Homelessness/dehuminization

Homelessness is a hidden, overlooked issue in society. It is all around us - no matter where you live. Whether it be a small town or major city, there are always traces of homelessness everywhere we go. In the Bay Area especially, residents are all too familiar with it. Over 35,000 people live homeless in the Bay’s nine counties, according to Homebase. However, despite the prevalence of the issue and the proximity many face to it, homelessness is an endlessly stigmatized phenomenon. Many see it as a stain on society, thinking only of the discomfort many housed people feel in response to witnessing it. The perception of homeless people is often derogatory and dehumanizing - a perception conditioned by ideals of personal failure, which is very often not the reality. For those looking to combat the issue of homelessness, the question often comes down to: how can we fix a problem that is so misunderstood?

California has the largest homeless population in the United States. In recent years, the number of homeless citizens has increased consistently, the main reason for this being the soaring prices of housing. Plain and simple, most people just cannot find an affordable place to live. However, in the eyes of many, homeless people are in their situation due to their own actions. A study conducted by Kean University called “Homelessness, Dehumanization, and the Role of Empathy” revealed that homeless people were strongly associated with factors such as laziness and irresponsible behavior. This is something, though, that most people would be able to tell you. The association with homelessness and personal failure of some kind or another is present in most people’s social circles, and has been for their entire lives. Homeless people are seen as the enemy, as threats to the average, “normal” citizens. Unfortunately, this form of  thinking is not only common in everyday society, but influences how the government deals with the problem. It seems to be easy to forget that homeless people are people too. There is a lack of consistent assistance and support for homeless people, many of whom’s only problem is their lack of housing. However, other problems persist as well. Drug addiction, lack of mental health assistance (particularly for war veterans), and domestic violence all contribute to homelessness. 

What makes homelessness such a difficult topic to discuss and to handle legally is its many technical facets and its demonization. As demonstrated, countless factors make up the reasons for why people are homeless, and each factor has a different solution. The solution of providing a home will not work every time for a person experiencing homelessness, and because of those nuances, there should be a variety of programs offered to help people from different walks of life. Those programs could include not only housing but education, support groups, mental health support, finance classes, job help, rehabilitation, and providing ways to find affordable homes afterward.  But these things cannot just happen: it is the job of the government to spend time and effort on solutions. This is where it is important to uplift the issue of homelessness - one of human rights - and remove the stigma surrounding it. Many in the government see it as an individual problem that requires individual solutions, but it is in fact necessary to build community in order to help. We are always stronger supporting others, and through supporting the homeless community we can find this strength.