Homelessness

How Do Homeless People Survive?

Just like their sleeping arrangements, homeless people get their food and basic necessities from various sources such as:

• homeless shelters
• soup kitchens
• food pantries
• government assistance
• income from their jobs
• handouts from generous people

How Can We Help People Experiencing Homelessness?

Even if we’re living paycheck to paycheck ourselves, there are lots of ways that we can help the homeless. 

Aside from supporting causes and organizations that assist them, we can also do our share of raising awareness about their unfortunate plight. Or if even this is too much for you, just treat them with kindness and empathy. They’re already going through so much. A kind smile or a small act of kindness can go a long way in making them feel that there’s still light at the end of the tunnel.

The Importance of Home

Having a place that we can call home is something that most of us often take for granted. That’s why we don’t really give much thought to how important a home is.

But now that you know the definitions of home, let’s talk about its importance. Here are some of the reasons why everyone deserves a place to call home:

1. It increases your chances of getting a decent job.

Not a lot of people realize this but having a home can directly affect your employment opportunities. I mean, it’s not easy to get a decent job if you’re changing your address every few months. And it can be hard to do your job properly if you don’t even have anywhere to lay your head for the night.

Besides, having a sense of stability helps you establish roots more easily. This, in turn, affects your attitude towards work and the people you work with.

2. It makes it easier to integrate into society.

Whether you admit it or not, the stigma surrounding homelessness makes homeless people pariahs. They become social outcasts. That’s why a home is instrumental in someone’s integration into society.

Without a home, it can be hard to establish ties with the local community. A home provides you with an opportunity to live in a dignified way and become a productive member of society. 

3. It reduces mental stress.

When you feel secure, accepted, and loved, your mental health will definitely benefit. That’s what a home can provide you.

For instance, children who grew up in loving, secure homes are less likely to develop mental health issues. While those who grew up without knowing security or stability are more likely to continue or start a cycle of generational trauma.

4. A home offers protection.

Needless to say, a home offers a sense of protection not just from the elements but also from the horrors of the world. And when you feel secure, you begin to trust people and feel a sense of stability. You no longer have to constantly watch your back or keep your guard up all the time. All these can lead to better community life. 

What Does Home Mean For the Homeless?

No matter your definition of home, one thing is clear: everybody deserves one. From the birds making their nest in the trees to the earthworms burrowing on the ground, all creatures big and small deserve a place to call home.

If you have one to call your own, then you are very lucky. But many people around the world aren’t. Every year, the number of homeless people continues to rise. It’s just ridiculous how having a home nowadays seems like a privilege rather than a basic human right.

Yes, a home is more than just a sheltered space that protects you from the elements. But it can be difficult to feel warmth, security, and stability when you’re sleeping on the cold pavement. It’s hard to dream about the future when you don’t even know where to get your next meal or where to sleep when the authorities kick you out of that pavement.

There’s a reason why the homeless are called “homeless” and not “houseless”. Their troubles extend far beyond not having a house.

According to a Canadian news website, home means various things for the homeless. One homeless woman shared that home for her means protection from abuse and finally having the time to confront her mental illness. It gives her hope and self-esteem. Another wrote that a home means a stable ground from which they can start to find their way back into society.

If you’ve never been homeless, it can be hard to understand where they’re coming from. It’s one of those things that you’ll only fully appreciate once you’re in it. 

But this shouldn’t hinder you from extending a helping hand. We may not be able to provide them with the safety and security of a house but we can make them feel loved, safe, and appreciated. In our own little ways, we can help them feel that someone still believes in them so they’ll feel confident in themselves again. After all, that’s what home is about.

(Related: What is a Role Model?)

2. Donate to Homeless Charities

Countless charitable institutions all over the country are fighting to end homelessness in their own ways. These organizations help give people experiencing homelessness a second chance at a decent life. You can be a part of the fight too.

