Homelessness

A homeless man lying on the pavement with a "homeless and hungry" sign.

June 3 2022

Why is Homelessness a Problem?

Someone making an offering at the church, one of the four types of giving according to the bible.

Published June 3, 2022

Whenever you hear the media talking about homelessness, you’ve probably wondered what’s all the fuss about. Why is homelessness a problem? More specifically, why should it be YOUR problem? Isn’t it the government’s responsibility to take care of the homeless?

Well, you’re not wrong, but you’re not right either. Yes, it’s the government’s responsibility to help the homeless. But homelessness is not their concern alone. It’s as much your problem as it is theirs.

Yup, you read that right. Even if you’re reading this post while tucked up in your comfortable bed in your own home, homelessness should still concern you.

That’s because the problem of homelessness goes beyond people not having homes. It also has a significant impact on our economy, public health, and society in general. In short, it affects everyone regardless of their social and economic status. It’s essentially a human tragedy of devastating proportions.

So if you’re wondering why homelessness is a problem, you need to understand why it happens and how it affects you.

Why Do People Become Homeless?

To fully understand the problem of homelessness, we need to go back to its roots. There are lots of reasons why people become homeless. The most common ones are:

1. Lack of access to affordable housing

With ever-rising house prices and stagnating salaries, more and more people are getting thrown out of their homes. This is especially true in big cities where rents have skyrocketed in the past few years.

According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, 70% of low-income families in the country spend more than half of their income on rent. Their surveys also show that there’s no state or county where someone working full time at minimum wage can afford a two-bedroom apartment.

2. Mental health problems

As per a 2015 survey, at least 25% of the country’s homeless population have a serious mental illness. That translates to about 140,000 people. While another 45% or 250,000 people are suffering from mental health issues.

These numbers illustrate how rampant mental illness is in the homeless populace. Basically, our streets have become the country’s de facto mental institutions.

3. Domestic abuse

Women and children feeling from an abusive situation at home often end up in homeless shelters. This makes domestic abuse one of the primary drivers of homelessness.

Studies have even shown that 22% to 57% of homeless women cite domestic abuse as the immediate cause of their homelessness. While another survey reports that 80% of homeless mothers with children were victims of domestic violence.

4. Limited employment opportunities

Contrary to popular belief, not all homeless people are lazy bums who can’t be bothered to work. Many of them have jobs or are actively seeking one. It’s just that they have limited employment opportunities.

For one, social stigma around homeless people often prevents employers from hiring them. Most of them also suffer from some kind of mental illness, making it hard to keep a job.

Also, many homeless people come from low-income backgrounds. So they didn’t have access to proper education. As a result, their employment choices are mostly limited to menial, low-paying jobs.

5. Disability and illnesses

Because they often can’t work, disabled people and those suffering from severe illnesses are more likely to become homeless. Government reports show that almost a quarter of individuals experiencing homelessness have disabilities.

Meanwhile, the high cost of hospitalization often drives severely sick people into debt. This, in turn, robs them of the ability to pay for rent and other basic necessities.

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

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.

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?

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Donate To The Poor & Homeless Of South Florida Online

Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen has fed the poor and homeless in South Florida over 900,000 hot meals since 1993. Our 501(c)(3) non profit organization also collects and distributes donations such as clothing, toiletries, shoes, bicycles, and more. You can donate to help the poor and homeless through our website.

Judy Ponio is a professional writer for Our Father's House Soup Kitchen

About The Author

Judy Ponio is a professional writer and SEO specialist. She works hard to ensure her work uses accurate facts by cross checking reputable sources. She is the lead author for several prominent websites covering a variety of topics including law, health, nutrition, and more.

Correct Digital, Inc is paid by private donors to provide website digital marketing services to this non-profit organization.

March 6 2022

What Life is Like for Homeless Women

Content Team Homelessness

Published March 7, 2022

When people think of homeless people, the first images that come to mind are adult males either huddled up in the sidewalks or panhandling on the streets. But homelessness affects a significant number of women too. In fact, homeless women make up 29% of the country’s homeless population.

Unfortunately, the plight of homeless women is rarely highlighted in the articles and reports about homelessness. And while being homeless is tough for everyone, it’s especially a challenge for women.

