When it comes to homelessness, society often stereotypes the causes of a person becoming homeless. Comments towards homeless individuals may include a person who is: lazy, unwilling to work, drug dependent, alcoholics, panhandlers, and other negative comments.
While this may be true for some individuals, it does not apply to all. The lack of awareness that homelessness is a social problem and that at any time someone can become homeless due to their circumstances, prevents society members from empathizing with those in need.
Examples of Chronic Homelessness
Unaccompanied Youth
Youth who are not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian and experiencing homelessness.
Parolee
A person who has been released from prison or parole with not place to go and at times are unemployable.
Mental Illness
Lack of treatment or no vacancy at treatment facilities, are factors that contribute to the increase in homelessness for the mentally ill.
Family Dysfunction
Individuals May ostracize family members who abuse drugs, have financial constraints, sexual orientation, different belief systems and tribal conflicts.
Wandering Veterans
The VA’s definition of homeless veterans
Homeless Elderly
Retired and on a fixed income, lacking family and caregiver support, loss in cognitive functioning, physical ailments that hinder daily functioning
Drug Dependency
Individuals who use drugs and or alcohol, may engage in behaviors that hinder their livelihood, are enable to function normally in society and at times may become homeless