Homelessness - Is There A Solution
Author: Father Cody Williams, Holy Cross Parish
Father Cody Williams
Holy Cross Parish
Does homelessness have a solution?
The images of seas of tents stationed under a bridge or people with cardboard signs begging for food or money on an off-ramp dominate our image of homelessness. Too often we characterize homelessness, poverty, and lack of advantage as the person who is begging on the street corner.
Yet, homelessness is a rather complicated social issue with many underlying issues that create, sustain, and complicate efforts to limit or end homelessness. Often the way we understand the homeless is wrong.
Myth 1: The homeless are not willing to find a job.
The National Institute for the Homeless estimates that around 53% of people living in shelters and 40% living without a shelter have employment. These employed people are homeless because their jobs do not provide sufficient income to afford housing.
Myth 2: The homeless are mentally ill and violent
Yes, some of those who are homeless are mentally ill. Roughly 30-40% of those on the street are mentally ill because they do not want to be around people or are not mentally capable of caring for themselves but not ill enough for a hospital. Out of those who are mentally ill, few are violent since any form of violence would cause hospitalization or incarceration.
Myth 3: Homeless people are drug addicts
A study by the American Addiction Center found that roughly 38% of homeless abuse alcohol and 26% other drugs. Their research found that homelessness causes drug abuse not drug abuse leads to homelessness. The stress of lack of income and living on the street contributes to drug use.
We often jump to conclusions when we see images of tent cities and people begging on street corners. Simple actions like moving tent cities, outlawing panhandling, or building new housing doesn’t address the underlying challenges that lead to homelessness and poverty.
People are on the street for a reason and our judgements can keep them there. In order for us to help those who are struggling to create a better life, we must understand the real issues that lead to poverty and work towards viable solutions.
On Monday, May 19th, we will explore the issues that lead to poverty, the situations that keep people on the street, explore ways to overcome this issue, and work to help those in need. This is a big issue but when we work together, we can make a difference. The event starts with dinner at 6:00 followed by a presentation and discussion at 6:30. During the event we will make blessing bags which are bags that contain basic supplies that anyone can give to someone in need. People who come are welcome to take some home and many of them will go the sheriff’s office to distribute as needed.
All are welcome.