That’s why, in this post, we’re highlighting female homelessness, along with its causes and challenges to help you understand what life is like for homeless women.

What Causes Homelessness in Women?

Homelessness, as you probably know, is a complex issue caused by a myriad of factors. For women, the following are the common causes of homelessness:

1. Domestic Abuse

Women fleeing from abusive partners often have to leave their homes. With nowhere to go, most of them end up in homeless shelters or worse, on the streets.

This is why domestic abuse is the leading cause of homelessness in women.

According to the National Center for Children in Poverty, more than 80% of homeless mothers with children have had previous experiences of domestic violence. While another study shows that up to 57% of homeless women point to domestic violence as the immediate cause of their homelessness.

2. Sexual Abuse

Aside from physical and verbal abuse, sexual abuse has forced many women out of their homes too.

A 2001 report says that 61% of girls who run away from home claimed to have done so because of sexual abuse. In adult women, sexual abuse from their employers often forces them to quit their jobs even if it meant becoming homeless.

In some cases, women who are running away from their landlord’s sexual advances may also find themselves with nowhere to stay for the night.

3. Mental Health Issues

Mental health issues aren’t really exclusive to homeless women. But with the added trauma of sexual abuse and domestic violence, anxiety and depression often run high among these women.

Plus, being forced out of their homes and living unsheltered on the streets also worsens their trauma. It’s no wonder why unsheltered women are more likely to suffer from mental illness than sheltered ones.

4. Addiction

It’s no secret that addiction is rampant among the homeless. But like most people, substance and alcohol abuse in homeless women has deep roots.

One study suggests that women who have addicts and alcoholics in their immediate circle are more likely to become one themselves too. Though some women also turn to drugs and alcohol to “escape” the trauma of sexual and domestic abuse.

5. Lack of Education

Though the US has made great leaps in terms of feminism, gender stereotypes are still robbing women of the right to education.

In certain communities, child brides are still common. And girls who enter these types of marriages are often forced out of school. This robs them of the opportunity to get a job, making them financially dependent on their husbands. So when they’re abused or get turned out of the house, many of them are left with no means to support themselves.

This is how most homeless women sleep on the streets.

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.

Donate To The Poor & Homeless Of South Florida Online

About The Author

Correct Digital, Inc is paid by private donors to provide website digital marketing services to this non-profit organization.

A homeless encampment in one of the cities with highest homeless population.

February 24 2022

6 U.S. Cities With the Highest Homeless Population

Content Team Homelessness

Published February 24, 2022

According to government data, more than half a million people are experiencing homelessness in the US on any given night. This only tells us what we’ve known all along: our country is facing a homelessness crisis of crippling proportions.

But if you look at the data closely, you’ll see that most of the homeless population are clustered in major cities and urban centers. In some cities, you’ll even see seemingly endless rows of tents pitched on the side of the road.

In a 2021 report by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), nearly 6 out of 10 people experiencing unsheltered homelessness are in an urban area. More than half of them are in Continuums of Care (COC) that cover 50 of the nation’s largest cities.

To help you get a clearer picture of the homelessness epidemic plaguing our major cities, we’ve listed below the US cities with the highest homeless population.

This data is taken from the HUD report we’ve cited above. However, the report organizes information per COC, which may sometimes cover multiple cities or an entire county. Since we’re talking of cities here, we’ve excluded those COCs that encompass multiple places. Instead, we focused on the ones that cater exclusively to one city.

Based on HUD data, here are the cities with the highest homeless population in the US:

1. New York City

Homeless Population: 77,943

Homelessness Rate: 0.89%

If you’ve ever lived in the Big Apple, then you’ll understand why the city comes first on this list. As one of the most populous cities in the country, housing prices in the city have skyrocketed over the years. Rental costs for a one-bedroom apartment average at around $3,000 – way more than the national average.

In addition, the city prohibits camping or putting up tents in rest areas and public parks. With all these, it’s not really surprising that the city has one of the highest homeless populations in the country.

2. Los Angeles City

Homeless Population: 63,706

Homelessness Rate: 1.63%

The second most populous city in the US also comes second in terms of the number of homeless people roaming its streets.