Most of these charities are funded by donations. Even if you’re no Bill Gates or Jeff Bezos, you can still donate to them. Any amount, heartily given, is a huge help to ease their suffering. Some of the homeless charities in the US you can donate to are:

• Salvation Army
• Feeding America
• National Coalition for the Homeless
• National Alliance to End Homelessness
• Camillus House
• Habitat for Humanity
• Covenant House
• Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen

3. Give Out Care Packages

Care packages are one way of helping people experiencing homelessness get through the day. It doesn’t have to be extravagant or expensive. Just grab some ready-to-eat foods and personal hygiene items you have at home and put them in a paper bag. Carry these care packages around and give them to a homeless person you meet on the street. You can check out these ideas on making care packages for the homeless.

Winter is especially difficult for people with no place to lay their heads in. Shelters are also packed during this time. As a result, many homeless have to sleep in the frozen pavements. Most of the time, their threadbare clothing is barely enough to keep them warm. If you have some blankets or socks to spare, that would make a world of difference to them.

4. Advocate

One of the most foolproof ways of ending homelessness is educating the people. Educate your friends and family that homelessness does not stem from laziness or addiction.

Instead, people experiencing homelessness are also just victims. They need our understanding and sympathy as much as anyone else. Support calls for affordable housing. Use your voice to campaign for legislation and programs to help prevent and end homelessness.

With enough people advocating to end homelessness, sooner or later the right people will hear you.

5. Volunteer

If you can’t donate money, you can always donate your time. Many homeless charities and programs are in need of volunteers. There are a lot of tasks where you can use your expertise in.

You can help cook foods in a soup kitchen or build a home in low-cost housing programs. Many volunteers also do administrative jobs like social media management or accounting. There’s a wide variety of jobs a volunteer can do.

6. Raise Funds

Most charitable organizations organize fundraising campaigns from time to time. It’s a way of rallying the community together to support a common cause.

If you can’t donate or volunteer, you can always help them raise funds. Or why not organize a fundraising campaign yourself?

7. Help Them Get a Job

Though many homeless people have jobs, social stigma prevents them from finding a decent job with a livable wage. And this is very important for someone experiencing homelessness. If they’ll earn enough to afford a room of their own, it’s one step closer to getting out of homelessness.

So if you are hiring or you know someone who does, consider giving a homeless person an opportunity to rebuild their lives. Sometimes, all they need is a chance and someone to believe in them.

[Related: How Homelessness Affects Children in America]

The Effect of Homelessness on Children

For the past several years, steps have been done to address this growing crisis of youth homelessness. But the recent explosion in housing and urban development in most cities seems to undermine these efforts. As real estate prices continue to rise, more and more children are losing their homes. This, in turn, affects their education and health and leaves a lasting trauma.

Here are the different ways homelessness affects children:

1. Education

Homelessness statistics from the National Center for Homeless Education revealed that about 4% of children enrolled in public schools are unsheltered. While about 12% are living in shelters, transitional housing, or are awaiting foster care.

With no permanent place to stay, most homeless children struggle to go to school. They lag behind on lessons, homework, and other school activities.

Federal law mandates school districts to provide transportation for homeless children. But oftentimes, this isn’t enough to keep a child in school.

When the family moves to a different shelter across the state, it means a new school for the children. Some homeless children even reported having changed schools at least twice a year.

As the new kid in school, homeless children are often subjected to bullying. Not only that but every time a child transfers school, they lose around four to six months of academic learning. Add to this the stress of adjusting to yet another unfamiliar environment. It’s no wonder why many of them choose to skip school.

With these difficulties, it’s no wonder that only very few homeless children and youth actually make it through high school. No diploma means lesser employment opportunities. Thus, they tend to become homeless even as adults.

2. Health

Because they often have to skip meals, many homeless children suffer from malnutrition. As a result, they are more prone to diseases. 

Data gathered by private institutions suggest that asthma is one of the most common illnesses of homeless kids. Displacement often interrupts their asthma maintenance. Staying in homeless shelters also increases their exposure to various kinds of allergens that trigger attacks.

