emanating a far reaching radius of nasty smells. DTLA public transportation has this faint dirty smell. In downtown Omaha, I don't remember coming across nasty homeless smells and I live and breathe the east Omaha living! I love the smells of delicious food, old wood and neutral smells in the Old Market. Even Omaha buses smell clean in comparison to LA public transport and our seats are padded too.

In DTLA it is very hard to find restrooms and most if not all metro stations don't have any restrooms, many restaurants don't even have restrooms. Even I as a visitor was inconvenienced by the lack of restrooms and in having to be constantly bombarded by the most gut wrenching smells imaginable in DTLA. Hollywood and Santa Monica were nice and clean in contrast.

In Omaha, we have the luxury of having restrooms everywhere, including in most establishments; so this helps. Downtown Omaha doesn't smell, except for the occasional faint sewer smell near a sewer grate. Oddly enough the sewer smell of Old Market drains, smell like flowers compared to the open air toilet of DTLA sidewalks and the many miscellaneous liquid run offs, puddles you must step around, despite there being no rain.

[Renovator2559]

I drove by the 13th street bridge south of the Old Market. There's not a single sign of homeless encampments there, that place has been cleaned up well.

Also, it's been months since I last saw a few random homeless laying on the Old Market

[Brad]

I drove by the 13th street bridge south of the Old Market. There's not a single sign of homeless encampments there, that place has been cleaned up well.

Also, it's been months since I last saw a few random homeless laying on the Old Market

They were on 14th Street, not 13th street.

[Renovator2559]

They were on 14th Street, not 13th street.

I do not know about 14th, though I'm referring to 13th street. A few tents were under this bridge. I remember this place well because I passed with my bike through here Southward, there were a few tents and this area smelled bad.

[Louie]

We went to Omaha Dog Bar today and going north on 14th under the train bridge, and there are about 10-12 tents under there.

[Renovator2559]

We went to Omaha Dog Bar today and going north on 14th under the train bridge, and there are about 10-12 tents under there.

So 13th has never been the one with the tents then? It always has been 14th Street all this time. Sounds like it was 14th that I went through and not 13th, on the last time I saw homeless and incorrectly assumed it was the same street (both bridges look similar).

Well then, disregard everything I said.

I wonder if the illegal camping regulation has taken affect or is to take effect?

[Louie]

We went to Omaha Dog Bar today and going north on 14th under the train bridge, and there are about 10-12 tents under there.

So 13th has never been the one with the tents then? It always has been 14th Street all this time. Sounds like it was 14th that I went through and not 13th, on the last time I saw homeless and incorrectly assumed it was the same street (both bridges look similar).

Well then, disregard everything I said.

I wonder if the illegal camping regulation has taken affect or is to take effect?

Honestly it was the first time I’d seen tents there, but I wasn’t intentionally looking out for them before.