5 misconceptions about homelessness

By: Ryan Boyd, Up Hub summer student

Misinformation can be a dangerous thing.

When it comes to homelessness, there are many unfounded myths and stereotypes. These false narratives are particularly troublesome, as they add to the further stigmatization of a group of people already unfairly criticized and judged by the public. The truth is that homelessness is an unfortunate reality for many people in our society. It’s only by addressing these myths and deconstructing them that we will be able to create a society in which people feel comfortable reaching out for help.

Here are five misconceptions about homelessness debunked.

Misconception #1: Homelessness is a choice

This myth maintains the status quo of apathy towards many people experiencing homelessness in a society currently experiencing an affordable housing crisis. Some people seem to believe that homelessness is a lifestyle choice. Let’s remember that people that live on the street sometimes deal with mental health and other challenges. Add to that the fact that once someone starts living on the streets, they enter a cycle which is incredibly difficult to break. They’re often criminalized for being homeless and charged with crimes like trespassing, public intoxication and urination, and sleeping in public spaces. When you’re homeless, it can be extremely difficult to get your life back together by yourself, and it’s not a life that many people choose willingly.

Misconception #2: They should just find a job

You’ve probably heard people pose the question asking why those experiencing homelessness don’t just go find a job somewhere (even if it is a minimum-wage opportunity) and get themselves back on their feet from there. If only it were that easy. Being homeless presents many difficult barriers when searching for employment. These include lack of consistent transportation, limited to no access to showers or other hygiene products, and the inability to provide a permanent address. On top of this, people experiencing homelessness are often stigmatized, and it’s possible that potential employers may be apprehensive to hire these individuals. Living on the street makes it difficult to search for a job without assistance. Even if individuals do manage to find a job, it’s often a minimum wage or part-time position, which can fail to meet their needs, especially in big cities with expensive housing costs.

Misconception #3: People experiencing homelessness are lazy

On the contrary, people living on the street work extremely hard every single day to stay alive. Street life is punishing, and people are constantly victimized. This trauma can lead to chronic physical health conditions, like hypothermia for example. These conditions are sometimes a direct consequence of homelessness, while others, like diabetes, are difficult or near impossible to treat when sleeping on the street. People experiencing homelessness are constantly on the move, fighting and foraging for necessities like food, shelter, and a source of income, despite their dire circumstances. Fighting for your survival every single day is the opposite of laziness.

Misconception #4: They’re all addicts

We’ve all heard someone say that they refuse to give money to people who are homesless because they’ll likely just go out and buy drugs or alcohol with it. It’s unfair to label an entire group of people with broad strokes and unjust assumptions. Not everyone experiencing homelessness struggles with substance use. It’s believed that only about 20 to 40 per cent of the homeless population has a substance use issue. In fact, substance use is rarely the reason behind homelessness; but it’s often a result of it. People living on the street should not be seen as lesser than whether they use substances or not. Every human being deserves dignity and respect, despite the challenges they may face.

Misconception #5: They’re dangerous or violent people

People who are homeless are much more likely to be victims of violence than they are to be perpetrators of it. Living on the street is a tough life, and it’s often traumatic, too. And while it’s true that those experiencing homelessness are more likely to have a criminal record, this is mainly because they’re punished for acts related to their daily survival, like trespassing or loitering.

People experiencing homelessness are our family, friends, neighbours and community members. They deserve the same level of respect as the rest of us. We all have a part to play to help end the stigma around homelessness.

If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness and needs support, call YSSN’s Community Crisis Response Service at 1-855-310-COPE (2673). Caring crisis workers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.