The New Definition of Homeless
Homeless is the condition of not having a stable place to live. People who are homeless often struggle to meet daily needs like food, healthcare and shelter. They may spend nights sleeping in the streets, in their cars, or on couches at friends’ houses. Many are living paycheck to paycheck and just one setback, like a reduction in hours at work or a medical emergency, can push them over the edge into poverty and homelessness.
In the United States, the number of homeless has been rising steadily in recent years. Unlike in the past, when homeless individuals were mostly men who did not want to work or could not kick their drug addictions, the modern homeless population is very diverse and includes women, children, people with mental health conditions, veterans, and people with disabilities. A variety of factors contribute to homelessness, including lack of affordable housing, stagnant wages, and a decrease in social services.
The definition of homelessness has been updated to include people who are living in a place not meant for human habitation, in transitional housing, or are exiting an institution (like a hospital or mental health facility) and are without a permanent home. The new definition is more accurate and better reflects the reality of modern homelessness, which is often chronic and not easily solved with quick fixes.
Research and experience show that homelessness is often a result of complex problems, such as mental illness, substance use, or physical disability, which are difficult to address. It also can be a result of systemic issues, such as the lack of access to high-wage jobs or discriminatory housing practices. Homelessness is also more likely to affect people of color, with black and Hispanic/Latino communities experiencing higher rates of homelessness than their proportion of the overall population.
Those experiencing homelessness often face stigma and have trouble getting the help they need because of stereotypes. Some people believe that individuals choose to be homeless and cannot get out of it, while others assume they are lazy or have a drug problem. While some of these beliefs are rooted in prejudice, the majority of the causes of homelessness are based on economic inequalities.
There is a growing recognition among researchers and community leaders that the problem of homelessness requires comprehensive solutions, with a focus on addressing the root causes. This means tackling inequality through policies and practices that promote diversity, ensure access to quality education, provide jobs with good salaries, and invest in social service programs. In addition, it’s crucial to educate community members so they understand the complexities of homelessness. The best way to do this is by showing the real lives of people who are experiencing it. This can be done by talking about the issue in public at, for example, city council meetings and national television shows. By recognizing that the homeless are a group of people, we can break down some of the stigma attached to them and garner support for more affordable and public housing.