Seasonal Shifts Disrupt Pittsburg Homeless Life

By Lilli Weir and Addie Hinterweger

PITTSBURG, Kansas — It was soon after Bryant Wilson realized he was dissatisfied with modern life the first time that he found himself without a home in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. He was 27 years old.

“It took me by surprise,” Wilson, now age 56, said. “I think it takes almost everyone by surprise.”

Wilson realized the traditional path of college into the workforce was not for him. He felt he could “look everything up online,” so he walked out of class and never went back to further his education. Then he got injured and could no longer work. Without an income, he became homeless for the first time.

Since then, Wilson has been grappling homelessness. Now, Wilson is facing the familiar problems of being without a place to live and a job.

He said his challenge is easier this time of year, as summer makes it less of an obstacle to find shelter and safe transportation.

“I had a job interview the day before yesterday, and I may get the job,” Wilson said. “But I had to go from where I was sleeping back here to get a shower, change clothes, be there on time, and then go back to where I was sleeping. It’s all very complicated.”

Pittsburg city manager Daron Hall said homeless individuals move differently depending on the season in Pittsburg.

“I think in general, obviously the more moderate the weather, the more that they’re going to be visible and moving, from here to there,” Hall said. “When it’s cold or when it’s really hot, they’re going to be more specific in their patterns and just go from point A to point B.” 

Wilson said the summer is easier for him as he does not have to carry heavy blankets, a tent and a sleeping bag like in the winter. 

“It’s a whole different set of stuff to manage in the summer,” Wilson said. “I can carry a small pack and it’s a lot easier.”

Wilson said the Wesley House, which is partnered with the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, offers showers, food and clothing to people and families in need.

Kelly Pulliam, who manages Wesley House, said Wilson’s experience is typical of many in the area who face dramatic changes season-to-season on the streets in Pittsburg.

“It is a nationwide problem right now,” Pulliam said. “The longer you’re homeless, the harder it is.”

She said that summer brings its own challenges for the homeless.

“Tensions are higher with family and things like that,” Pulliam said. “So, there’s more of the ‘you can’t stay here anymore’ that puts people on the streets.”

Pulliam said that the Wesley House provides specific resources to keep people in need safe during the summer heat.

“Many homeless individuals would come here,” Pulliam said.  “We offer cooling stations, cold water, a place to get in and out of the heat, and we have meals every day. So that also brings people in.” 

On the other hand, the winter season is just as dangerous as the summer. During the winter, Wilson noted a decrease in charitable giving during winter months. He said people want to help more in the summer.

“You find like 90 percent less hands go out the window in the winter,” Wilson said. “In the summer, when you don’t need the money as bad, people are more willing to give.”

Pulliam disagreed, saying winter is the season in which people are more giving.

“Christmas happens during the cold weather,” Pulliam said. “People are a little bit nicer, and they’re more into loving your neighbor. So, it’s like, hey, you can come stay with me for a few weeks while it’s cold.” 

There are also protections in place during the winter that make it illegal to evict someone from a rental property. Pulliam said there is an increase in people utilizing their services at the end of winter.

“Once spring hits, the eviction processes begin,” Pulliam said. “And that’s when the summer fallout can, also.”

Wilson is working with the Wesley House and Catholic Charities to secure a house before the temperature rises for the summer. He said he often thinks about how he got to this point of being homeless but said that all people are the same, each just living different lives.

“You don’t think you’re supposed to be there,” Wilson said. “You kind of think ‘this is not what I’m about,’ and you quickly find out that you’re just as human as everyone else.”