Homeless people are not ones who should be judged, you should open your eyes to see the reason why they may be homeless. Here's what you need to remember.
1. We are one human race.
No matter what religion, gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or sexual orientation that we identify with, we are all humans.
2. Everyone has a story.
You don't know what that person has been through, or where that person came from to end up in these circumstances. We are all just trying to make it through the day, show some compassion.
3. Mental illness.
Not everyone has access to mental healthcare. Many mental health facilities don't accept certain types of insurances, such as Medicaid. As a result, many serious mental illnesses go undiagnosed and untreated. The inability to obtain medication and/or treatment for their mental illness interferes with their ability to function in society. So next time you think "just get a job," consider this.
4. Systematic flaws.
As the availability of psychiatric hospital beds decreases, it becomes more and more difficult for individuals seeking treatment. In addition, mental illnesses are often seen as less important than physical illnesses. For someone wanting to book an appointment with a mental health professional, they may have to wait months before they will finally see someone.
5. Addiction.
Not everyone has the resources and support to get treatment for drug and alcohol abuse. Addiction does not discriminate. Even after receiving previous treatment for addiction, it is extremely difficult to stay sober. Without the right resources and support, recovery is nearly impossible.
6. Safety.
Not everyone comes from a safe and comforting home. Issues such as physical, sexual, and psychological abuse can force individuals and families to leave home abruptly, with nowhere else to go.
7. Isolation.
Some people may be on their own socially, financially, psychologically, and physically. Humans are not meant to go through life alone. A smile, a wave, or even a simple gesture of decreases can go a long way. We all just want to feel like we are not alone.
8. Rejection.
These individuals may have been rejected in their homes or families due to their sexual orientation and gender identity. Although you may come from a supportive family or home, not everyone has a strong support system.
9. Shame.
Imagine the shame that those individuals may feel due to the circumstances that they are decreases. Whether they hear it from the voice inside their head or the people walking past them, they may feel extremely shameful. The indignity of homelessness is real, they too have feelings.
10. Sympathize, empathize.
Imagine what it would be like to be homeless. Imagine it from the other side, the other perspective. Our society has no problem empathizing with those who are long-term hospital patients, but what about those who have been living on the streets long-term?
These are humans, just like you and I. Everyone is fighting battles of their own, so be the light in this world filled with such hatred and darkness. If there is one thing that you take away from this, have it be this: we all have the ability to treat each other with kindness. It's up to you to decide what you want to do with that power.
Character is how you treat those who can do nothing for you.