Just like New York, this city is plagued by steadily rising housing costs. As a result, many LA residents found themselves living in tents erected on the city’s sidewalks. From a small section of downtown LA called “Skid Row”, these encampments are now popping up all over the city.

In recent years, however, the city has tightened its rules against homeless camping in public places. Though these measures seem to have only increased the population in homeless shelters. It’s not doing much in terms of curbing the city’s homelessness problem.

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.”

Donate To The Poor & Homeless Of South Florida Online

About The Author

Correct Digital, Inc is paid by private donors to provide website digital marketing services to this non-profit organization.

This is an example of how a homeless shelters works.

February 11 2022

How Do Homeless Shelters Work?

Content Team Homelessness

Published February 11, 2022

According to the latest statistics, more than half a million Americans are experiencing homelessness on a given night. About 60% of them live in homeless shelters. This only shows how important homeless shelters are in the fight against homelessness.

So how do homeless shelters work? Where do they get their funds from? Can any homeless person just walk in and get free room and board at these places?

These are just some of the most common questions people have when talking about homeless shelters. To answer these, we need to first understand what a homeless shelter really is.

What Exactly is a Homeless Shelter?

As its name suggests, a homeless shelter is a place that provides temporary housing to people who don’t have a place to stay. In addition to living quarters, some shelters also provide homeless individuals with basic necessities like food, water, and clothes. While others offer programs that aim to help people get off the street and get back on their feet.

Though they provide similar services, homeless shelters shouldn’t be confused with emergency shelters and warming centers. Emergency shelters typically cater to people who are fleeing natural or man-made disasters. While warming centers tend to operate only during extreme weather conditions.

Homeless shelters, on the other hand, cater mostly to chronically homeless individuals. They also operate year-round. Though some homeless shelters may also function as emergency shelters and warming centers if the need arises.

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.

Donate To The Poor & Homeless Of South Florida Online

About The Author

Correct Digital, Inc is paid by private donors to provide website digital marketing services to this non-profit organization.

January 7 2022

How to Help the Homeless in Small Ways

Content Team Homelessness

Published January 7, 2022

According to statistics, about 2% of the world’s population is homeless. While another 20% lacks adequate housing. These numbers give us an idea of the severity of the world’s problem with homelessness.

Though unfortunate, this statistic isn’t surprising. With the continuous rise in housing costs and more people moving to the cities, a homelessness epidemic is inevitable. And by the looks of it, ending homelessness will take a long time.

That’s not to say, however, that we can’t do anything to make life more bearable for the homeless. Yes, there are already a lot of organizations that are helping the homeless. But as an individual, there are many things you can do to help them too.

Here’s how to help the homeless in your own small ways:

1. Understand Why Homelessness Happens

A common misconception among people who haven’t experienced homelessness is that homeless people are lazy bums. And that they’re homeless because of their own fault.

But there are a lot of reasons why people become homeless. Some fell into hard times after losing their job or walking away from an abusive relationship. While others suffer from mental health issues that makes them unemployable.

Remember that not everyone has the same support system that you have. Not everyone has friends or family they can turn to when they’re evicted from their homes or kicked our of their apartments.

This is why the first step to helping the homeless is educating yourself about homelessness. It helps you put yourself in their shoes and understand where they’re coming from. In the process, it helps break stereotypes and misconceptions that often prevents people from extending a helping hand.

2. Donate

Besides housing, the homeless also often lack basic necessities like food, water, and clothing. So if you can, donate to organizations that are helping the homeless like soup kitchens and shelters. These organizations often rely on the generosity of people like you to keep doing what they do.

Aside from cash, you can also donate in-kind items like food, used clothes, and hygiene items. Some of the most common items that homeless shelters often lack are:

non-perishable food
socks and underwear
seasonal clothes
feminine hygiene products
toiletries
laundry detergent
beddings

Many homeless shelters also take in families with babies. That’s why they may also need baby care items like milk, diaper, and formula bottles among others.

A homeless person receiving help from someone.

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.

Donate To The Poor & Homeless Of South Florida Online

About The Author

Correct Digital, Inc is paid by private donors to provide website digital marketing services to this non-profit organization.

October 10 2021

What is Home?

SEO Team Homelessness

Published Oct 10, 2021

If you’ll ask people what is home for them, you’ll most likely get varied answers. Some people will say it’s where you live. While others will quote the famous saying “home is where the heart is”.

