Critical Homeless Theory: Why It’s Time To Break Past The Stereotypes

By Ty Ross

The homeless population is comprised of all demographics. A variety of backgrounds. While what they have in common is homelessness, their needs aside from lack of housing, are not the same.

A widely misguided stereotype is that all homeless are addicts or engaged in behaviors that somehow led to their situation due to poor life choices. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Some are runaways, others are fleeing abuse. Some are veterans, family units and those with mental health issues that without the proper help have prevented them from maintaining steady employment. A significant number of the unhoused have jobs but, live in areas that lack affordable housing.

There are over 500K homeless in America. One in 30 of them are children. Over 11% are veterans and more than 15% are victims of domestic violence. When it comes to the cause of homelessness, lack of affordable housing, unemployment and poverty are at the top. For families and singles alike. Mental health issues and substance abuse round out the list.

When you look at things like stagnant wages, the price of housing and the rise of goods and services, it isn’t difficult to see how one could fall down the slippery slope of barely getting by to being homeless.

Millions lack health insurance, and we have people in power who have done all they can to keep those on the bottom right where they are. The disappearance of unions, reductions in social assistance programs for those in need, deregulation and discriminatory business practices have only made the situation worse during the pandemic.

A few years ago, I had an apartment. Paid my rent on time, if not early. I had a loss of income and before I knew it, I was struggling just to keep a roof over me and my children’s heads. I had two months left on my lease but couldn’t pay the rent and was evicted. I spent three months living in a house without tv, a fridge or stove. I got back on my feet, and when I tried to rent I was turned down cold. It didn’t matter that I had an overall good rental history spanning decades. Or that my income was more than was required. My mom had to put an apartment in her name. And mind you, it wasn’t the nicest place. After decades of rental history, it didn’t matter. The eviction was on my permanent record. Application after application rejected. I was branded with the Scarlet ‘E’. I offered to pay double deposit, pay rent up front for six months. Still no. I can see how someone can get caught up in the spiral of trying to keep a roof over their head. Someone without the resources or assistance I had.

Knowing these factors is important because it gives perspective. To look at those on the street with empathy, understanding and compassion instead of judgment and contempt. How they got to where they are, can be attributed to a variety of reasons. Factors that have nothing to do with their ability to be responsible. I know it doesn’t mean they lack judgment or that any money I may give a panhandler, or monetary assistance they receive will be spent on drugs. We need to do away with that outdated and misguided trope that only pushes a narrative that interferes with getting the homeless the real help they need. Instead of judging them, it makes me want to know more about their situations and what I can do to help. What organizations are out there that provide food, shelter, counseling or transportation. Makes me ask myself what I can do to make a seemingly hopeless situation more hopeful for them.

When I hear people talking about being made to feel guilty because they work hard, or they’re successful it makes me cringe. I don’t feel guilty because I’m housed. It’s not about ‘guilt’. I just don’t feel the need to ignore what’s right in front of me. Look past the truth that society, our government and the legal system have, instead of helping the homeless, marginalized, ostracized, criminalized and penalized them without looking into how they got that way to begin with. Not addressing this country’s allegiance to big business and corporations over prioritizing the human experience and need for more resources.

The homeless have a right to dignity, regardless of their situation. The addict needs rehabilitation, the parent affordable childcare. The family, affordable housing. The working homeless, a path to rebuilding a life that was destroyed by illness or unemployment. And just a dollar or two more an hour could make the difference between having a roof over one’s head and being on the street. Many jobs want you to apply online, but if you don’t have internet, a phone to be contacted or access to your email, then what? I could go on and on. Scenario after scenario. But the bottom line is that there is no one size fits all solution. The homeless have different situations, choices, options and needs. Each situation unique to their circumstances. We can’t stereotype and lump all of them into one. Or let our biases and perceptions keep us from helping those who need it the most. We have to look at it all. Under a comprehensive umbrella and comprehend that the decisions our government makes, our representatives make- that we as individuals make when it comes to how we look at, treat and perceive the homeless, all plays a part in their ability or inability to get off the streets and back to living a life that we all have a right to.

That’s why it’s important to know the truth. It makes it harder for us to look the other way instead of dealing with the multitude of reasons someone ends up unhoused. Though we may not want to admit it, a majority of Americans are one crisis, disaster, layoff or unexpected event away from being in the exact same position. I know because I have been there. I’m still there. Though I can afford it, I couldn’t get approved for the crappiest of apartments or rental homes right next door. But thankfully, I have people in my life I can count on.

The reality is I am 47 years old with four children to support. Though I have a college education, having been out of the workforce for a number of years, I would be lucky to get a job paying more than $12 hr. And with a kid in elementary school, daycare is something I just can’t afford. I’m also uninsured, so if I get sick or they get sick it would spell disaster. The number of people in my situation is sadly becoming the rule, not the exception. No level of income is safe. Covid exposed that.

It’s time to get real. Time to stop shaming and blaming the homeless for their situation and look at our own. Put ourselves in their shoes and truly delve into the root causes and ask ourselves what we can do to fix it. Ask ourselves how safe we are if something were to happen, and are we prepared? Could you weather the storm?

Check out Ty’s book THE POWER OF PERSPECTIVE. It’s a collection of affirmations she wrote to get her through a difficult time in her life. Words of wisdom that apply to anyone, and everyone, to get through the hard times. If you’re questioning yourself, and need a reminder that you are in control… Click HERE to order your copy.

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