Does The Homeless Enjoy Being Homeless?

 

Photo Credit: Chris Pietsch (University of Oregon SOJC)

Homelessness is talked about throughout the United States and you can say that it is one of the biggest problems the country has. If it is, then why have the numbers not decreased? There are shelters that can take them in and also programs that can help the homeless get back on their feet, but it seems that even these aren't solving the problem. 

Most of the time, people who become homeless, find it miserable and exhausting. They don't sleep in good conditions, showers are very limited, and being able to eat seems to be a commodity. They are shunned from the community to the point where they are kicked out in almost every spot of the world. So why is it that there are still many people that are homeless and stay homeless for a while, or even forever? 

Homelessness and Jobs Don't Go Together

People experiencing homelessness don't have the necessities to apply for a job since they might not have a clean pair of clothing or hygienic items to make themselves look nice for the interview. Some are lucky to be living in cars that can help get them to work, but even that could have its limits. Having a cellphone is also a large part about getting a job since employers may need to call you for a quick interview or send you emails about the job, but most homeless people will not be able to have that. 

For those who became homeless while having a job are also likely to lose their jobs. During an interview on NPR, Ari Shapiro (host) talks to David Pirtle about how he ended up homeless. 

 

"Well, I became homeless in 2004 as a result of schizophrenia, untreated schizophrenia. It caused me to lose my job, and I wound up on the street" said David. 

Untreated mental illness is a factor from homelessness that can prevent someone from keeping their job (8). David was unable to work due to his mental illness which affected his memory and thinking, exposed his paranoia of working with people, and fear of finding help. Severe cases like David's, prevent  many homeless people from not only finding a job, but even keeping one. 

The Thing About Homeless Shelters

Though there is shelters, there may not be enough of it. This makes it harder for those to find resources to get them on their feet or help them through challenging times. However, making more of these shelters is not easy as many people do not want to spend their tax money on building these shelters as they think it is a waste. But are they? Although a shelter may sound nice, there are some homeless that will refuse living in these places. 

In the NPR interview, David states that he heard that the shelters were a dangerous place as there full of drug dealers, thieves, and bedbugs and body lice. This is due to the amount of homeless people that are gathered in one area which could actually a horrible place to live in. 

 

Most individuals dislike shelters due to its strict rules when staying there (3). For example, they are required to be back at the shelter by a set time with no exceptions, for the whole week. They are also required to be asleep during a certain time as well. From reading this, you might find this rule very offensive as an adult, which is what many of the homeless feel. This could also affect those who are working a night shift which makes the statement about jobs and homelessness not working well with each other.

 

These shelters sort of become a temporary home as many would regain housing soon. 

 

 

Photo Credit: Genoro Molina (Los Angeles Times)

Why Is There People Who Like This Life?

Though the experience of being homeless may look bad, there are those who think that it is the opposite.

Being homeless allows someone to be free of expenses such as rent, paying for food, and even allows someone to not work. Some say this is a great time to pursue personal goals, relax and think about life (2). While being homeless means that they don't have a house, it doesn't mean they aren't working, which goes against everything you have read, but there are people who live in their cars and are still employed, whether that is self-employed or working for an employer. This gives them enough money to shower in gyms, purchase clothes, and have other necessities to continue this lifestyle. 

 

As to why some homeless choose to remain homeless is because of not wanting to pay rent. In places like the metro area of Oregon, where rent is high, is pushing people to the brink of homelessness. According to HereTogether, 58% of Americans are not able to come up with $400 in an emergency situation which tells you how much rent is nowadays. Most of the people who are most likely to experience this situation are seniors, children, college students, veterans, and people with a disability and mental health condition. 

In Oregon, it was ranked #1 for homeless students with 22,500 students not having a stable home in 2017-18. Because of rising rents, lack of houses available at a decent price, and the amount of people staying in an area causes thousands of people to experience homelessness and housing insecurity. 

There are many reasons as to why there is a lot of people experiencing homelessness and why the numbers haven't been changing. It may be because of their job situation, it may be because there is a lack of proper help from these shelters, or it may be because they chose to become homeless to escape the American dream.

 

Photo Credit: Julie Mana-ay Perez (Bakersfield)

For more information and references:

 

Cassaday, Kyle J. “Why the Homeless Stay Homeless - 11 Significant Reasons.” CAUF Society, 5 Jan. 2024, caufsociety.com/why-do-the-homeless-stay-homeless/.

 

“Learn More:” HereTogether Oregon, 2023, heretogetheroregon.org/understanding-homelessness/. 

 

Shapiro, Ari. “Why Some Homeless Choose the Streets over Shelters.” NPR, NPR, 6 Dec. 2012, www.npr.org/2012/12/06/166666265/why-some-homeless-choose-the-streets-over-shelters.