Lack of access to sufficient and nutritious meals can take a toll on anyone. But it can be especially devastating for children. Very young children housed in shelters are found to have a high rate of iron deficiency anemia.

Experiencing hunger and homelessness at an early age also increases their risk of developmental delays. This affects them even until adulthood which puts them at a great disadvantage among other children their age.

3. Psychology

Most people experiencing homelessness often have to deal with mental health issues. But homelessness experience can leave an even deeper trauma for children. And it’s a known fact that childhood traumas often manifest in an adult’s behavior.

Being a constant victim of bullying and having no safe place to call their own can mess up a child’s emotional response. Bullied children turned out to be either violent or closed off to the world. Either way, they have difficulty trusting others and building relationships. Not to mention that the constant moving about keeps them from getting to know other people long enough to form even a semblance of friendship.

Most homeless children have also been victims of domestic violence. Studies suggest that these children often display signs of various behavioral problems. This can include aggression, self-disturbance, anxiety, and depression.

4. Substance Abuse

Homelessness and substance abuse often go hand in hand. You may think that substance abuse only concerns homeless adults but it affects homeless children and adolescents too. In fact, a study shows that children of substance abusers are more likely to become addicted to substances too.

If a homeless parent is a substance abuser, they’ll inevitably expose their children to the habit – normalizing it in their eyes. This coupled with hunger, violence, and psychological issues often push homeless youths to become substance abusers themselves.

Help Us Help The Homeless

We at Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen have been helping homeless adults and children in South Florida since 1989. Our mission is to provide them with a safe haven where they can get meals free from condemnation and discrimination. Aside from hot lunches, our guests also get a take-out bag, clothes, and hygiene kits.

You can help us help the homeless too. We accept donations in cash or in kind. You can donate through our online facility or drop off food or clothing donations at our office in Pompano Beach. Any amount will be a huge help in getting them through this trying time.

You might also like: Small Ways We Can Help End Homelessness

Why is Homelessness a Problem?

Homelessness is a problem because, as I’ve said, it doesn’t just affect the homeless. It also has devastating consequences on our economy, public health, and society. As such, it affects all of us, whether we experience it or not.

Effects of Homelessness on Society

1. It creates social barriers.

Poverty had always been a great divider of societies. But homelessness takes it a bit further. 

The stigma and deeply rooted biases around homeless people creates an “us” versus “them” mentality. It prevents the homeless from reaching out and asking for help from the rest of the community. While those who have never experienced homelessness can never truly understand what it’s like. These social barriers, in turn, leads to distrust and hatred from both sides.

2. It breaks communities apart.

With so much distrust and hatred from both sides, community life will eventually fall apart. And when people fail to see each other eye to eye, there will always be discord. The community won’t prosper as a whole and will always be plagued by deeply rooted social divisions. You don’t really want to live in this kind of community, do you?

3. It affects the next generation.

Children who grew up in homeless shelters are more at risk of becoming homeless adults themselves. Only very few manage to break the cycle. So if we don’t put an end to the homelessness problem today, we’ll only be making it worse for the next generation.

4. It can threaten public safety.

This isn’t to say that homeless people pose a threat to the community’s safety and security. But it isn’t a secret that various kinds of crimes are perpetrated on the streets. So the more people we have living on the streets, the more likely will the crime rate increase.

How Homelessness Affects the Economy

1. It’s a waste of human resources

Statistics suggest that most homeless people are young adults, with many of them aged below 50. Some studies even put their median age between 37 to 46. These are prime working ages. Meaning, these people could have been productive workers who contribute to the economy. 

But because of social stigma and many other factors directly caused by homelessness, they couldn’t find a job. That’s millions of potential human resources wasted.

2. It contributes to a high poverty rate

The more homeless people we have, the higher will be the country’s poverty rate which can lead to a lower quality of life. The government won’t be able to collect as much taxes. So there will be less money to fund various projects in infrastructure, education, and health, among others. As a result, we’ll have bumpy roads, crowded schools, and ill-equipped hospitals.