So what does “home” really mean? Is it the place you live in? The place where you grew up? Or the place where you felt loved? Well, a home is all these and so much more.

In truth, there is no single definition that can fully encapsulate the true meaning of home. Each of us has our own idea of what a “home” is supposed to be.

The Many Definitions of Home

A Home is More Than a House

In the dictionary, a home is defined as the “place where a person lives”, one’s dwelling, one’s place of residence, or the place where one’s domestic activity happens. But these definitions fit more that of a house. A home is so much more than that.

Houses can be bought and sold over and over again. But a home stays with you forever. No matter where you go or the places you live, there’s always that yearning to return home.

For some people, going back home means visiting the place where you grow up. But for most, it’s not about the place. It’s more about the feeling of being “at home”. It’s that feeling of relief, comfort, and warmth after a particularly exhausting day. The house you live in will not necessarily provide all those. Sometimes home, in this context, can be found in the arms of a lover, or in the familiar smell of your mother, or even that favorite pillow you had since you were a child.

Home is Where Memories Are Built

There’s a reason why hometowns are called such. It’s the place you were born, took your first step, and made your first friends. In short, it’s a place filled with memories. But home doesn’t necessarily have to be the place you grew up in. It can also be that thing that takes you on a trip down memory lane. It can be anywhere or anything – from the barn you used to play as a child to the smell of freshly-baked cookies. It’s the places or things that remind you of happy days and makes you look forward to creating many more happy memories.

It’s a Place of Refuge

We all have those moments where we just want to take a break from the rest of the world. Home is where you can do just that. It’s that little slice of paradise that is completely your own. It’s where you can be in your pajamas while eating ice cream right off the tub, in your bed – and not worry about anyone judging you. It’s your personal sanctuary, the only place you can be totally yourself and the one place where you can forget about an overbearing boss, a stressful coworker, or a demanding customer. But more than that, it’s where you can hide and cry when things just seem so overwhelming. In short, it’s your own personal refuge where the problems of the world seem to fade in the background.

Home is Where You Are Accepted

Acceptance is a fundamental need among humans. We all want to be accepted by the people around us, especially those who matter to us. But sometimes, that acceptance that we so crave cannot be given by the people we live with. As a result, we felt cut off and unloved. The people we share a house with become strangers and the place we live in becomes merely a structure where we lay our heads for the night.

But to find people who fully accept you for who and what you are – now that is home. Acceptance gives you the confidence to be yourself. It gives you a sense of security in the thought that you are enough and teaches you to be comfortable in your own skin. Thus, the place where you’ve experienced full acceptance – whether it’s on the streets or in a different country – will always feel like home.

Home Means a Future

When someone has a place to call home, it gives them a sense of safety, security and stability. Once you have these things, you can stop thinking about surviving day in and day out. You can finally look beyond the horizon and into the distant future.

For some people, this is how important a home is. It allows them to start dreaming and make plans for the future. It’s where hopes and dreams take shape and slowly become a reality.

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, 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 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.

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About The Author

Correct Digital, Inc is paid by private donors to provide website digital marketing services to this non-profit organization.

September 19 2021

Living on the Streets: What’s It Really Like?

Content Team Homelessness

Published Sept 19, 2021

Most of us have probably never imagined ourselves living on the streets. But for about 2% of the world’s population, this is their unfortunate reality.

Whether we admit it or not, homelessness has become very prevalent in the past several years and became worse during the pandemic. In big cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Washington DC, the numbers are especially high. But with shelters almost always filled to capacity, many homeless have no choice but to sleep on the cold pavements.

But what is living on the streets really like?

As you may have imagined, it’s not easy. Life on the streets is as complex and varied as anywhere else. But having no place to call home makes it much more challenging. More than just protection from the elements, a home provides comfort and security. With that comes the ability to dream of a better future. For people living on the streets who don’t even know where to get their next meal, thinking of the future is a luxury they can’t afford.

There are a wide range of reasons and situations that force a person to homelessness. But one thing is for sure, most of them didn’t choose that life. They’re mostly just victims of circumstances beyond their control. Sometimes, all they need is someone to empathize with them and a chance to redeem themselves.

Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen has fed the poor and homeless over 90,000 full and nutritious meals since 1993. You can donate to help the poor and homeless through our christian charity online.

To give you a better perspective of what they go through, we’ve gathered details of what living on the streets is really like.

What Do The Homeless Do All Day?

If you found yourself wondering about this, then you’re not the only one. This is a common question about homeless people. There’s a misconception that homeless people just bum around all day spending welfare money.

But nothing could be farther from the truth. Homeless people spend their day just like the rest of us – trying to improve their lot in life.

For many homeless people, the day starts even before the city stirs to life. Waking up from the icy pavements, most of them line up in public washrooms or wherever they can clean themselves. Then they prepare to go to work or look for work.

Yes, contrary to popular belief, homeless people have jobs too. In fact, a survey in California found that about 13% of the homeless population is working full time. They just don’t earn enough to afford rent.

Of course, getting a job or keeping one when you’re homeless can be especially challenging. Social prejudices against homeless people often keep employers from hiring them. Even if they overcome that stigma, applying for a job and showing up in interviews can be difficult when you’re sleeping rough.

Those who can’t get a job are often forced to panhandle or rely on social programs to fill their stomach for the day. Sometimes, they have to walk for miles to find a food bank or a soup kitchen. Remember, they don’t have cars and most likely no money for Uber either. So a trip that usually takes just a few minutes for most of us can take hours of walking for a homeless person.

This is how most homeless people spend their day. But when you’re living on the streets, each day is a fight to survive. So there is no such thing as a “typical” homeless experience.

Where Do Homeless People Sleep?

Not all homeless people sleep on the street. Remember that there are varying degrees of homelessness. Some homeless people move back home with their parents or crash on their friend’s couches. Others stay in garages/sheds, backyard tents, and even parking lots. They may have a place to stay but they’re still technically homeless. When the hospitality wears out, they usually end up on the streets.

Then there’s the second type of homeless – the ones who stay in shelters and transitional housing. Most shelters require some form of rent from their occupants. So most of those staying in shelters either have jobs or are receiving welfare. Shelters also set a maximum occupancy period so they can’t stay in there forever.

Though there are many shelters around the country, they’re not enough to house everyone. Most of those who get turned out of shelters have to live in their cars or wherever they can find a safe place to lay their heads in. Some of them found a safe haven in tent cities and sanctioned camps where there’s a better sense of community and security. While others camp in abandoned buildings, parks, and other public places.

But due to ordinances banning camping and sleeping in public areas, homeless people can’t just sleep wherever they want. In San Diego, doing such can even lead to jail time. That’s why sometimes, you’ll find a homeless person sleeping in places unfit for human habitation like doorways, driveways, the sidewalk, and even under a bridge.

A man living on the streets begging for money.

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.

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About The Author

Correct Digital, Inc is paid by private donors to provide website digital marketing services to this non-profit organization.

September 5 2021

How to Make a Homeless Care Package That’s Actually Useful

Peter Heise Homelessness

Someone writing a message on a brown bag for the homeless care package.

Published Sept 5, 2021

When we talk about helping the homeless, the first things that come to mind are donating to shelters or volunteering in charities and soup kitchens. But there’s a really easy way to extend help if you can’t do all of those things: a homeless care package.

Also known as a homeless care kit or simply as “care kit”, a homeless care package is a bag full of items that are useful to a homeless person. These include things that the homeless need the most like food, water, and old clothes.

As you probably know, lack a lot of things. While many local charities and shelters are helping them, they can only do so much. As such many homeless people have to go through the day without a proper meal or even clothes warm enough to last through the winter.

This is why care packages or blessing bags are essential. For people experiencing homelessness, a care package is more than just a bag that contains the things they need the most. It’s also a symbol of hope and a way to let them know that someone still cares.

But making care packages for the homeless is more than just putting together things that you’re not using anymore. You need to be careful about what you’re putting in it too. Here are some things to keep in mind when making care packages for the homeless.

