Just Another Stereotype

They are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, grandparents and children. They
are University graduates, former business owners, victims of abuse and neglect.
They are human, just like you and I; and they are homeless. According to
a report issued by the National Alliance to End Homelessness, over 643,000
people call the streets home. This number is only expected to rise as people
all over our country suffer from our frail economy. But what do you think
about when you think about the homeless? What is the first thought that
comes to mind when you see an unshaven man asleep on a bench with his bag
of belongings clasped tightly in his hand? Americans can be criticized for not
doing enough to help, but perhaps the worst criticism comes when we look at
how quickly we are to judge the homeless population and to formulate and
adhere to cultural stereotypes that in most cases are not at all an accurate
representation. Here is a brief summary of a few popular stereotypes.

Homeless People Are Drug Addicts or Alcoholics

While close to half of all homeless people may suffer from some form of
addiction, there is another half that does not. When we unfairly assume that
everyone who is homeless is homeless because of an addiction disregards the
other fifty percent of people, a large number who are women and children who
have been abused or neglected. As long as people have the unfounded belief
that all homeless people are addicted to drugs or alcohol, it will keep doors
shut and render harsh judgments on those who are not addicts.

Homeless People are Lazy

The vision of the homeless man or bum as they are often referred to sleeping in
a concrete box with “normal” people hustle and bustle around him on their was
to work allows people to quickly formulate an opinion that the man is lazy. The
truth is that many homeless people are victims of corporate downsizing through
no fault of their own. Homeless people suffer from the stereotypes associated
with homelessness and even though they may be applying for jobs everyday, it
is much more difficult for them to secure employment than for someone with
a permanent address. In addition, many homeless people actually work a job.
Statistic show that up to one-half of all homeless people actually hold down a
job but can not survive on the minimum wage they are being paid.

Homeless People are Criminals

Apart from committing status crimes such as loitering, trespassing, or sleeping
in a public place, most homeless people are not criminals. When people think
of homeless people as criminal it causes unfounded fear and creates a number
of roadblocks for people living on the street. The reality is that homeless
people are far less likely than other people to commit a serious act of crime.

Just Like You, Just Like Me

The next time you see a homeless person try to force the stereotypes from your
mind. When you see homelessness as a problem created by circumstances and
understand that it could happen anyone, it makes understanding and helping a
whole lot easier.


About the Author: Susan Patterson is a homeschool mother and freelancew writer with a
passion fo the homeless. She recently finished an article on the value of 211 Software.