3. It costs the government more money

Living on the streets isn’t exactly beneficial for your physical or mental health. It also makes you more vulnerable to violence. Because of this, homeless people are more likely to avail themselves of public services.

A 2017 study even found that each homeless person is costing the government almost $40,000 a year. That’s about one person’s entire yearly salary and it comes from your taxes.

Had that money been used to provide a permanent solution to homelessness, we wouldn’t have to talk about this topic right now.

Homelessness’ Effects on Public Health

1. Increased risk of disease outbreaks

Sanitation isn’t exactly a priority when you’re living on the streets. This is why the homeless are more vulnerable to communicable diseases than the sheltered population. 

Like when an outbreak of Hepatitis A ravaged some parts of California in 2018. It affected the homeless population more severely than others. The same scenario was also witnessed during the 2020 pandemic where the virus hit the homeless communities hard.

2. Increase incidence of substance and alcohol abuse

One of the most common misconceptions about the homeless is that they’re drunkards and addicts. Though not all of them drink or do drugs, it’s undeniable that alcohol and substance abuse is prevalent in the homeless population. Collectively, this can lead to a rise in liver diseases, mental disorders, and many other kinds of illnesses.

How You Can Help

Since homelessness affects us all, it also takes all of us to put an end to it. You may think that your efforts won’t matter. But remember that even a single drop of water can make ripples in the ocean. Even simple things like advocating and creating awareness about homelessness, sharing your meal with a homeless person, or donating to homeless charities can take us one step closer to ending homelessness for good.

(Related: How Do Homeless Shelters Work?)

Why is Homelessness Different for Women?

The homelessness experience can vary from person to person. But in general, it’s more difficult for women. Here’s why:

1. Feminine hygiene products are expensive.

Feminine hygiene products like tampons and sanitary pads are a necessity for women. But for homeless women, they’re usually a luxury.

In the US, a box of tampons costs an average of $6. That’s about an entire day’s worth of food. That’s why for homeless women, it’s often a struggle between putting food on the table or buying menstrual products.

2. Homeless women are more likely to get assaulted than men.

Homeless women are far more likely to become victims of violence and sexual abuse than homeless men. That’s according to a report published by the Office of Justice Programs (OJP). While another report claims that homeless women are more prone to rape than sheltered women.

As per the said reports, one main reason why homeless women are more at risk of violence is that their day-to-day routines are more exposed to offenders. The streets obviously don’t provide much hiding ground when violent perverts are chasing you down in the middle of the night.

In addition, many homeless women are also victims of childhood abuse. So they have a warped sense of what is normal and acceptable. If they’ve been repeatedly abused before, then assaults and violence may seem nothing new to them.

A lot of homeless women also don’t report instances of violence against them for a number of reasons. This includes shame and fear of retaliation. Not to mention the fact that abuses against homeless women don’t really rank high in the list of police priorities.

3. Job opportunities for homeless women are limited.

Aside from the lack of education, various factors often limit a homeless woman’s employment options.

For one, many homeless women are single mothers. Some of them are pregnant while others have babies and small children to care for. This usually prevents them from taking on a full-time job.

A study also suggests that, even with similar qualifications, women are 30% less likely to be called to an interview than men. The prospect of months-long maternity leaves also puts women at the bottom of the hiring priority list.

4. Many homeless women are reeling from domestic abuse trauma.

As mentioned, domestic violence is one of the main reasons why women become homeless. The years of physical and verbal abuse often take a toll on their bodies.

Aside from mental health issues, many of them are also suffering from conditions arising from stress and malnutrition. But because of their living situation, access to proper health care is often nil. That’s why they are usually at risk of developing severe medical complications.

5. Being homeless is more difficult when you’re pregnant or have children in tow.

This one is pretty obvious. Homelessness is already difficult for individuals.

Just imagine what it’s like for pregnant women and those who have babies or children to look after. Imagine a mother’s pain of having to drag her kids from shelter to shelter while watching them suffer from hunger. Or when one of the kids gets sick and they have limited funds and nowhere to turn to.

