For many people across the world, the arrival of COVID-19 has brought with it a great deal of uncertainty and fear. With a majority of businesses forced to shut-down, job security and financial stability are especially fraught. So many Americans have been forced into unemployment and now fear the loss of their homes. For the world’s homeless population, the already seemingly impossible job search now seems insurmountable.
A common critique of homeless individuals is that the primary reason for their homelessness is laziness. In reality, there are numerous roadblocks (especially in this time affected by COVID-19) preventing them from securing employment and/or housing.
Prejudice against homeless people creates a huge barrier in their job search. The unfortunate reality is that many employers won’t even consider hiring a homeless person. Seemingly “basic” commonalities within the work force like the possession of a phone, an address, or cleanliness aren’t so simple for the world’s homeless population. On top of that, prevailing misconceptions, like assumptions that all homeless individuals are drug addicts, casts even greater doubt. For many, even if their only crime is their lack of home, a criminal record further pushes employers away.
Even if a homeless individual is able to secure work, they still must fight against America's lack of affordable housing. According to Chaas Toborg of KSBY news, “more than one-quarter of renters pay their landlords at least half their monthly income [...] [and] 75% of them can’t afford other bills after they pay rent.” Even with work, people can still lose their homes or become unable to afford housing.
While the assumption that homeless people are lazy drug addicts is common, many people are forced onto the streets at no fault of their own. For victims of domestic abuse, living on the streets may be much safer than living with an abusive relative or partner. For homeless youths, turbulent familial dynamics can force them out of their homes. In particular, many LGBTQ kids end up without a place to stay due to intolerant parental figures.
Homelessness is not always as cut and dry as it may initially seem. It is important to consider these factors, especially during a time when simply being outside can be a huge risk to someone’s health. According to the CDC, “because many people who are homeless are older adults or have underlying medical conditions, they may also be at higher risk for severe disease than the general population.” During this uncertain and scary time, efforts like the Transition Projects have become more invaluable than ever.
Post By: Natalie Eng
Sources:
https://wjbq.com/see-the-quiet-streets-of-downtown-portland-in-a-covid-19-world/
https://www.ksby.com/news/national-politics/the-race-2020/when-it-comes-to-homelessness-in-america-there-is-no-single-cause
https://www.usnews.com/news/cities/articles/2019-09-23/10-facts-about-homelessness-in-america
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/homeless-shelters/faqs.html
https://backpacksforthestreet.org/why-dont-homeless-people-just-get-jobs/
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