You see, when you’re homeless, you’re invisible. People don’t want to see you because when they see you it’s very hard for them to just ignore you, to just pretend that you’re not there.
~John S., a homeless man
Homeless culture is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. It is shaped by a variety of factors, including individual experiences, socioeconomic conditions, and the broader social and political context.
For most of us, homelessness is unimaginable. We take for granted that we’ll be able to meet our daily needs of safety, food, shelter, and companionship without facing incredible obstacles. But every day, thousands of people awake in every region of the world and build their lives despite the challenges of living without shelter or a regular address.
There is no “average” life of a person experiencing homelessness. Life on the street is as varied and complex as life anywhere, and an individual’s experience of homelessness can be a product of their age, health, relationships, employment status, and many other factors. You may be surprised to learn that the homeless culture reflects:
- A strong sense of community and mutual support. Homeless people often form close bonds with each other, sharing resources and providing emotional support.
- A shared set of norms and values. Homeless people develop their own unique ways of coping with the challenges of living on the streets. These coping mechanisms can include things like developing a strong sense of independence, learning to trust others, and developing a sense of humor.
- A unique language and slang. Homeless people often develop their own unique language and slang, which can be used to communicate with other homeless people and to express their experiences.
Homeless culture can be a source of strength and resilience for homeless people. It can help them to cope with the challenges of living on the streets and to maintain a sense of hope for the future. However, homeless culture can also be a barrier to getting help. Homeless people may be reluctant to seek help from mainstream institutions because they fear being stigmatized or discriminated against.
It is important to remember that the homeless culture is not monolithic. There is a great deal of diversity within the homeless population, and homeless people come from all walks of life. Homeless culture is a complex and ever-evolving phenomenon that is shaped by a variety of factors.
Here are some additional insights into the homeless culture:
- Homeless people are not a monolithic group. They come from all walks of life and have a wide range of experiences.
- Homelessness is not a choice. It is the result of a complex set of factors, including poverty, mental illness, addiction, and domestic violence.
- Homeless people are often stigmatized and discriminated against. This can make it difficult for them to get the help they need.
- There are many things that can be done to help homeless people. These include providing affordable housing, access to healthcare, and job training.
There are a wide range of reasons and situations that force a person to homelessness. But one thing is for sure, most of them didn’t choose that life. They’re mostly just victims of circumstances beyond their control. Sometimes, all they need is someone to empathize with them and a chance to redeem themselves. It’s time for us all to come together to “debunk the myths” about the homeless so we can change the narrative “for good” ….
There is so much info here on the homeless. They are not looking for pity they are desiring help. In a dignified manner. These are proud people that have their own strength and family ties on the streets. We should all reach out a hand and offer help in a manner not to degrade but lift up. Perhaps paperwork that needs filled out for mental illness and addiction. Or a job offer. Give more than just a dollar for a meal when asked. Buy them a meal a cup of coffee. They are human beings just like us and are just in a bad way. You said it so perfectly here! Many people turn their head or drive by and tell themselves if they can stand out there with a sign they can work! But they don’t know what the history is that brought them into the streets. Mostly caused from people with that kind of attitude. Next time you see someone homeless reach out to them. Help in what ever way you can or are capable. And for God’s sake don’t look down on them!
Hi Dennis, thank you for your article about the homeless. People in power ignore this topic because they don’t have solutions. I worked with the homeless for five years in Oakland, CA. We started support groups for homeless men, and their stories included bullies in the home, child abuse, drug abuse, violence against women, gang violence, and ex-cons who had committed his crimes. I worked with a pastor and learned about the power of the human spirit. I also learned what the homeless men never learned as children and wrote, “Empowerment Parenting.” I interviewed Butch and many others. He was a drug addict for 40 years and became homeless. I interview him 5 months after he found a safe place to grow and change. Here is Butch’s story. He proves, it is never too late to change. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjgnvspvUYo&t=3s
I hope this helps because we can empower people to stay safe and healthy. Stephanie Mann at safekidsnow.com
P.S. Working with a homeless men’s group, out of a group of 16 men, nine men got jobs within 3 months.
You’ve clearly dedicated significant time and effort to understanding the complexities of homelessness, Stephanie. Your experiences with individuals facing adversity highlight the systemic issues and personal struggles that contribute to this crisis. By sharing these stories and offering solutions like “Empowerment Parenting,” you’re not only shedding light on the problem but also actively working towards positive change. Your commitment to empowering individuals and addressing root causes is commendable and undoubtedly makes a difference. Thank you for standing up “for good” …
The discomfort of those who do not have a home concerns not only life on the streets and the absence of a physical and tangible domestic reality, but also the more profound and complex lack of a living environment, a place to develop emotional relationships, projects, interests and self-care. In fact, with the Lisbon Declaration of 2021, the Member States recognize that there has been an exponential increase in homelessness and that “the complex causes of homelessness include rising housing costs, insufficient supply of social housing or housing assistance, low income and job insecurity, job loss, aging and family breakdown, discrimination, long-term health problems and insufficient preparation for leaving institutional structures”. We must therefore move from the right to housing to the right to housing, keeping together social, housing and health policies.
Your insights are right on target, Aldo. Homelessness is a complex issue that extends beyond physical shelter. It deprives individuals of essential emotional and psychological support, hindering personal growth and well-being. Addressing this requires comprehensive solutions that provide not only housing but also the means to rebuild lives. Without question, the number one response we got from the many “unsheltered” we spoke with on the streets was that beyond food and shelter, they simply craved to be “seen” …
Thank you for the continued focus on this problem.
“For most of us, homelessness is unimaginable. We take for granted that we’ll be able to meet our daily needs of safety, food, shelter, and companionship without facing incredible obstacles.”
I don’t think that is true. I think it is very imaginable – perhaps in an inaccurate and fuzzy way – for way to many people that “there for the grace of God go I”, or somebody I care deeply about. It is part of the anxiety for things to come that plagues the whole population.
We have a culture of use and discard rather than of use and repurpose – unfortunately not just for things but also for other people.
Excellent points here, Charlotte … These days, a wide-spread fear of the unknown prevails given the magnitude of so many unexpected events in recent years (e.g. COVID, etc.). That said we encounter few people who look upon the “unsheltered” with a perspective of “that could be me” ….