When we walk through our city, it’s almost impossible not to notice people living on the streets. Some carry all they have in bags or carts. Some ask for spare change, while others just sit quietly, trying to stay cool out of the torrid sun. For many people, seeing homelessness brings mixed feelings like sadness and confusion. Most of the time, people look away and pretend not to even notice them. But in my opinion, I would say that it’s an issue that we cannot ignore.
Most people think homelessness is something that people bring on themselves. While some people do, that doesn’t mean they don’t want to try and change or better themselves. Many assume that they are lazy and just don’t want to work, but in reality, there are a lot of reasons why homeless people are in the position that they are in. Job loss, raising rent prices, medical emergencies, or even family struggles. Those can leave someone without a place to live. Many homeless people once had a job, a house, and a family; it can happen to anyone.
What bothers me the most is how often they are judged and not helped. People look at them like they are “less than” when in reality, they’re human beings who deserve the same treatment as anyone else. Homelessness does not symbolize failure; it shows that anything can happen to anyone.
So, I believe that the first step is awareness. Schools and communities should educate students about the reality of being homeless, breaking down the stereotypes that surround it. Instead of turning away homeless people, we can set up food donations, clothing drives, and fundraisers to support shelters or even to build more shelters. Volunteering at food banks or outreach programs is another way students can help. Even stopping and sharing a meal, donating a blanket, or acknowledging them instead of ignoring them can make a big difference.
Most importantly, we need to change the way we think homeless people are “less than.” They are members of our community, they are our neighbors, and they are friends who deserve respect and the same opportunities that we would want if we were in their shoes.
At the end of the day, homelessness is everyone’s problem, and ignoring it will not make it go away. Everyone deserves to have a safe space to call home.