These are the grim realities of life as a homeless woman. So the next time you see one, be a little more compassionate. You don’t know the kind of battle they’re fighting.

3. Seattle

Homeless Population: 11,751

Homelessness Rate: 1.59%

Famous for its coffee culture and tech company headquarters, most people outside of Seattle are probably wondering why this city made it to this list. In truth, Seattle is grappling with a homelessness problem of devastating proportions.

Thanks to its booming tech and music scene, Seattle has become one of the fastest-growing large cities in the US. But this also raised the city’s cost of living, including rent. Just like most major cities, the city also deals with racial and economic disparities, addiction, and mental health issues. All of these only worsened the city’s housing problems leading to increased homelessness.

4. San Jose

Homeless Population: 9,605

Homelessness Rate: 0.84%

San Jose is the largest city in Northern California and the third most populous in the entire state. Despite being known for its affluence, the city is home to one of the country’s largest unsheltered homeless populace.

In fact, it’s estimated that there are about 350 encampments all over the city at any one time. One article blames this on the city’s lack of homeless shelters. While other people blame the city’s punitive approach and lack of concrete plans to address homelessness.

5. San Francisco

Homeless Population: 8,124

Homelessness Rate: 0.93%

San Francisco’s problem with homelessness started to emerge in the 1970s and 1980s. With the rapid deindustrialization, many people lost their jobs. On top of that, the city is also reeling from the rapid rise of housing costs and government cutbacks on social services.

The deinstitutionalization movement of the ‘70s also led to a mass transfer of mental health patients from institutions to community-based clinics. Unfortunately, most of them were reintroduced into society without enough support. Without the necessary social or employment skills, many of them ended up on the streets.

Over the years, many policies have been introduced to curb the city’s homelessness crisis but to no avail. Today, San Francisco and most of the bay area is dealing with one of the worst homelessness crisis in decades. It’s even estimated that out of the city’s more than 8,000 homeless people, over 5,000 are unsheltered. 

6. San Diego

Homeless Population: 7,638

Homelessness Rate: 0.55%

Like most major cities in the Golden State, San Diego is also dealing with one of its worst homelessness crises in decades. Rising costs of living coupled with stagnant wages, mental health issues, and economic inequality are throwing people off their homes and into the streets.

In addition, the city has punitive laws against homelessness. In San Diego, it’s illegal to live in your car or camp on beaches and public spaces. Doing such can earn you a citation ticket with a penalty of up to $100.

What Can You Do?

Unfortunately, there is no magic formula that can end homelessness overnight. It takes a collaborative effort from the government and society itself to put an end to this tragedy. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything to help eradicate homelessness.

Simply raising awareness about the issue can go a long way. You can also donate to or volunteer in homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and other organizations that help the homeless. Every single act can create an impact. As the Dalai Lama said. “just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.”

How Homeless Shelters Work

Homeless shelter operations aren’t really regulated. As such, you can’t expect a “standard” when it comes to these types of places.

How homeless shelters work varies widely depending on who’s running them and where they get their funding from. In general, well-funded shelters tend to have more programs and better facilities. Though these types of shelters also tend to be more overcrowded than smaller, less-funded ones.

To help you understand how homeless shelters work, let’s break down the different factors that affect their operations:

Funding

Most homeless shelters are run by charitable or religious organizations. As such, their funds come mostly from private donors and fund-raising events.

Some shelters also partner with corporate sponsors like banks, hospitals, and multinational corporations. While others get funds from the government. In fact, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awards yearly grants to selected community-level homeless shelters.

As stated, the funding a shelter gets usually determines the type of services they offer. Government and corporate-sponsored shelters typically have formal organizational structures and are run by employees rather than volunteers.

Facilities

A typical homeless shelter has a common sleeping area with bunk beds, common bathrooms, and sometimes a dining hall. Though like everything else, these facilities can vary significantly.

