What's it like?
“People assume if you’re homeless
all you have to worry about is a place to sleep and food
but that’s not true.”
There’s more to homelessness than worrying about where to stay, when the next meal is, and what to do next. Here's an invitation to explore how homeless people are treated, what the living conditions are like, what they’re constantly thinking about, their health status, and other challenges they may have being homeless.
How do others treat the homeless?
Source: heraldextra.com
Think about how you treat the homeless. Do you pretend that they don’t exist or think that they should be doing something more useful? Do you tell homeless people that you don’t have any money when you really do? Do you feel threatened by homeless people who come up to you and ask you for money? Do you think that they’ll rob or hurt you if you don’t hand over some money or other possessions? Do you think that they’re going to use your money for food, transportation, or some other necessity? Or do you really think they’re going to buy booze, cigarettes, or drugs? These are just some of the negative thoughts that some people may have about homeless people. Such thoughts create false assumptions of these sometimes innocent people who really need help. People don’t realize that these assumptions exclude the homeless from society, making them nothing --invisible and hopeless. Many homeless people feel embarrassed about their state of living. They’re aware that others may view them as lowly and worthless. Imagine yourself as the person who quoted this:
There’[re] so many stresses. People assume if you’re homeless all you have to worry about is a place to sleep and
food but that’s not true. You have to worry about clothing. Once you’re kicked out you basically only have what’s
on your back and what you can hold in a bag. There’s no laundry. After a week or two you reek. Trying to walk
around or get on a bus, I worry that people move away because I smell. I’m so embarrassed. Eventually you get
to the point that you feel so filthy in your own clothing that you want to crawl out of your skin (Winnipeg
Street Health Report 16).
food but that’s not true. You have to worry about clothing. Once you’re kicked out you basically only have what’s
on your back and what you can hold in a bag. There’s no laundry. After a week or two you reek. Trying to walk
around or get on a bus, I worry that people move away because I smell. I’m so embarrassed. Eventually you get
to the point that you feel so filthy in your own clothing that you want to crawl out of your skin (Winnipeg
Street Health Report 16).
What are living conditions like?
It’s important to take into consideration what situation the homeless were in before they became homeless. Some may have been living with family or someone they knew (also called “doubling up”). According to the State of Homelessness report, “1 in 12 who ‘doubled-up’ experience homelessness” and “doubled-up people have an elevated risk of experiencing homelessness.” Others may also have been discharged from prison (roughly 1 in 13), aged out of foster care (an estimated 1 in 11), or other reasons giving them no place to go (Witte).
Shelters
Shelters can provide a temporary stay for some who have nowhere to go. In Salt Lake City, The Road Home provides two shelters for those in need of a place to stay any time of the year. They claim that they do not turn anyone away and also provide a winter shelter during the cold seasons (Shelter). Some shelters will also provide meals, items, and/or tokens to trade for goods such as clothing or a bus ride. Guests may have different experiences during their stay, including others asking for money or even stealing belongings that are not guarded. Meals are at set times and guests may be expected to be gone throughout the day, ideally looking for a job. Shelters can be packed and people sometimes trade goods or favors to fill their needs. Sleeping peacefully can be difficult if there are disturbances in shared rooms (Johnson). Sometimes there are fights, pest infestations, discrimination, or even negative treatment from staff members (Winnipeg Street Health Report). Because things don’t always go as planned, sometimes guests may have to stay longer than expected and it’s possible that as time passes the individual can experience depression and a decline in health (What Is It like to Be Homeless?). Fortunately in Utah, 63% of the homeless population does not remain chronically homeless. Over half of homeless Utahns only remain in shelters for a short amount of time (Fourth Street Clinic). This is good news because according to the Winnipeg Street Health Report, 30% of respondents reported that
they did not feel safe in shelters. Shelters do however provide more protection than “rough sleeping” or sleeping outside.
It’s important to take into consideration what situation the homeless were in before they became homeless. Some may have been living with family or someone they knew (also called “doubling up”). According to the State of Homelessness report, “1 in 12 who ‘doubled-up’ experience homelessness” and “doubled-up people have an elevated risk of experiencing homelessness.” Others may also have been discharged from prison (roughly 1 in 13), aged out of foster care (an estimated 1 in 11), or other reasons giving them no place to go (Witte).
