Myths about Homelessness

Photo by Steve Knutson on Unsplash

What do you think about when you heard the word homeless? You may think of tents, cardboard signs, addiction, sickness, shelters, hunger, cold, helpless, dirty, vulnerable, and likely many other words. But, what if your impression of homelessness was skewed?

Here are a few myths of homelessness that people all too easily believe.

Myth: Homeless people are addicts.

Truth: Only a portion of homeless people actually struggle with substance abuse. According to SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), only one third of the homeless population struggle with substance abuse. https://www.vox.com/2015/1/15/7552441/homeless-facts-myths


Myth: Homeless people have mental illnesses.

Truth: Mental illness is definitely higher in the homeless population – about 1 in 4 homeless people struggle with severe mental illness. This statistic only reflects those living in shelters, not to mention those who are still living on the streets. While mental illness is prevalent, it is not the main cause of homelessness. Unaffordable housing, unemployment, and poverty are the top three causes of homelessness. (http://www.usmayors.org/pressreleases/uploads/2014/1211-report-hh.pdf)


Myth: If homeless people get a job, they will no longer have to be houseless.

Truth: While getting a job may certainly help someone’s situation, housing prices are so expensive that even when working full time at a minimum wage job, someone could still not afford to rent or purchase a housing unit for themselves. The National Low income Housing Coalition found that someone would have to work between 69-174 hours a week to pay for an affordable two bedroom rental unit as the federal government defines “affordable” as 30 percent of a person’s income. “A full-time minimum wage worker couldn't afford a one- or two-bedroom apartment at Fair Market Rent, a standard set by the federal government, in any state.” (https://www.vox.com/2015/1/15/7552441/homeless-facts-myths) Many homeless people do some paid work, but not enough to help remove them from their situation. Lack of permanent address, access to showers, and transportation also make it difficult to maintain regular work. (https://www.homelesshub.ca/about-homelessness/homelessness-101/myths-and-questions-about-homelessness)

For more information on other myths and facts, visit:

https://www.homelesshub.ca/about-homelessness/homelessness-101/myths-and-questions-about-homelessness

https://www.vox.com/2015/1/15/7552441/homeless-facts-myths