YOU SHELTERED ME
MYTHS ABOUT HOMELESSNESS
Homelessness is defined as “the state of having no home.” There are three categories of homelessness. The first one is Sheltered Homelessness referring to those who stay in emergency shelters, transitional housing programs, or safe havens. Unsheltered Homelessness is referring those who’s night-time location is a public or private place not designated for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for people (streets, vehicles, or parks). A Chronically Homeless Individual is an individual with a disability who has been continuously home less for one year or more or has experienced at least four episodes of homelessness in the last three years where the combined length of time homeless in those occasions is at least 12 months.
MYTH
“People choose to be homeless”
FACT
“It is a myth that people choose to be homeless. This myth ignores the trauma of homelessness and the fact that people are living in tents, cars, and trailers. Being homeless is stressful, humiliating, exhausting, and dangerous. It is a hard day-to-day existence for men, women, and children. Some people may choose to sleep outside rather than in a shelter because they fear having to leave their pets or possessions outside. They also may not want to leave their community of others living outside. When we take the time to learn someone’s story, we likely will hear they are not “choosing to be homeless” but rather the other choices available are not the best-fit solution for them, so for now their current situation is better than the alternative. Homelessness is traumatic and complicated, and solutions are not a one-size-fits-all.”
MYTH
“They’re Dangerous and Violent”
FACT
“Rather than being dangerous or lawbreakers, they are parents trying to work or find a job while they live in a car with their children. They are teens who have no supportive adults in their lives while they try to find a place to live, so they can hopefully stay in school. They are senior citizens with poor health and a fixed income struggling to get by. People who are homeless are more likely to be victims of a crime than to commit a crime. It is important that we not vilify people without homes but instead, see them as neighbors in need of shelter and best-fit assistance to help them find a home.”
MYTH
“‘Bad Choices’ led to their homelessness”
FACT
“Everyone makes mistakes, but the descent into homelessness is not necessarily the direct result of ‘choices.’ Far more often a sudden illness or an accident, losing a job, or falling into debt leads to eviction—or doubling up with family or friends becomes untenable.”
MYTH
“They spend all their money on drugs and alcohol”
FACT
“Most of their money goes to buying food and amenities such as socks, hygiene products, and bottled water. Although some do spend money on alcohol or drugs, the same can be said of anyone.”
MYTH
“There is nothing I can do about homelessness”
FACT
Effectively reducing homelessness will take the entire community working together. Just $6 a month for one year can help house an individual for one day. One day would include one bed-night, shower, 3 meals and case management to assess each individual and the resources that they may need to reach self-sustainability. If you cannot provide help through a monetary donation, volunteerism is vital to the sustainability of existing resources and new resources. Learn more on how to volunteer by visiting Volunteer – Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego (ccdsd.org).