What to Put in a Homeless Care Package

Basically, homeless care packages should contain things that a homeless person needs the most. This includes:

1. Non-Perishable Food

When packing foods into your blessing bags, keep in mind that a homeless person doesn’t have access to a fridge or the usual kitchen and dining tools like most of us. So make sure to give them foods that are ready-to-eat and can last for days such as:

canned stews
bottled water
cereal bars
gum or mints
canned beans or tuna
peanut butter
pre-packed cheese
tuna or chicken salad snack packs
cup noodles
cracker packs
fruit snacks
pudding cups
apple sauce
jelly
trail mix

As much as possible, choose cans with pull-tab lids for easy opening. If you have the funds, buy in bulk so you can save some money. Otherwise, you can just pull items from your pantry. Just make sure it still has at least a few months before expiry.

2. Toiletries

Apart from food, the homeless desperately need hygiene items too. The most useful ones are:

soap
shampoo
toothbrush and toothpaste
dental floss
deodorant
wet wipes
tissues
comb
nail clippers
feminine hygiene products
body lotion
razor
chapstick
petroleum jelly

3. First Aid Kit

Living in the streets, homeless individuals are constantly exposed to situations where first aid is necessary. So if you can, include the following items in your care kit too:

band-aids
antibacterial wipes
Tylenol or Advil
moleskin
gauze bandage

4. Miscellaneous

Other items you can tuck into your care packages are:

ziplock bags
thick wool socks
warm gloves
body blankets
flashlight
sewing kits
local gift cards
words of encouragement
local resources guide

What Not to Put in a Homeless Care Package

Now that you know what you put in homeless care packages, here are some items that you should avoid putting at all costs:

Perishable goods. As I’ve said, the homeless have no access to a freezer. So avoid putting fresh goods that will only last a day or two.
Hard foods. While a granola bar or beef jerky may last for months or years, they’re not really ideal for the homeless. Remember that most of them don’t have access to dental services. As such, these items may do more harm than good.
Old clothes. Yes, the homeless need clothes. But it’s hard to guess a person’s size especially if you’re handing out care packages to a lot of people. So apart from socks and gloves, avoid putting any clothing item in general.
Bible or any religious literature. If you’re a Christian, reading a bible verse or two during your darkest moments would be really helpful. But keep in mind that not all homeless people are Christians. Instead of helping, it might even come off as offensive for them. Thus, refrain from putting any sort of religious texts in your care packages.
Sharp or Bladed Objects. This one is pretty obvious. For safety and security reasons, you should never put any bladed or sharp objects inside homeless care kits.
Matches. Aside from the fact that the homeless probably don’t have any use for matches, it’s a fire hazard and may put the community at risk.

Handing Out Care Packages

There are a lot of ways to hand out care packages for homeless individuals. The easiest way is to give it to a random homeless person you meet on the street.

If you can convince a couple of friends to make their own homeless care kits, then all the better. You can group them together and go to homeless shelters or local public parks that the homeless frequent. If you’re not comfortable approaching a random homeless person, you can also partner with a local homeless charity. They’re usually swamped with homeless people asking for basic necessities so those care kits would be very much welcome.

If you’re personally giving out the care kits, just remember to ask them first if they want help. Some homeless individuals don’t readily accept help from anyone, either because of pride or lack of trust in strangers. I mean, if you’re on the streets for days, you’ve probably seen enough to convince you not to accept anything handed out by a complete stranger. So if some of them refuse to accept what you’re giving, don’t be offended. There are a lot of homeless who’d be more than willing to accept those care packages.

Also, don’t forget to go about it with respect. Though it’s rare, some people just throw homeless care packages right out of their car windows. Homeless or not, nobody deserves that kind of treatment. Make time to approach them, talk to them, and hand out the care package respectfully. But make sure you don’t go in alone. Go with another adult (your partner, friends, family members). I’m not saying that homeless people are dangerous but it’s undeniable that there are some bad eggs out there. In these cases, it doesn’t hurt to take some extra precautions.

That said, handing out care packages is one of the best things you can do for the homeless. Sometimes, it only takes a single act of kindness to make someone’s day. And at the end of the day, a little bit of kindness is all this world really needs.

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About The Author

Correct Digital, Inc is paid by private donors to provide website digital marketing services to this non-profit organization.

August 23 2021

Donations For The Homeless That Just Make Sense

SEO Team Helping the Poor, Homelessness

Published August 23, 2021

Donating to a homeless charity is always a good idea. And considering that most of them are run by non-profit organizations, they really do need those donations.

