The Misconceptions and Myths about Homelessness
The topic of homelessness is a highly misunderstood one that has created an uncountable amount of myths and misconceptions. Many of these myths can come from stereotypes and perceptions of the homeless, a lack of understanding or education, and other factors. Regardless, many of these perceptions are harmful and only worsen the homeless crisis. These preconceived notions often build a barrier that prevents us from wanting to aid these people in need. Here are some common myths about homelessness and the truth behind these false concepts.
“Homelessness is a Choice”
There are multiple prevalent factors that causes homelessness — with none of them being choices. Poverty and homelessness are correlating issues, and as affordable housing is becoming far more scarce, the concern at hand becomes amplified. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation consider housing affordable when “it costs less than 30% of a household’s before-tax income”. However, millions of Canadian individuals and families are paying over 50% of their income on housing, and are living in “core need”.
Many systems of support and care facilities force individuals to turn to homelessness. Some of these include a difficult transition from child welfare, and discharges. Eviction can also lead to homelessness, as many minorities (such as people of colour and LGBTQIA+ individuals) tend to be evicted due to their race and/or sexual orientation. For example, according to a report by the think tank at UCLA School of Law, Williams Institute, LGBTQIA+ renters who are behind on rent are more likely to fear eviction than non-LGBTQIA+ renters, at 47% and 46% respectively.
While the difference is quite minor — it still shows an apparent pattern of minority groups facing different responses to the same circumstances. Personal circumstances can lead to other factors that cause homelessness, such as poor mental health. Poor mental health can create an inability to sustain employment, which is the cause of low income, and in turn can be the reason why an individual has no home. In addition, domestic violence can force individuals to leave unexpectedly, without any necessary support. In general, thinking that one chooses to be homeless is a dangerous and untrue mentality to have.
“Individuals Facing Homelessness are Addicts”
For far too long, the preconceived notion that the homeless are just addicts has been present in our society. While it is true that over 25.1% of people reported that addiction was the reason for house loss, based on a report conducted by the Government of Canada, there are a variety of other factors that lead to homelessness. As previously mentioned, homelessness is caused by a variety of reasons, and it is different for everyone. Due to the variety of issues that can cause a person to go homeless, you cannot generalize every homeless individual and assume their situation.
“It is Easy for the Homeless to Find Adequate Jobs”
Finding employment may seem like a simple fix, but it is truly more complicated than one may think. In order to apply for a job, a resume would have to first be made, which would require items like a computer and a printer to create in the first place. Not to mention, to get the job, the individual would need to go to a job interview. This requires transportation to the place of work, and items such as clean clothes and a shower to be “presentable”, which are resources that the homeless sadly do not have access to.
“There are Enough Services that Help the Homeless”
The support towards the homeless are focused on providing essentials, such as food and shelter. As important as this is for the homeless, it doesn’t end the continuous cycle of homelessness that these individuals face. Due to issues in our society, like a lack of affordable housing, the experience of people not having homes will go on, until changes on a larger scale are made.
The myths and misconceptions are the wall that prevents true change. Holding onto these false and narrow minded mentalities is the reason why there is a lack of sympathy and compassion. By breaking down these misunderstandings, and comprehending what is factual and what is false, that barrier will be broken, and a difference will be made.
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