On the one hand, there are shelters with facilities built for their resident’s comfort. On the other hand, you’ll see shelters that don’t even have beds. Instead, they hand out blankets and yoga mats, and people sleep on the floor. And in between these two extremes is a whole range of living and sleeping conditions.

Regulations

Shelters often get a bad rap among the homeless population for having “too many rules”. But this isn’t always the case. Each homeless shelter has its own set of policies and regulations.

For instance, some shelters require that someone be completely sober before they are allowed access to their services. While others allow everyone in regardless of their sobriety.

The most common policy among homeless shelters is probably the curfews. Almost all shelters have set opening and closing times. Most of the time, they open at 5:00 PM and close at 11:00 PM. For homeless people working night shifts or irregular working hours, this can be a deterrent.

Some homeless shelters also charge a fee. Yes, contrary to popular belief, not all homeless shelters are free. Though they don’t always ask for money. Some may take half of the resident’s food stamp allowance. While others require their residents to work up to 40 hours per week in the shelter in exchange for board and lodging.

Services

Each shelter has different approaches to helping the homeless. Some only offer temporary accommodations. While others offer a whole range of services to help them get their life back together. This usually includes:

• a regular feeding program
• medical assistance
• provision of basic necessities
• employment assistance
• rehabilitation

Homeless Shelters vs. Soup Kitchens

Both homeless shelters and soup kitchens help the homeless and underprivileged. It’s probably why one is often confused with the other. 

While shelters offer a wide range of services for the homeless, soup kitchens focus mainly on providing them a freshly-cooked meal that they can eat in a place free of prejudice. Besides, you don’t necessarily have to be homeless to be able to eat at a soup kitchen. They serve people from all walks of life.

Some soup kitchens like Our Father’s House Soup kitchen also provide their guests with toiletries, seasonal clothes, and even formal outfits that they can wear to work or interviews.

(Related: 6 U.S. Cities With the Highest Homeless Population)

3. Volunteer

If you can’t afford to make a donation, you can always donate your time. Non-profit organizations and homeless shelters are often in need of volunteers.

Depending on the organization, the tasks given to volunteers can vary widely. But most of the time, it will depend on your skillset. For instance, if you’re good at bookkeeping, you can take care of the inventories. Or if you’ve got great people skills, you may find yourself working on the frontlines.

You can coordinate with the local homeless charities in your area to find out if they have any volunteer opportunities.

4. Practice Kindness and Respect

Apart from food and clothing, what homeless people (and all of us for that matter) really need is a little bit of kindness and respect.

They might have fallen on unfortunate circumstances but that doesn’t make them less respectable than everyone else. Just like you and me, a kind smile or a simple “good morning” can brighten up their day. In the same vein, a small act of kindness can go a long way in helping them turn their lives around.

So whenever you meet a homeless person, treat with the same respect and kindness that you give everyone else.

5. Raise Funds

As mentioned, homeless charities rely on the generosity of the community. So if you can’t donate or volunteer, you can also help them raise funds for their project.

Raising funds for the homeless doesn’t need to be an elaborate campaign with a lot of fanfare. Sometimes it can be as simple as doing a garage sale or asking for donations from your friends and family. In instances like this, it’s really the intent that matters much more than the amount.

6. Advocate Against Homelessness

One of the reasons why there are still a lot of stereotypes around homelessness is because the people experiencing it often have no voice. If society and those in power were to decide, they’d much rather forget that homeless people exists.

This is why raising your voice against homelessness is already a big help for the homeless. The more we talk about homelessness, the faster we will break those stereotypes and change society’s attitude towards homelessness.

Advocating against homelessness will also lead to the creation of more laws and government initiatives that will benefit the homeless.

7. Make a Care Package

A homeless care package, as its name suggests, is a type of kit that contains things a homeless person needs. This includes non-perishable food items, toiletries, and thick warm socks among others.

But if you don’t have all those items, just grab some biscuits, cup noodles, or cereal bars in your pantry and put it in a paper bag. Then give it to a random homeless person you see on the street. It might not be that much but if it can help them survive a few more days on the streets, that’s already a lot.