But while every donation will surely be appreciated, some people tend to bring in items that just don’t make sense. For example, there are people asking if they can donate old furniture to a homeless charity. Some places may accept them but in general, they just don’t belong at a homeless charity. Aside from the lack of storage space, it’s not really an immediate need for the homeless.

So if you’re wondering what homeless charity donations to make, here are some things that they really need the most:

1. Non-Perishable Food

Food is one of the most basic human needs and is also usually the most needed item at a homeless charity. But while fresh foods might be healthier and may seem like the more logical choice, they don’t last that long. As such, most places don’t accept them because they’ll most likely just end up in the trash.

So if you’re planning to donate food, prioritize non-perishable items such as:

canned meat
bottled water
canned tuna
canned or dry soups
instant coffee
teabags
cake mixes
sugar
cereal
milk (canned, boxed, or powdered)
powdered juice
biscuits

2. Hygiene Items

Just like food, hygiene items are also essential. We usually take them for granted but for the homeless, it’s as essential as food or water. It helps them keep their dignity and their sense of self-worth. It makes them feel human – something that homelessness can rob people of.

Some of the hygiene items you can donate are:

tampons/feminine pads
toothbrush
toothpaste
floss
deodorant
paper towels
q-tips
bath soap
body wash
wet wipes
disposable razors
hand/body lotion

If possible, make sure that the hygiene items you’re donating are unscented and alcohol-free so that everyone can use them.

3. Unused Socks and Underwear

Homeless charities tend to get a lot of used clothing donations. But what most of their residents really need are unused socks and underwear. This is especially true during winter where a nice warm pair of socks can mean the difference between living or freezing to death.

4. Medical Supplies

While a lot of us have first aid kits stashed somewhere, most homeless people don’t. In fact, some of them don’t have access to over-the-counter medicines or any type of medical care for that matter. That’s why most homeless charities are in great need of medical supplies. Most of the time, they’re the only place that can provide those to the homeless.

Stuff toys for homeless donations scattered in the white background

Aside from first aid staples like adhesive bandages and gauze bandages, you can also donate thermometers, alcohol pads, and antibiotic ointments.

5. Beddings

Given that homeless charities cater to different people every day, this is one thing that they really need. If you’re donating used beddings, just make sure that they’re still usable and don’t look like they belong in the trash. These people are already homeless. The least you can do is make them feel comfortable and dignified.

6. Infant Necessities

Many homeless charities cater to homeless single mothers and families with babies. But as you know, infants have special needs. So if you have some spare infant care items at home, that would make a most welcome donation at homeless charities. Most of the time, they’re in great need of:

disposable diapers
diaper cream
diaper wipes
baby lotion
stroller
baby toys
baby blankets

7. Cleaning Items

Again, homeless charities cater to a lot of different people every single day. As such, sanitation can be an issue. That’s why cleaning items like bleach, toilet paper, all-purpose cleaner, laundry detergent, disinfectant, hand sanitizer, mops, and brooms would be really useful.

8. Seasonal Wear

Winter clothes and jackets are usually in short supply in homeless charities, especially during colder months. So if you have seasonal wears that are just gathering dust at the back of your closet, take them to a homeless charity. It might even save a life.

9. Cash

If you don’t have unused clothes or any of the items mentioned above, you can always donate cash. Just like everyone else, homeless charities have bills to pay too. They need to pay for water, electricity, repairs, and any other overhead costs necessary to keep the place running. They can’t survive on in-kind donations alone. Besides, it’s more convenient as most charities now have online donation options that won’t require you to go to their place in person.

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About The Author

Correct Digital, Inc is paid by private donors to provide website digital marketing services to this non-profit organization.

August 16 2021

Why Are People Homeless? A Look Into Homelessness

SEO Team Homelessness

Published August 16, 2021

In 2017 alone, there were more than half a million people experiencing homelessness in the US. Unfortunately, for a developed country, this is just one too many.

If you look at the numbers, the US is not a stranger to homelessness. Even before the Great Depression, there were a number of Americans who didn’t have permanent housing. But in the past few decades, the numbers have drastically increased.

The country’s homeless problem is more evident in urban centers like New York and Los Angeles. For example, more than 50,000 New Yorkers sleep in shelters, parks, streets, and public places on any given night. At the same time, about 4,000 people sleep in the city’s subways.

