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Get to Know Homeless People

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Terry Cullen

Mar 28, 2023

Ireland

Categories:

Homeless, Housing, Compassion, Empathy

One source estimates that 2% of the world's population is homeless, approximately 154,000,000 people in 2019 (NewStoryHome.org), many in dangerous conditions such as refugee camps or living on the streets of major cities. The number of homeless people equals the populations of France and the U.K. combined.


The top 10 countries with the highest number of homeless people:
Nigeria 24,400,000
Pakistan 20,000,000
Egypt 12,000,000
Syria 6,568,000
DR Congo 5,332,000
Bangladesh 5,000,000
Colombia 4,943,000
Afghanistan 4,660,000
Philippines 4,500,000
Yemen 3,858,000
(Source - WorldPopulationReview.com, 2023)


War and economic hardship displace many people, and many countries listed above have experienced both in recent times. Countries with long-term peace and relative prosperity have witnessed an uptick in homelessness, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. And homelessness isn't just relegated to large urban areas. It also occurs in suburban communities, small towns, and rural areas.


Many of us believe that homelessness is someone else's problem. We may shy away from homeless people in fear, disgust, or anger, among other negative emotions, and go out of our way to avoid coming close to or talking to them. We develop stereotypes about them and easily blame them for societal ills, from violence to petty crime. We may believe they are mentally ill or drug-addicted, and we do our best to distance ourselves from them. Unfortunately, our pervasive negative attitudes toward homeless people exacerbate the problem and perpetuate fear and retaliatory actions.


Homelessness is a large and complex problem. Homeless people come from all walks of life and are a cross-section of humanity. Yes, some are drug-addicted and mentally ill. Still, many more are not and have fallen on hard times through unforeseen circumstances. And many homeless people are not visible.


What can I, as a person, possibly do to make a difference for the homeless people in my community? Start with one simple thing - get to know them.


The Journal, an Irish online newspaper, sent journalists around Ireland to talk to homeless people and ask them various questions. Questions included your biggest fear, the best thing that happened to you this week, and where you would like to be in one year. The answers were telling.


Here is a sample of the responses.
Q. Do you feel safe?
A. "No, I feel very vulnerable."

Q How much sleep do you get a night?
A. "3-6 hours, if I'm lucky."

Q. How do you think people who are not homeless view people who are homeless?
A. "They view us as dirt like we deserve it, but it can happen to anyone."

Q. What three words would you use to describe being homeless?
A. "Sad, wanting 2 die, you don't feel any good, you can't see hope, and that's what everyone needs, just 2 feel good, that's all.

Q. What is the best thing that happened to you this week?
A. "I got donated lots of baby clothes, baby bottles, sterilisers, moses baskets. I'm 6 months pregnant with twins, and I can't afford much, so I'm grateful there are people out there that can donate."

Q. Where would you like to be in a year's time?
A. Living in my new home. Health issues resolved. Plan an adventure. Create and implement a plan to provide myself with financial security. Check in with councillors if necessary. P.S.: Make a note to those who helped me during this time and say thanks to them."


For most of us, the homeless population is a group of anonymous people. Talking to them helps us displace our myths about homeless people. We discover each has a name, personality, hopes, and dreams. Most are grateful for any assistance they can get. They are human and deserve dignity and respect, much like any other human.


On a trip several years ago to Seattle (USA), we befriended a homeless ex-military man outside of the hotel. Over several mornings of coffee and rolls at his panhandling spot, he recounted his journey into homelessness (medically disabled from his war service and resulting poverty) and the abuses he endured while panhandling to make a living. One young woman spat in his face and told him to get a job. We were the first people in several years who took the time to get to know him. Our empathy and compassion for his plight moved us deeply.


Consider connecting with homeless people through organizations in your community that provide assistance and get to know some of the less fortunate people in your community. It may inspire you to be of service in unexpected ways. Or, you may make a friend, even if for only a day.


Photo by Matt Collamer on Unsplash.

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Catalog #:

0323.100.06.032823

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