When homelessness in the United States is discussed, the 2008 mortgage crisis, or recession, is usually the first thing that comes to mind. Although this exacerbated the issue, there are several other factors that have caused homelessness to exist, dating all the way back to the 17th century. In the beginning, the homeless were seen as deserving of their plight, particularly during times of great religiosity, as it was widely believed that their lifestyle was somehow deserved or “meant to be” by the word of higher powers. As time has gone on, new factors such as mental illness, wars, institutionalized racism, and recessions have greatly increased the homeless population and the cycle of poverty.

As medical research has advanced, we have learned more about homelessness and why it occurs, either temporarily or permanently. Homelessness is now divided into two categories, chronic and non-chronic. Chronic homelessness occurs as a result of mental illness, or inability to function in society healthily. Chronic homelessness also includes those addicted to drugs, as addiction creates a cycle that can be nearly impossible to get out of, especially when you do not have a roof over your head or a support system. Non-chronic homelessness is a result of external factors, most notably, recessions and wealth disparity. Most families who are homeless are considered non-chronic, as most of them lost their homes during the 2008 recession.

If you have meandered through any city in the United States, or around the globe for that matter, you have seen homelessness. The presence of the homeless is often met with cognitive dissonance, although we hate to admit it. Even the kindest, most empathetic individuals have been guilty of avoiding eye contact with a group of homeless individuals, especially in the case that they have nothing to give, but this social stigma needs to be addressed.

As I have briefly explained, homelessness is not merely a result of mental illness, but several other factors. Homeless people, whether mentally ill or not, are human beings who deserve respect and compassion. The most notable mental illness among the homeless is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, likely resulting from them fighting in the war in order to protect the country we all inhabit. The stigma of mental illness as a danger also needs to be addressed. Mental illness, like any debilitating situation, should be met with compassion and empathy, not fear and guilt. I, myself, have a difficult time interacting with homeless people because of the immense guilt I feel when I can physically do nothing for them. But do not let your lack of material wealth to distribute keep you from interacting with the homeless; they are human beings like you and me, with dreams, ideals, and loved ones. I encourage you to interact with homeless individuals in ways beyond handing them food or money. Sit down and talk to them, show them compassion and listen to their story. It seems small, and it may not feel like you are making a real difference, but you are.

Currently, in our country, the homeless are being mistreated at a federal level. They are criminalized, relocated, and made even less comfortable in order to discourage them from being on the streets. But with most cities across the U.S. providing little to no accommodation to the homeless, the problem can only get worse and become more of a cycle in families. There are far more uninhabited homes in the United States than homeless individuals. If we want to create real change, we should be turning these uninhabited homes into halfway houses, family refuge centers, etc. in order to create infrastructure to help these individuals to lead better lives.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." —Martin Luther King Jr.

Also, check out this VICE documentary about a few homeless people who are attempting to sue the city of Boise for cruel and unusual punishment towards the homeless.