Communities are not in short supply of difficult problems that negatively affect people. Many complex issues require great research, compromise, and innovation, in addition to time. Sometimes a solution is needed immediately, however. Finding a simple solution to enact now, is just as important as solving the larger scale issues.
Community psychologists are on the front lines of the big conversations and are also leading the charge in applicable solutions in the here and now. Read on for a few ways communities are creating their own solutions.
Protecting the vulnerable
More than 90 percent of sexual assault victims on college campuses complex and require action from many different parties, along with an open dialogue. However, victims can’t wait for a safer campus to be dictated by long-term ideas and policies.
While legislators and leaders of colleges across the country are forced to grapple with alarming sexual assault statistics, campus communities are stepping up to address these issues now. According to the 2015 Association of American Universities’ Climate Survey on Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct, 23 percent of women reportedly experienced sexual assault or rape. Many crimes take place at night and target vulnerable victims traveling alone.
Some campus groups hope to stymie this issue by providing a companion to walk with students home at night. Campuses such as The University of Texas at Austin and the University of Florida, have started providing this as a volunteer resource for students. Students can now request an escort, usually two other students, to walk them home from the library, a party, a bar, anywhere, after dark, usually between 8:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m.
Housing the homeless
Homelessness is another complex problem that will not be solved with a singular idea or solution, but rather many resources and initiatives to address the problem through a variety of lenses. In 2018, 65 percent of the chronically homeless population were living in locations not meant for habitation, such as the street, in a car, or a park. While there are many causes of homelessness, a lack of affordable housing and land is one main perpetrator. A few communities across the country have decided to treat this problem with tiny homes that take up less space and are much less expensive.
Tiny homes traditionally do not exceed 500 square feet. These homes provide livable space in compact places, which can allow for many more tenants in an area, as well as a much lower price point. In Austin, Texas, Community First! Village is in Phase II of their plan to provide more than 500 formerly homeless citizens a place to live and thrive. Built and run by the nonprofit Mobile Loaves and Fishes, organizers believe that it will be able to provide permanent homes for 40 percent of the chronically homeless population in Austin.
The village set out to address the immediate need for shelter in a concrete way, and then continue providing a solution with a community for citizens to begin contributing and building a true homestead to ensure permanence. The community has an art studio, gardens, laundry rooms, meeting halls, playgrounds, an outdoor movie theater, and community market. The goal is to meet the physical needs of those that are homeless so that the long-term solution to chronic homelessness can be addressed with community and connections.
Read Related
Real Problems, Real Solutions: Sheltering the Homeless
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Feeding the food crisis
During WWI and WWII, citizens were urged to grow “Victory Gardens” in order to meet their dietary needs during wartime. From growing potatoes in vacant lots, to rooftop community vegetable gardens, the food shortage of today and the way communities are addressing it are akin to this period. Urban farming and agriculture is not a new solution, but it is one worth revisiting as we tackle food deserts.
While America is not experiencing a large-scale food shortage, food deserts are apparent throughout the country. The USDA defines food deserts as parts of the country with little to no fresh fruit, vegetables, or other healthy whole foods, usually in impoverished areas. Approximately 23.5 million people live in these places with no easy access to fresh food options.
Many cities are simply limited by the amount of food that can be physically grown because of geographic logistics. This issue is compacted with the accessibility of fresh food for low-income households because of price. Community gardens can provide citizens with healthy, low-cost produce that they grow themselves.
Fresh fruit and vegetables are commonly more expensive, with people living in the poorest areas facing 2.5 times the amount of fast-food exposure than those living in the wealthiest. One of these gardens, Beardsley Community Farm in Knoxville, Tennessee, grew 10,000 pounds of fresh food in one year, and it all went to feed those in need in the community.
Unlike food banks and convenience stores, these are often first come, first served with no security needed. As one community garden organizer put it, seeing the gardens raided over night is a good thing—it means that someone got the food and nourishment that they need. By providing an area for farming, whether it be on an empty rooftop or a vacant lot, communities are taking this issue into their own hands by growing their own food at a fraction of the cost.
Community psychology solves problems
Long-term solutions to chronic homelessness, hunger, and sexual assault are important, but the community solutions that seek to address the immediate needs of those affected, are equally important. The field of community psychology seeks to find solutions in theory, and in practice to many issues that citizens face. A career in community psychology can bring a wealth of opportunities to solve crises and treat symptoms in local and global communities. Fill out the form below to request more information about the community psychology program available at Pacific Oaks.
