More Without Homes in City

While John McCain and Barack Obama debate the tough economic situation, Harvard Square’s homeless community has been living it.

According to a 2008 homeless census conducted by Cambridge for the ninth year in row, the city has witnessed a 10 percent increase in homeless individuals between 2006 and 2008, putting the official tally of Cantabrigians without a home at 487. As the economy worsens, even more people have been taking to the streets.

Robert C. Reddick is one of Harvard Square’s recent victims of homelessness. After years of factory work, including stints at the American Can Company and Bethlehem Steel, Reddick said he found himself out of work due to the recent sub-prime crises. “I had been living with my two sisters,” said Reddick. “Seven months ago, things just got too hard for them, and I had to leave.”

Since then, Reddick has been sleeping on park benches, the street, and when possible, the Pine Street Inn.

“I’m willing to work but there are no jobs. I don’t know how to work a computer, but I’ll wash dishes, I’ll do anything,” he said.

State Representative Alice K. Wolf, whose district includes Harvard Square, said she sympathizes with Reddick.

“This downturn of the economy has hit working people particularly hard,” said Wolf.

In order to combat this epic rise in homelessness, Wolf has lobbied for appropriations for the homeless. This fiscal year’s budget includes $10 million for temporary supportive housing and the organization Housing First.

“We’re looking for long-term solutions. We want to end the cycle of inadequate funding,” said Wolf. “In this way, we won’t need to spend more down the line on our healthcare system and motels [where homeless people are often temporarily housed].”

Numerous Harvard students have a firsthand view of the homeless epidemic by volunteering at the Harvard Square Homeless Shelter on 66 Winthrop St.

“Working at the shelter has taught me how to listen and respect people without judging them,” said Eleanor R. Wilking ’09, a senior director of the shelter.

When asked about the recent rise in homelessness, however, Wilking said, “It would be hard to know how many more people have been coming [due to the economic downturn], since the shelter is only open between Nov. 15 and April 15.”

In the meantime, however, Reddick and the rest of Harvard Square’s homeless population, such as David B. Murray, remain out in the October cold.

Murray has been homeless ever since his cousin died 3 years ago. He hawks Spare Change newspapers in the Square in order to make ends meet.

Although Murray works in Cambridge, he is not allowed in the shelter, due to residency restrictions. Like Reddick, he often goes to the Pine Street Inn for food and shelter.

“There’s been no government help. It comes down to the greed of the politicians,” said Murray. “This country first became owned by banks, and now government owns the banks after the bailout.”

Cambridge Mayor E. Denise Simmons said she is more optimistic about the future of homelessness.

“We direct all homeless people needing assistance to the multi-service center,” said Simmons. “I’m also planning on meeting with clergy and working with [the Department of Human Service Programs].”

“We need to help people get out of the cold. We also have workforce programs that provide a stipend for people as they receive job training,” Simmons added.

Despite government promises, Murray said he remains unconvinced. “It’s not going to change over night.”