Homeless don't choose to be homeless

Homeless don’t choose to be homeless
This past week I’ve heard the phrase several times: “the homeless want to be homeless”, in ‘that’ tone, often accompanied by a knowing nod and raised eyebrows. Usually from people who don’t know anyone who actually has ever been homeless (at least, to their knowledge). I think that what I object to the most about that is the subtle inference that losing your home is equivalent to losing your right to some dignity and self respect.

There are so many reasons for homelessness, and so many situations, it’s impossible to generalize in that way! People’s homeless experience may see them sofa-surfing, staying with friends and family because they can’t find a place. They may sleep in a vehicle. They may find their way to temporary housing, a Shelter. They may find themselves absolutely homeless, and seek a safe place to sleep.

They may be homeless for just a few nights as they wait for a job or an opportunity. Or they may be homeless for a longer period. Studies show that if even the most educated and bright people are absolutely homeless for six months or more, their thought processes go into survival mode from necessity, and it becomes more difficult for them to access housing.

And the reasons for homelessness range from being between jobs, to suffering the effects of a difficult post-divorce experience. Ill-health (physical and/or mental) and addiction may play a part. Sometimes lack of education plays a part, sometimes unfortunate choices.

Yes, there are (national stats) 3% of the population who choose to live outside of housing. But the vast majority want a roof, food, and a friend.

Homelessness is a temporary condition suffered by worthy individuals, many of whom need some help to get their lives back.

I was reading about some celebrities who have been homeless, and that the reasons with them varied greatly. More information can be found at http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/lists/homeless.html.

They went on to make this list:
Nobel Prize Winners: 1
Nobel Prize Nominees: 2 (includes above)
Oscar Winners: 6
Oscar Nominees: 10 (includes above)
Emmy Award Winners: 8
Emmy Award Nominees: 11 (includes above)
Grammy Award Winners: 9
Grammy Award Nominees: 13 (includes above)
Best-Selling Authors: 7
Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients (U.S.'s highest civilian honor): 1
Knighthoods: 1