Reality check on homelessness

The stereotypic viewpoint of the homeless holds them as the failures of capitalism and the "American Dream." However, it takes only a short period of regular interaction with the homeless, some statistics and a little logic to see that the issue is far more complicated than a lack of capitalistic work ethic and ability.

The myth that the homeless are in their situation as a result of laziness is likely borne from simply passing by the homeless and seeing them sitting as you move from activity to activity.

While some may attach such an image of a person relaxing comfortably through the day, sleeping during the day offers certain securities to the homeless not offered by the night. The dangers that exist when renting and home-owning citizens walk at night are nonetheless present for the homeless. Physical harm, rape and theft are always possible. Loss of food and money are specifically significant for the homeless. Thus, in order to ensure their own security and that of their possessions, homeless individuals may sleep through the day and walk around at night.

While both children and adults seem uneasy wandering alone on the streets at night, especially in areas like downtown and on the Ave., the homeless live on the streets where they are regularly susceptible to theft, violence and rape.

In terms of actually working to get out of their state of homelessness, another myth argues that homeless people don't work and get most of their money from public assistance programs. First, a very small percentage of homeless people receive government assistance. Secondly, a 1999 study prepared for the National Coalition for the Homeless revealed 44 percent of those receiving services did some type of paid work during the last 30 days and 65 percent had worked all or most of time since they were 16 years old.

Finding employment to escape a period of homelessness can be especially difficult. Some of the most basic issues homeless people face while looking for work are how to clean themselves and their clothes for a job interview, and print out a resume.

However, the myth that all homeless are mentally ill, alcoholics and/or drug addicts lends to the idea that these persons are less deserving of work. Studies estimate around 22 to 25 percent of homeless people are mentally ill, and about 40 percent are alcohol or substance abusers, with around 15 percent falling into both catagories.

And for those with issues of illness, alcoholism or substance abuse, there is no way of knowing whether these issues were present prior to entering a period of homelessness or simply a product of the harsh life one lives when homeless.

According to a 2001 study by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, "approximately half of all women and children experiencing homelessness in tghe United States are fleeing domestic violence." In 2002, domestic violence programs in Washington had to turn down 32,957 requests for emergency shelter.

Many appear to deeply believe that homelessness is due to personal fault. Others blame outside societal factors as the sole reason for homelessness. Both perspectives must be considered for the diverse homeless population, as change is constant both within an individual and one's societal environment. The focus of such a viewpoint should always be, however, in how it may help contribute to positive social change.

While plans such as Mayor Greg Nickels "10-Year Plan to End Homelessness," are currently being evaluated in Seattle by the Healthy and Safe Communities Panel, a change in the way the public views the homeless is necessary.

Similarly to how many imaginary national borders allow for such division that death to American soldiers is considered more significant than death to soldiers from any other nation, the social borders that divide the homeless from the mainstream United State must be eradicated for any real service to be given toward ending the issue of homelessness.