The Misconceptions Of Homelessness

There are several negative misconceptions that are associated with the homeless. In this list I will address these negative ideas and prove them wrong.

1. They are All Drug Users

This is one of the most generic theories about homeless people, however only one third of the homeless population are chronic drug users. Many cannot afford drugs and also struggle with withdraw symptoms on the street.

2. Homeless People are Lazy and Don't Want to Work

goodmenproject.com

Just because people see homeless on the street during the day time does not mean they don’t want to work. They do work but the jobs they get pay below the poverty line thus they struggle to pay for food and shelter. Also for the people who don’t work, it is tough for a company to hire them due to not having a home address, as well as clean clothing to work in.

3. The Homeless are Dangerous

While some homeless people may be dangerous, sometimes it is not just homeless who are on the streets at night. In Los Angeles, there are gang members that walk the streets and conduct their business at all hours of the night. Unfortunately, the public sees people on the street at night and assume they are homeless.

4. All Homeless People Sleep in Shelters or Streets

This is a myth because not all homeless sleep on the street in blankets or sleeping bags. People who also sleep in cars are also considered homeless. Sleeping in the car is one of the largest growing homeless population in the United States. Cars can be found under bridges and in alleyways.

5. They Don't Care for Themselves

They may be covered in dirty and wear tattered clothing, they still do care about themselves. Clothing and even shoes are seen as a luxury considering they do not have a lot of money to spend. Even though they live in the street, they believe that it is their place and they try to take care of it.

6. All They Want is Money

Money supposedly cures all problems however, money is not everything to the homeless. Things that individuals can give to them are food, clothing and even water. Especially for someone outside all day, water is something that is needed regularly. Even knowledge of where to go for food, shelter and help mentally goes a longer way than money.

7. Homeless People are Mostly Single Men

This is definitely false, homelessness doesn’t just affect single men but it affects entire families. In a recent study, one out of 45 people who are homeless are children. Many of these families are allowed into the shelters and this is why people do not see them out on the street.

8. Building Houses for the Homeless Would Bring Homeless From All Over

While having shelters would take the homeless off the street, many stay located of where they first became homeless. No homeless person who are miles or even states away, would travel to get housing in a place that is unknown to them. There is homelessness everywhere and one city building home for them is not going to end this epidemic.

9. Homeless People Choose to be Homeless

No one would ever want to be homeless and that is the fear for college graduates, who have no idea what they are going to do for their life. Once becoming homeless, it is extremely difficult to get out of it. When someone goes homeless, the average stay is two days however people can homeless for years.

10. Even If America Helps, Nothing Will Change Homelessness

Even though the homeless epidemic can be daunting, even a little help goes a long way. If no one helped one another once they got on the street, then a lot more people would be homeless. Help can be in the form of money, food, clothing or even a friendly smile and conversation. It may be tough for one person to end homelessness, if the entire country could chip in, there will be a difference made.