Frequently Asked Questions about Homelessness

What drives people to homelessness?

There are a variety of reasons. Loss of job, marital breakup, drug and alcohol addiction, and mental/emotional health problems are the most common causes.

Once people are on the street, they are more likely to experience mental health issues, according to Elizbeth Votta, author of a recent report on homelessness and mental health for the Canadian Institute of Health Information.

Among homeless youth, an enormous proportion report physical, sexual or emotional abuse in the homes they have run from.

Why don’t they just get a job?

Once on the street, there are various impediments to regaining employment for those who would otherwise be able. Homeless people have feelings of reduced self-worth compared to the rest of the population. Also, the longer someone is on the street, the more likely they are to suffer with mental health issues.

There are also practical concerns — no contact address or phone, no place to put clothing for work, no place to clean up for work, no way of getting adequate rest for work.

For those who become homeless for reasons of addiction, or emotional/mental health issues, there is the challenge of treating these problems in an environment that lacks the security, stability, consistency and support required for effective treatment.

In addition, many come to the streets from a young age, after leaving homes devoid of protection, affection, healthy expectation, structure, and mentorship. People in this situation often lack the emotional and social tools to procure and maintain competitive employment.

I have had to overcome many obstacles, but I am successful — why can’t they do the same?

That is truly wonderful for you. The fact is, though, that nobody really knows how it is for anyone else. Those who have overcome dire circumstances to become successful were able to find something to cling to that allowed them to escape and transcend their environment.

Although clinging to that thing’ would have required choice, the existence of that thing’, the ability to recognize that thing’, the possession of the strength required to cling to that thing’, and the existence of opposing forces that weren’t up to the task of destroying that thing’, is not a choice.

Success requires ability, and an environment that, at minimum, allows this ability to exist. Some may be born with more innate intelligence, but if an environment is severe enough, no amount of intelligence with overcome it. Nobody chooses their innate ability or disability, and nobody chooses their formative environment- it is complete luck.

I don’t like giving change to homeless people in case they use it for drugs or alcohol.

It is important to do what makes you feel comfortable. Before deciding, consider that, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 50% of the American population has tried illicit drugs. 46.6% of the population are current alcohol drinkers, according to the 2000 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse. What makes it okay for half of the competitively employed population to indulge in drinking or drugs, but not okay for those who cannot work?

Another thing to consider is that those who have serious addictions are going to need to get a fix. They will need to get money for that somehow. The need for money doesn’t go away if nobody gives. Some addicts will resort to petty crime or prostitution when things get too desperate. The money you give this person may represent money that doesn’t need to come from victimizing themselves or someone else.