Inside Out

I once had a job requiring me to constantly shuttle in and out of the place of my employment. I was only 25 years old and in excellent health and it was seasonal work during the months of late November and December. If you have lived in Kalispell long enough, you understand the weather often changes frequently. Some days the clouds rolled in and the temperature soared into the low 50s while other nights the stars shone brightly and the thermometer never rose above 5 or 5 degrees.

Frequently changing environments between 73 degrees and 10 degrees took a toll on my immune system. I ended up with bronchitis and sinusitis and eventually became too ill to work and missed several days. Ever since this experience, I have had empathy for people who work outside in the elements, especially in Big Sky Country. Working with the homeless, I have also spoken with countless people who have suffered debilitating conditions because they spend a great deal of time living in and outdoors.

Spending large amounts of time outdoors makes homeless people vulnerable a few different issues they bring indoors with them as they transition to shelters or other communal environments. As winter and spring battle for control and temperatures rise, there is an increase in the range and strength of the West Nile Virus, which thrives in warm, dry weather. People who sleep outside are more more likely to be bitten by mosquitoes that carry the virus.

Respiratory conditions are another very common concern amongst the homeless. Emergency room visits and urgent care clinic report rates of lung diseases such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema in the homeless are double that of the general population. A leading factor in some of these instances can be related to frequent changes in living conditions where the person alternates living inside then outside in a short span of time. Air pollution has also been found to disproportionately impact those suffering from cardio-respiratory conditions, those who spend more time outdoors, those with ischemic heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, COPD and asthma.

Inclement weather is another issue impacting the homeless. Approximately 70 million people in the United States are vulnerable to hurricanes and an average of 50–100 people are killed per event. The health impacts of floods and storms include drownings, infectious disease outbreaks, and an increased incidence of anxiety and depression.

Floods and storms, like all natural disasters, disproportionately impact vulnerable populations and the homeless generally occupy marginal areas that are more vulnerable to environmental hazards. The urban homeless are particular at risk from natural disasters, but are often not considered in disaster planning.

I am no longer 25 and know I would not fare well if my circumstances required me to alternate between living indoors and outside. I've become empathetic toward those who live this way. While there is no simple solution to provide easy answers, we continue to work toward the goal of providing shelter so this existence can be eliminated for many.