With these numbers, we can’t help but wonder what’s causing all this. Why are people homeless?

In this post, we’ll explore the economic, social, and systemic factors that drive people into homelessness.

Common Reasons Why People Become Homeless

There are a lot of reasons why someone ends up without permanent housing. Some of the most common ones are:

1. Lack of Cheap Housing

With many people flocking to the cities for work, many urban areas are experiencing a housing shortage. This, in turn, cause real estate prices to skyrocket. In some places, you need to spend up to $3,500 for a small studio apartment. It’s no wonder then that a lot of people couldn’t afford decent housing.

2. Low Wages

Despite the constant rise in the cost of living, wages have remained stagnant over the years. In Florida, for example, the prevailing minimum wage is $8.65 an hour. In most places, minimum-wage earners have to work more than 50 hours a week just to afford a decent place to stay.

3. Fewer Work Opportunities

Most homeless people also came from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. As a result, they didn’t have proper education and some didn’t even finish high school. With no degree or even a high school diploma, their employment opportunities are severely limited.

4. Social Stigma

They say that homelessness is temporary. But people usually have a hard time getting out of it because of social stigma. You see, when people find out you’re homeless, they tend to think that there’s something wrong with you. Not everyone, but many will assume that you’re a bum, a drunkard, or a drug addict. If you’re stigmatized like this, it can be hard to find work.

5. Disease and Disability

Disabilities and illnesses can have a profound effect on people. Aside from the high cost of medical treatments, being disabled also keeps them from working. With this, it’s easy to see why over 40% of homeless people in the US have disabilities.

6. Domestic Abuse

Domestic violence is one of the primary reasons why women and children become homeless. When women want to get out of an abusive relationship, they often have no choice but to leave home. With most of them having no work or any source of income, finding stable housing can be difficult. That’s why they often end up living in their cars, homeless shelters, or in transitional housing services.

7. Mental Health Issues

According to the HUD, about 25% of homeless people in the US have severe mental disorders. While 45% of them have mental health issues. Some may have developed mental health issues as a result of homelessness. But a significant portion became homeless because their mental illness prevents them from holding a job or conforming to social norms.

8. Substance Abuse

It’s not a secret that substance abuse is one of the reasons why people become homeless. But before we judge them, let’s try to ask why they do it.

Certain circumstances like failed relationships, death of a loved one, or a traumatic experience can push people off the deep end. And sometimes, they see no other recourse but to drown their sorrows in drugs and alcohol. Remember that each of us has different coping mechanisms. It’s just unfortunate that theirs is by taking illegal substances.

homeless guy sitting at the corner of the street

Myths About Homelessness

In addition to the social stigma, there are also a lot of myths surrounding homelessness, such as:

1. Homeless people are lazy.

Fact:

Many homeless people have jobs. In fact, it’s estimated that about 25% of America’s homeless are employed. Unfortunately, they’re not making enough to afford a place of their own.

2. It’s their fault they’re homeless.

Fact:

As mentioned, there are a lot of reasons why someone can end up homeless. Obviously, like you or anyone else, they didn’t want to be homeless. But sometimes, life can be cruel, and you find yourself in situations beyond your control.

3. Homeless people are addicts.

Fact:

Yes, some homeless people are dealing with substance abuse. But not all homeless people are addicts. Many are actually trying their best to stay sober and work their way out of their unfortunate situation.

4. There’s no way to end homelessness.

Fact:

As proven by countries like Finland and Japan, homelessness can be eradicated. In the space of a few years, these countries have succeeded where many didn’t. They’ve managed to reduce their homeless population to almost 0% by implementing groundbreaking policies. Finland adopted a Housing First Policy while Japan enacted a law to promote self-sufficiency among the homeless.

Even if you are not in a position to enact public policies, you can still help end homelessness in your own little way. Start by showing empathy and compassion to the homeless. Instead of shaming or condemning them, try to understand their circumstances. Be the first to break the stigma.

Ending homelessness is not just something the government can do. It takes all of us working together to make adequate housing a reality for everyone.

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About The Author

Correct Digital, Inc is paid by private donors to provide website digital marketing services to this non-profit organization.