This article is written to an audience with no prior knowledge of the misconceptions around homelessness and those living in unstable living conditions, as we believe this is the best way to address the common stereotypes in an all-inclusive way. We realize many of you may already carry an understanding of the following information. Regardless, feel free to use this for reflection 🙂
Take a moment to think back to a time when you found yourself on a street downtown alongside some of the city’s vulnerable population.
It may have been a person sitting on a flattened cardboard box with nothing but a blanket. You may have been asked for spare change, or the person may have said nothing to you at all.
How did this experience make you feel?
Did you look the other way, hoping they wouldn’t say another word to you?
Did you quicken your pace to relieve yourself from feeling any further discomfort?
Maybe you were with a group of friends and saw a person on the street talking gibberish at a lamppost, and laughed. When in all realness this person was experiencing an episode of schizophrenic delusions.Â
These possible reactions and perceptions toward homelessness and mental illness are not out of the ordinary. Most of the time a person’s intention isn’t out of spite. Instead, these reactions are out of fear or discomfort over something not fully understood. This misunderstanding is built over years of societal misconceptions.Â
WHERE THE MISCONCEPTIONS START
There are a few different pieces that come into play here.
Our socialization develops our perception of what we consider normal and anything outside of this norm floods us with discomfort. Fear replaces acceptance, and ignorance feels easier. This lack of acceptance infiltrates the workplace, much like the school system. Many of us learn from a young age that doing well in school translates to our success in life. What about those who never had a chance in school due to disability, traumatic experience, and/or mental illness?
How are they going to have a solid chance at life if they were never given the proper resources to take care of their health in the first place?Â
With all of this in mind, let’s cover the common misconceptions surrounding homelessness and those living in unstable living conditions.
MYTH 1: INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS ARE ALL ADDICTS
The sad truth of it is that not all people are given an equal start in life. Abuse and trauma are present in many of these men and women. Often childhood abuse — physical, sexual and verbal — or prenatal (ie. fetal alcohol syndrome, etc.). Trauma and addiction go hand in hand. For those facing opioid addiction, there is a lot of fear and pressure from those providing the drugs.
MYTH 2: INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS ARE ALL CRIMINALS
A small percentage of the vulnerable population are criminals. This small percentage develops a stereotype, shining a poor light on the rest of the population. Most of the crimes circulate around drugs: theft to pay for drugs, petty vandalism because of drug use, threats (because you owe someone money or you suspect they slandered you – called you a goof, etc.), mischief, dealing and holding (holding drugs and/or weapons for someone because you owe them money or you’re being threatened with violence, or you’re being paid). Again, there is a lot of fear and vulnerability here. It is a lifestyle that is not easy to escape from a lot of outside pressures.
MYTH 3: INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS ARE LAZY
In many cases, if a physical disability isn’t a factor, mental health is, and can be just as disabling. Mental health issues are an ongoing challenge for these individuals, making it very difficult, if not impossible, for them to find a stable job and a better life.
The resources needed to support them are very much lacking. As a result, individuals are not diagnosed, misdiagnosed, or choose not to take their medication (they do not like the way it makes them feel)
Another common reason people find themselves living in unstable living conditions is workplace accidents. Unfortunately, EI and income assistance are not enough to cover realistic rent costs in in our city, and there are not enough government subsidized housing options for those who are struggling.Â
In recent years, a UBC study showed one in four people homeless or in unstable housing conditions face moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and over half of the population experience TBI. The study also found that “the lifetime prevalence of moderate or severe TBI in this population could be nearly 10 times higher than estimates in the general population.” This sets the stage for a lot of frustration and anger, suicide risk, slower thought processes, and poorer physical and mental health.Â
Community programs like Our WorkPlace, operated by Our Place Society, work with employers to help individuals who are trying to find financial stability despite their physical and/or mental disabilities. These individuals need a lot of help with employment, which leaves only a small percent capable of working.
Our Place Society has grown from a unique inner-city community centre to nine locations serving Greater Victoria’s most vulnerable, including people struggling with homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use issues, the working poor, and impoverished elderly. Individuals and businesses provide 50% of the financial support for its programs and services. Our Place provides over 1,000 meals every day plus snacks, 400 units of housing plus transitional shelter spaces, hot showers, education, job skills, health care, addiction recovery services, donated clothing, counseling and outreach services, and a 60-bin storage facility. Most importantly, Our Place provides a sense of hope and belonging to our neighbours in need.
If you want to support, we encourage you to click the link below.
References:
Stubbs, Jacob L, et al. “Traumatic Brain Injury in Homeless and Marginally Housed Individuals: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Lancet Public Health 2020, Elsevier Ltd., 18 Dec. 2019, www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lanpub/PIIS2468-2667(19)30188-4.pdf.
Grant McKenzie – Director of Communications, Our Place Society.