Heroes Helping the Homeless
Pioneer clubs, local organizations and individuals help in aiding the unhoused.
By Jace Szarlacki
Pioneer clubs, local organizations and individuals help in aiding the unhoused.
By Jace Szarlacki
In the heart of Silicon Valley, a place renowned for its prosperity and wealth, Santa Clara County has only seen a rise in the number of unhoused individuals currently residing in its borders. That number now reaches above 6,000 people according to the city of San Jose’s city 2019 homeless census.
Factors, both controllable and uncontrollable, have led to a surge in the rate at which people are stuck with no place to call home. Unemployment, high cost of living, and minimal resources have primarily fluctuated these numbers. Homelessness for decades has been viewed only as an unfortunate occurrence to be thrown under the rug.
One major complication of COVID-19 has been the progressive rise of unemployment, affecting regions all over the country including here in Santa Clara County. With no viable source of income, many homeowners have become increasingly anxious over how to afford next month’s rent. Local organizations and individuals within the San Jose community are attempting to change just that.
Batman of San Jose, who declined to reveal his secret identity, is a community organizer and voice for the unhoused, has delivered food and supplies to people without homes for the past two years, while dressed as the comic book character to bring attention to the issue and spark conversation.
“During the last few weeks before the end of my junior year of high school, I kept seeing more and more people on the street who needed help. I kept seeing how everyone seemed to ignore them, I decided that I'd do something to help draw more attention to the situation as well as showing people that they can help,” Batman said. “I use the suit to try and attract the attention of the public and then divert that attention to the issue of houselessness. The suit also works as an icebreaker to start conversations with new people more easily.”
More recently, he attended a protest near Mayor Sam Liccardo’s home on New Years Eve calling for government and city resources in a worsening crisis.
“I was asking Sam Liccardo to do more to help the rapidly growing unhoused population of San Jose.” said Batman. “Due to the rent protections lapsing, many families with children have been forced out onto the streets, and the city can and should be using more of their resources to help the unhoused.”
Since its establishment, the Gift For Teens club at Pioneer has also sought to improve the lives of unhoused teens through written letters, bracelets, and sock drives.
Club member Julia Anderson, 10, described the benefits of joining Gifts For Teens and encouraged others to do the same.
“Other students should join this club as a way to meet new people while doing something good for others.” Anderson added, “It is important for people to be aware (of homelessness) so they can get involved and help those in need.”
Those who are curious and want to gain further knowledge about the unhoused situation in Santa Clara County can be directed to the @Hope4.thehomeless Instagram page where the organization's leader Taylor Hall provides infographics regarding the situation. Hall explained the origins of Hope for the Homeless stemmed from personal experiences growing up in San Jose.
“For me personally, I've grown up in San Jose and have always seen homeless folks around. I’m very passionate about mental health and think that has a lot to do with homelessness, so I wanted to use the privilege I have to help them with necessary items they may not have, and also spread awareness to my peers and fellow community members,” Hall added. “I knew I couldn't do it all on my own, so it led me to starting Hope for the Homeless.”
While COVID-19 and unhoused rates continue to rise, the community of San Jose has managed to help those most in need in times that matter the most.
“Homelessness is a real thing and is happening in our own community. Every little bit helps,” said Gift For Teens treasurer, Ethan Schweizer, 10.
Factors, both controllable and uncontrollable, have led to a surge in the rate at which people are stuck with no place to call home. Unemployment, high cost of living, and minimal resources have primarily fluctuated these numbers. Homelessness for decades has been viewed only as an unfortunate occurrence to be thrown under the rug.
One major complication of COVID-19 has been the progressive rise of unemployment, affecting regions all over the country including here in Santa Clara County. With no viable source of income, many homeowners have become increasingly anxious over how to afford next month’s rent. Local organizations and individuals within the San Jose community are attempting to change just that.
Batman of San Jose, who declined to reveal his secret identity, is a community organizer and voice for the unhoused, has delivered food and supplies to people without homes for the past two years, while dressed as the comic book character to bring attention to the issue and spark conversation.
“During the last few weeks before the end of my junior year of high school, I kept seeing more and more people on the street who needed help. I kept seeing how everyone seemed to ignore them, I decided that I'd do something to help draw more attention to the situation as well as showing people that they can help,” Batman said. “I use the suit to try and attract the attention of the public and then divert that attention to the issue of houselessness. The suit also works as an icebreaker to start conversations with new people more easily.”
More recently, he attended a protest near Mayor Sam Liccardo’s home on New Years Eve calling for government and city resources in a worsening crisis.
“I was asking Sam Liccardo to do more to help the rapidly growing unhoused population of San Jose.” said Batman. “Due to the rent protections lapsing, many families with children have been forced out onto the streets, and the city can and should be using more of their resources to help the unhoused.”
Since its establishment, the Gift For Teens club at Pioneer has also sought to improve the lives of unhoused teens through written letters, bracelets, and sock drives.
Club member Julia Anderson, 10, described the benefits of joining Gifts For Teens and encouraged others to do the same.
“Other students should join this club as a way to meet new people while doing something good for others.” Anderson added, “It is important for people to be aware (of homelessness) so they can get involved and help those in need.”
Those who are curious and want to gain further knowledge about the unhoused situation in Santa Clara County can be directed to the @Hope4.thehomeless Instagram page where the organization's leader Taylor Hall provides infographics regarding the situation. Hall explained the origins of Hope for the Homeless stemmed from personal experiences growing up in San Jose.
“For me personally, I've grown up in San Jose and have always seen homeless folks around. I’m very passionate about mental health and think that has a lot to do with homelessness, so I wanted to use the privilege I have to help them with necessary items they may not have, and also spread awareness to my peers and fellow community members,” Hall added. “I knew I couldn't do it all on my own, so it led me to starting Hope for the Homeless.”
While COVID-19 and unhoused rates continue to rise, the community of San Jose has managed to help those most in need in times that matter the most.
“Homelessness is a real thing and is happening in our own community. Every little bit helps,” said Gift For Teens treasurer, Ethan Schweizer, 10.