Marginalized groups are people that society views as outsiders, and as a result people tend to ignore them or view them as insignificant. Throughout history these groups have been relegated to the fringes of society and seen as powerless. The homeless population is one of the most marginalized groups in modern times, this is largely due to myths about homelessness that society has created. Debunking these myths about homeless people and examining the real root causes of homelessness allows us to see homeless individuals for what they truly are, people, just like us, who have fallen on difficult times.

Myth #1: “They’re homeless because they made bad choices.”

It is true that bad choices can contribute to homelessness, but it is rarely that simple. A homeless person’s situation is typically the result of another issue or something that is out of their control. Common reasons that people can no longer afford housing are job loss, lack of affordable housing, rent increases, and fleeing domestic violence. Additionally, issues such as mental illness, addiction, and disability make it difficult or impossible for many homeless people to secure employment or financial stability, at least without assistance.

Fact: Insufficient income and lack of affordable housing are the leading causes of homelessness.

When there isn’t enough housing to go around, the lowest income earners are forced out by people willing to pay more than they can afford. Affordable housing, designed for low-income families, is in short supply, so even if they can afford it there is no guarantee that there will be a place for them to live. According to The National Low Income Housing Coalition, “only 34 affordable and available rental homes exist for every 100 extremely low-income renter households”. That’s a shortage of 7.3 million affordable and available rental homes compared to our nation’s needs.

Fact: For domestic violence survivors, a good choice can lead to homelessness.

Domestic violence survivors must abandon their homes for their own safety and in many situations, the safety of their children. Leaving a domestic violence living situation is the opposite of a bad choice, yet it is a leading cause of homelessness among females. 50% of all homeless females and children are victims of domestic violence who are fleeing their abuser.

Myth #2: People choose to be homeless.

Homelessness is sometimes framed as a lifestyle choice, but this is an ignorant way of looking at things. Being homeless is usually the result of one or more of the issues discussed in this article, rather than a conscious decision. Homelessness is a temporary state for most people, and most would jump at the opportunity to secure affordable housing.

Fact: Only 13.9% of homeless people in the United States are chronically homeless.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines chronic homelessness as four episodes of homelessness amounting to 12 months or more over a 3-year period. If people chose to be homeless this number would be much higher. In fact, chronic homelessness is also rarely a choice but rather the result of an issue that makes it especially difficult for the person to overcome their situation.

Fact: There are 4 types of homelessness, and “intentionally homeless” isn’t one of them.

• Transitional Homelessness is the most common type. It is a result of a catastrophic event or a major life change. Examples of things that could lead to transitional homelessness include divorce, domestic violence, job loss, or health condition.
• Episodic Homelessness is the second most common, it describes people who have periods of homelessness throughout the year. This type is characteristic of many people who have a substance use disorder and those who suffer from mental illness.
• Chronic Homelessness (defined in the previous section) makes up the smallest portion of the homeless population and is still rarely a choice but rather the result of unresolved long-term issues.
• Hidden Homeless is the term for people who live with others temporarily. This population is mainly comprised of youth and young adults, and this is usually a transitional stage.

Myth #3: “They’re homeless because they’re addicts.”

While many homeless people do struggle with substance abuse, this myth is used to blame them for their choices instead of acknowledging that addiction is an illness that requires treatment. Also, we must consider that drug and alcohol abuse is often the result of homelessness rather than the cause. Many homeless people struggle with mental illness, medical conditions, or trauma, and they turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate—this combined with the continuous stress of being homeless can result in severe substance use disorders.

Fact: Most homeless people are not addicts.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 38% of homeless people are dependent on alcohol and 26% abuse other drugs. These numbers are shockingly low considering the stereotypes.

Myth #4: Homeless people are dangerous.

One of the reasons that people tend to ignore, cross streets, and avoid making eye contact with homeless people is the misconception that they are dangerous.

Fact: Homeless people are no more dangerous than the general public.

Aside from violating camping ordinances, housed people are just as likely to commit a crime as homeless individuals.

Fact: A homeless person is far more likely to be the victim of a crime than they are to be a perpetrator.

In a survey-based study, 49% of homeless individuals reported that they have been the victim of a violent attack.

Myth #5: People experience homelessness because they’re lazy.

Some people choose to believe that people are homeless because they don’t want to work—repeatedly asking “why don’t they just get a job?”. The reality is that it’s not that simple and a lot of homeless people do want to find a job. Many people experiencing homelessness struggle to find a job, or a job that pays enough for them to afford housing, due to a lack of education, lack of vocational training, or a criminal record. Additionally, those who suffer from mental illness or addiction will likely have a difficult time securing employment until they receive treatment.

Fact: There are barriers that make it difficult for homeless people to find secure employment.

Homeless people don’t have an address to put on their resume, they may not have access to a computer to search for jobs or a reliable phone number where an employer can reach them. If they don’t have a bank account or an ID this can also raise a red flag to employers and reveal that they are homeless if the job applicant didn’t offer this information. Lastly, it is difficult to attain and maintain employment if you do not have a consistent place to shower or presentable clothing to wear.

Fact: Having a job does not prevent a person from becoming homeless.

A hard-working individual can become homeless for a variety of reasons. Most low-income earners have little savings and many live paycheck-to-paycheck. Barely getting by financially makes them extremely susceptible to homelessness because an expensive medical bill, rent increase, or sudden job loss can leave them unable to pay for housing.

Fact: Many homeless people do have jobs.

Estimates of homeless people that are employed are as high as 44%. Additionally, homeless people often take on non-traditional or temporary jobs to support themselves if they are unable to gain official employment.

Helping the Homeless Starts with Understanding

Debunking these myths about homelessness and developing a well-rounded understanding of the homeless crisis in America is an important step towards ending homelessness. These myths allow people to place the blame on homeless people rather than confronting the widespread issues in America that cause homelessness.

Pinnacle Resource Center Offers a Hand Up to Those in Need

Pinnacle Resource Center helps people overcome poverty and homelessness through comprehensive social assistance. Comprehensive social assistance is the process of analyzing each person’s situation to find the root causes and then forming a plan to help them improve their situation. PRC’s goal is to give people a hand up rather than a handout. A handout is something that will only help in the short term, a hand up is giving someone the tools and resources to help themselves and become independent.

Pinnacle Resource Center has locations in Scott County and Campbell County, TN. We serve people throughout Northeast TN, Southeastern KY, and surrounding areas.

Our work is made possible by donations and volunteers. If you are interested in contributing your time or donating to PRC, click here to learn more.

If you are struggling with homelessness, food insecurity, or a lack of resources, Pinnacle Resource Group can help you get back on your feet. Call (423)663-3333 or visit pinnacleresourcecenter.org to learn about the services and resources PRC has to offer.