Homeless people experience violence waiting in lines

The author used artificial intelligence in the crafting of this article.

Homeless people spend a lot of time waiting in lines.

They wait in lines for food, clothing, shelter, medical care, hygiene products, toilets, and showers. Most of their day is filled with waiting in lines.

Waiting in line is aggravating for everyone. But it can be downright dangerous for people experiencing homelessness. Long queues outside shelters or food distribution centers can become hotspots for conflict, especially when resources are scarce. Tensions can rise, leading to arguments or even physical altercations. Additionally, standing in line for hours exposes people to harsh weather conditions, increasing health risks.

I remember standing in line during homelessness. People in the line could be very intimidating. Sometimes people would cut in line in front of me and challenge me to a fight. I usually would just leave the line and go without lunch that day.

Cliques form in the lines. Sometimes, the line is dominated by bullies who harass and demean others in the line. Seldom do people in these lines display any manners.

‘A timeless form of torture’

According to Waitwhile, a company that designs digital queues for waiting, waiting in line has been described as a “timeless form of torture.” Imagine waiting in line with people who suffer from mental illness, addiction, are unable to bathe and can be confrontational. It’s downright dangerous.

I often was called a derogatory name for a gay person as I would wait in the lines. The line at Auraria Campus in Denver proved especially violent when I was homeless in 2018-2019. Cutting in the line was routine, as was harassment. The church workers ignored the misbehavior and never attempted to address it; no doubt frightened themselves. I do remember a couple of times when they canceled the free lunch due to trouble in the line.

Homeless shelters proved to be extremely dangerous places for unhoused people waiting in line. You risk getting punched in the jaw if you report someone cutting. For me, the most dangerous line for waiting to get on a bus to a homeless shelter occurred at Denver Rescue Mission, also known as “Jesus Saves.” I remember being knocked unconscious in the line at the Rescue Mission and waking up to people in the line trampling over me.

Waiting in line study

In 2022, Waitwhile commissioned a study on waiting in line. Nearly 69% of those surveyed said that waiting in line elicits negative feelings, including boredom, annoyance, frustration, and impatience, according to the study. “Virtual queues give people the freedom to do anything while they wait,” according to the study. “Rather than standing in a physical line, they can instead continue browsing, run some errands, or delay their arrival until it’s their turn.”

The study showed that people waiting in lines want updates about when they will be served. Virtual lines offer this. Restaurants and hair salons are common users of this technology. You can also view your Amazon delivery truck online so you know exactly when your package will arrive.

“Consumers clearly have less patience when it comes to physical queues,” according to the study. “Seventy percent of those surveyed said they are willing to wait only a maximum of 15 minutes in a physical line for an item or service. Guests between the ages of 18-44 are most likely to leave a physical line before it’s their turn. Virtual queues turn previously unoccupied time (i.e., standing in a physical line with nothing to do) into occupied time (i.e., the customer can do anything they want while they wait).”

No money for digital queues

Sadly, most homeless services organizations don’t have the money for virtual line technology. Waits at homeless meals can be several hours long, with people lining up as early as 7 a.m. for a noon meal. Many people experiencing homelessness do not even have cell phones for passing the time. While people experiencing homelessness can quality for a free smartphone, most phones get stolen within days of being received. Most homeless people do not have a smartphone, which is another reason you won’t find homeless service organizations using virtual lines.

In the meantime, homeless people can protect themselves while waiting in line. They can:

• Stay aware: Being mindful of surroundings can help avoid conflicts or unsafe situations.

• Find safer locations: Some shelters and organizations offer designated waiting areas with security or seating.• Travel in groups: Waiting with trusted individuals can provide safety and support.

• Use alternative services: Some cities offer appointment-based systems or mobile outreach programs to reduce long

• Dress for the weather: Proper clothing can help prevent health issues from extreme temperatures.

• Keep valuables secure: Carrying important items in a secure bag can reduce the risk of theft.