Homelessness is an unfortunate fact of our modern life. It would be a good thing for all of us if it did not exist. Of course it would be good for the homeless to have homes. But it would be good for all of society in many ways. Studies have shown that it can be cheaper to give people homes than to have them living on the streets.
Millions are poured into shelters, food banks and other resources for the poor. The cost of emergency services by police and ambulances are very high. If people are housed and helped to be healthy and independent the money is much better spent.
There are many myths about homelessness. For example
If they just got a job they would not be homeless – many homeless do work. many others have disabilities which prevent them from working
Homeless people are lazy and don’t want to work. Many cannot work because of disabilities. Many suffer from addictions that should be treated compassionately and with proper medical care. Some are past their prime working years. Past 50 and even 60.
They have an easy life and don’t want to work or pay rent – being homeless is a very difficult depressing situation. Most suffer from some level of depression and other physical, emotional and mental illness
All of these myths and others are not true. I work with homeless people and the majority have serious problems that have brought them into their circumstances. And it is very difficult to get out of the situation once they have ended up there.
99% of people in our society are not homeless. 90% of people in our society are fortunately not addicts or have never had a problem with drugs and alcohol. Consequently most people have not experienced these conditions and so do not have a clear understanding of them. I think that if more people understand the problems we will be closer to solving the problems.
Slavery existed for centuries and many people strongly resisted ending it. However it did end and all of society benefited from ending it. Homelessness is a solvable problem. And by ending it all of society will benefit.