SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Is there a root cause of Syracuse’s Homeless Crisis? There are differing ideas on how to handle the problem, but often the best solutions come from diagnosing underlying causes.
John Ballard has been battling drug addiction for more than 2 years now. He became homeless after the building he was living in saw rent skyrocket.
“My landlord sold the building. And that’s what initially happened. I wasn’t financially ready to make that move. And then you know, trying to do it from this position is a lot harder,” he said.
Ballard says at the end of the day, he believes personal accountability plays a large role.
“I’m trying to work but I’m also trying to get high. You know what I’m saying? I’m also like a dog chasing my tail. I’m trying to have my cake and eat it too.”
As for what the city could be doing better to respond to Ballard’s plight, he says it doesn’t bear any responsibility.
“I mean, they’ve helped. I’ve gotten some help through Social Security and social services… stuff like that. But you know, it’s up to me. I don’t take advantage of all the systems that I could be,” he said.
Ballard does believe the city can improve in certain areas, including making it easier to get a job. He says the lack of resources required to earn a living wage contributes to the poverty rate.
“Being proactive with jobs and job placement always helps. You know, it can be difficult to find a job when you don’t have to have clothing and have proper ID and stuff like that…getting people employed without all the obstacles. That would speed up the process,” he said.
Ballard is also concerned that there aren’t enough resources set in place to deal with extreme weather conditions. While it has been an everyday struggle with the heat advisories this summer, he says the winter is a far greater threat.
“Try sleeping out here when it’s zero. It’s a lot harder than when it’s 90 degrees out,” he said.
Ballard said although job openings are few and far between, he will continue to seek employment.
