Last week’s blog was about the misconceptions & challenges homeless individuals face getting jobs. Homelessness is a complex problem that affects many USA cities and countries around the world. I don’t claim to be an expert. My thoughts are based on my work experience as a Peer Support Specialist and Substance Abuse Counselor working with this population. Below are comments often heard regarding the homeless:
#“They chose to live on the street”. This is true for some, but in my experience with over 1,000 homeless individuals, it’s unlikely. The ones choosing to live on the street typically learn how to cope and survive. They might look for a quick handout, but they are not looking for housing. Have you ever known a homeless person?
#“This happens mainly to the uneducated, lower income, addicts & misfits”. Again, this is a misconception. This might be true for some of the individuals living on the street, but not for all of them. I worked with college professors, ministers, business owners, individuals from wealthy families, and others with all the advantages needed for a “normal” life. Assuming that normal means living in a house that you pay for as opposed to living on the street. How do you define a misfit?
#“If I give them money, they’ll just buy drugs or booze”. Unfortunately, this is true sometimes. But not always. Many times, they ask for money because they need food & water to survive. Other times, they are supporting companions or children. Sometimes pets. Occasionally, individuals having a place to stay and are not homeless, use begging to get money. #If they are an addict, they need drugs. #You can’t say to them just quit. If you give to a homeless person, it needs to be a good-faith act with no expectations. Have you ever donated to a homeless person?
#“Why don’t they just go back home”. I’ve worked with many individuals who grew up in unhappy homes. Many couldn’t wait to leave, and most of them did not want to go back. There are some emotionally healthy individuals living on the street because unfortunate or unplanned events happened. Financially, they probably lost everything. For individuals dealing with MH conditions and/or addictions, most have burned all their bridges with family and friends. Going home is not an option for them. Have you ever felt this way?
#“It could never happen to me”. This can apply to anything in life, good and bad. Some individuals think they will never be financially secure, while others think they will always keep everything they have accumulated. The phrase that comes to mind is “but by the grace of God”. One never knows when life will throw them a curve ball. Some handle these events well, while others fall apart. Again, complex problems with many variables. Have you ever lost it all & had to start over again?
We all have a story. I’m sharing some of mine with the readers of my blog. Every homeless person has a story. They are someone’s child. They may have children or siblings. Probably grandparents. Other relatives. Above all, they are unique children of God.
The challenge is to show love to them rather than make assumptions and judgments. The next time you see a homeless person, will you react differently?

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