Written by Amber Steeneck
Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week is November 12th -20th. During this week, it is essential to dispute common and detrimental myths related to being homeless. The following will list many misconceptions associated with being homeless.
Fact or Fiction?
Myth: Most homeless people are mentally ill.
Fact: Approximately only 1/3 of homeless people have a severe mental illness.
Myth: Most are substance abusers.
Fact: Only about 20-40% of homeless have abused substance before becoming homeless.
Myth: Most are dangerous and violent.
Fact: Homeless people are more likely to be victims of violence than the perpetrators.
Myth: Most are criminals.
Fact: Many homeless people have experienced criminal justice intervention related to daily survival activities such
as loitering or trespassing.
Myth: Most made bad choices that led them to homelessness.
Fact: Many homeless people faced unexpected illness, loss of job, high levels of debt, and sudden death
that took a massive toll on the primary financial provider.
Myth: Most spend money on drugs and alcohol.
Fact: Many people spend money on food, socks, hygiene products, and bottled water.
Myth: If they got a job, they wouldn’t be homeless.
Fact: Many homeless individuals have jobs or some form of government assistance but still cannot to pay rent. Applying for a job is difficult due to a lack of address, clean clothing and more making it harder to be competitive in the low-wage job market.
Homelessness is expected to grow
Post-pandemic, there has been increased inflation causing the prices of necessities to increase,
rent increases, and low housing supply causing an increase in people living on the street.
According to NewsWeek, for every $100 increase in rental prices, there is a 9% increase in
homelessness (Small, 2022). As of August 2022, 5,783 Virginias are unhoused, and there is an active housing shortage in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia.
Ways to help
1. Remember, homeless people deserve respect and ethical treatment, free of judgment.
2. Educate. Make cards with nearby shelters or resources in the nearby community for people
without housing. Educate friends and families about the stigmas associated with being homeless.
3. Donate food, money, time and clothing to local shelters and churches.
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, call us at (757) 253-0111 or visit https://hhweek.org/hunger-and-homelessness/ for additional information.