Veronica Harnesh writes for Vox.com, “I’ve been homeless 3 times. The problem isn’t drugs or mental illness – it’s poverty.”
She expands on several major points in her article:
- “Homelessness is expensive”
- “People think if you’re low-income or homeless, it’s because you’re lazy or uneducated.”
- “Lack of affordable housing is the leading cause of homelessness.”
- “Lack of a living wage means you won’t be able to afford housing.”
- “Even if you do have a job and savings, landlords can make it impossible for you to get a lease.”
- “Politicians won’t help.”
- “Living with a roommate is the fastest but most problematic way out of homelessness.”
- “People who are uncomfortable with homelessness in their communities want you to be invisible – and the penalties are stiff if you aren’t.”
Take the time to read this article from someone who has been there and continues to help those still there. It’s eye-opening.
Taking the “their lazy bums/mentally ill/drug addicts” route doesn’t solve the problem. Understanding the problem is necessary first, even if it makes you uncomfortable.