Seeing Humans Beyond Harmful Stereotypes

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A lot of our perception of the homeless that we currently have has been propagandized or semi unrealistic notions. I'm sure we've all been told at one point in our lives when coming to portland “Portland is dangerous” “the homeless are dangerous” "you'll get drugged and robbed” A lot of these talking points have been exaggerated to sell a news story , although while these things are said with an intent to keep you safe; it instead causes more fear and and stigmas against homeless people. 


These assumptions have caused people to be less willing to help a homeless person on the street or consider making a small donation to a charity or facility. Oregon as well has a problem with upkeeping shelters and facilities open for longer than a year and with significant cuts and reductions many people never end up back on their feet. In particular the Portland metro area is going through a significant job crisis that is impacting hundreds of Portland residents and according to the Oregon state employment department Oregon's unemployment rate hasn't changed in months hovering between 5 and 5.3% for the past 18 months. Because of recent layoffs Oregonians are having harder times finding work and some becoming homeless in the process. 


Many people believe homelessness is a personal issue caused by one's own choices, stemming from laziness or poor judgement, when in reality this is not the case many people end up on the streets because of lack of community and social support from the city.  One can make poor choices but that should not bar them from basic human respect and recovery opportunities. We should not keep contributing to the dehumanization of the homeless population as eventually that will lead to the dehumanization of ourselves. We should  instead strive to be more open minded to the unfortunate circumstances that people may face. Many homeless individuals were once everyday people like us.


We should treat them with compassion and respect just as we would with any regular person we come across. Obviously the case is different in the case of someone who is erratic or in mental distress. But other than that we can hear the stories of individuals  and offer help in any possible way we can instead of casting rash unjust judgment on an individual.  we are not much different than they are, we are closer to being homeless ourselves than ever being rich. 



Click here for more:


https://www.opb.org/article/2026/09/18/portland-largest-overnight-homeless-shelter-closes/


https://blanchethouse.org/get-involved/


https://www.portland2046.com/

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