8. Hire Homeless People

The stigma and stereotypes surrounding homelessness often prevents the homeless from getting a job. And without a job, they can’t get their own place and get out of the streets. It’s a vicious cycle that traps homeless people in perpetual homelessness.

That’s why if you have a business or are in need of a helping hand, hire homeless people. If you give them a chance, many of them are actually willing to work. Giving them a job won’t only help them sustain themselves, you’ll also be giving them a major confidence boost.

Helping the homeless doesn’t really require a lot of time and effort nor a substantial bank balance. Even simple actions like those mentioned above can go a long way. What matters most is the willingness to make life better for others and the drive to make a difference.

The Dangers of Living on the Streets

Every living space has its own share of risks. But when you’re living on the streets, the risks of bodily harm or even death is significantly higher.

Reports of violence against homeless people usually include incidences of:

• being deliberately hit or kicked
• having things thrown at them
• being urinated on
• sexual assault
• verbal abuse
• intimidation and harassment

Aside from these acts of violence, homeless people also have to contend with the ever-present threat of starvation. On particularly harsh winters, the danger of freezing to death is also a grim possibility.

Common Struggles of People Living on the Streets

Aside from the dangers mentioned above, living as an unsheltered individual comes its own set of challenges such as:

Social Stigma

This is one of the biggest struggles for people experiencing homelessness. Despite many documentaries saying otherwise, many people still believe that the homeless are a bunch of addicts and bums who are a threat to public safety. This often prevents them from getting the respect due them as human beings.

Because of this prevailing social stigma, they usually find it hard to get a job or even keep a job. It also affects their housing prospects since there aren’t many landlords willing to rent out to homeless people, even if they can afford to pay the rent.

Lack of Stability

As mentioned, for people who don’t even know where to get their next meal, planning for the future is a luxury. Unlike most of us, homeless people have to focus on survival every single day. This is especially true for unsheltered individuals. Most of them have to sleep in a different place every night. This robs them of the stability that a home provides.

The lack of stability, in turn, affects them in various ways – especially the children. According to a study, children exposed to residential instability tend to have poor academic and social skills. This often leads to behavioral problems, poor vocabulary, and an increased risk of dropping out of school. For adults, the lack of stability for extended periods of time prevents them from developing close relationships leading to various mental health issues.

Lack of Access to Health Care Services

When you’re sleeping rough and have nothing to eat, worrying about your health is the last thing you’ll think about. This is why a large number of homeless adults don’t have access to even basic health care services. In fact, one study reported that many homeless adults have substantial unmet needs for multiple types of health care. This is largely due to both a lack of health insurance and the high cost of medical treatments.

Sanitation

As you can imagine, living on the streets can severely limit your hygiene and sanitation options. Some even have to go for days without taking a bath, washing their hair, or even brushing their teeth. Obviously, poor hygiene and sanitation can lead to poor health and various medical conditions.

Homelessness by the Numbers

According to a report by the US Department of Housing and Development, there were 580,466 Americans experiencing homelessness on a given night in 2020. About 61% of them are staying in homeless shelters and transitional housing programs. While the rest are living in unsheltered locations like the streets, abandoned buildings, parks, and other public places.

Though unfortunate, this is the reality of homelessness in the US. The report also disclosed that the number of unsheltered individuals increased by 7% in 2020. This means that more homeless people are now living on the streets than in shelters. Experts blame it on the pandemic as many homeless people avoid shelters for fear of contracting the virus.

These numbers are echoed in many highly urbanized places around the world. In Canada, for instance, the number of people experiencing homelessness in a single night has grown to about half of the US. The BBC reports that the number of people living rough in London had increased by 23% in 2020.

With these numbers, we can only imagine how many people are sleeping rough both in the US and around the world. They may not be that visible to us but they do exist and they need our help. And when it comes to helping the homeless, every single effort can go a long way.