Shelters
Shelters can provide a temporary stay for some who have nowhere to go. In Salt Lake City, The Road Home provides two shelters for those in need of a place to stay any time of the year. They claim that they do not turn anyone away and also provide a winter shelter during the cold seasons (Shelter). Some shelters will also provide meals, items, and/or tokens to trade for goods such as clothing or a bus ride. Guests may have different experiences during their stay, including others asking for money or even stealing belongings that are not guarded. Meals are at set times and guests may be expected to be gone throughout the day, ideally looking for a job. Shelters can be packed and people sometimes trade goods or favors to fill their needs. Sleeping peacefully can be difficult if there are disturbances in shared rooms (Johnson). Sometimes there are fights, pest infestations, discrimination, or even negative treatment from staff members (Winnipeg Street Health Report). Because things don’t always go as planned, sometimes guests may have to stay longer than expected and it’s possible that as time passes the individual can experience depression and a decline in health (What Is It like to Be Homeless?). Fortunately in Utah, 63% of the homeless population does not remain chronically homeless. Over half of homeless Utahns only remain in shelters for a short amount of time (Fourth Street Clinic). This is good news because according to the Winnipeg Street Health Report, 30% of respondents reported that
they did not feel safe in shelters. Shelters do however provide more protection than “rough sleeping” or sleeping outside.
Rough Sleeping
Source: www.communitycare.co.uk
Rough sleeping can be a traumatizing experience because there is no protection from dangers that lurk while the person is asleep. These sleepers can be “attacked, abused, robbed, or moved on.” Many also have felt threatened by even the general public and harassment from police who unfairly search and arrest them. Other factors also take a toll on the health of the homeless who sleep on the streets, such as disruptive sleep from the weather, hunger, and fear. Rough sleeping also means no showers, washers, or other basic personal care facilities, which contributes to poor health. The risk of substance use or abuse is also higher when paired with street living (England Shelter). Lastly, statistics have claimed that rough sleepers are 35 times more likely to commit suicide than the general population (Rough Sleeping).
"Rough sleepers are 35 times more likely to
commit suicide than the general population."
Fig. 3. Source: National Health Care for the Homeless Council
What is the health status of homeless?
Many homeless people experience stress and disease that result from the effects of homelessness. Mental illnesses are common among the homeless and mental health is a concern. The homeless face anxiety, depression, hallucinations, bouts of suicide, and problems with memory, concentration, and comprehension (Winnipeg Street Health Report). Many are sick and cannot afford to seek medical care so they often ignore the problems, which develop into even worse conditions. Oral health is also poor in most of the homeless population (Winnipeg Street Health Report). The homeless are also a high-risk population for tuberculosis (TB) due to living conditions that increase the contraction of this disease, “including substance abuse, HIV infection, and residence in crowded shelters (Center for Disease Control and Prevention).” Figure 3 compares the health status between the homeless and non-homeless.
Since 1988, the Fourth Street Clinic has provided health care for the homeless in Salt Lake City. At this specialty clinic, hours are generally reasonable (most days open at eight in the morning and close up to seven at night), a pharmacy is available, and there is even a walk-in clinic for those as young as 13. The downfall seems to be that there is only one location, meaning that lines can be long or receiving care can take more time. The clinic is also closed on certain holidays; however, this clinic offers a wide range of care for their patients. Patients can receive primary care, behavioral health care, medications, and even more specific care for other needs such as dermatology, physical therapy, and others. The Fourth Street Clinic accepts insurance, but does not require it for their services. New patients can simply make a call for an appointment or walk in to screen for eligibility and future appointments (Fourth Street Clinic). It’s important to acknowledge these generous services; however, we are reminded by the National Health Care for the Homeless Council that “no amount of health care can substitute for stable housing”.
Are there other challenges?
Obtaining and keeping a job while homeless is harder than you may think. Many homeless people can’t afford or keep up with the proper attire for their jobs because of cost or lack of resources to care for the clothing. Transportation can be another factor, especially when individuals are staying far from their workplace or have other circumstances that delay traveling time. Disabilities can be a challenge for many reasons. Being pregnant or having children or other family members to care for also adds to the challenges of trying to get out of
homelessness.
Many homeless people experience stress and disease that result from the effects of homelessness. Mental illnesses are common among the homeless and mental health is a concern. The homeless face anxiety, depression, hallucinations, bouts of suicide, and problems with memory, concentration, and comprehension (Winnipeg Street Health Report). Many are sick and cannot afford to seek medical care so they often ignore the problems, which develop into even worse conditions. Oral health is also poor in most of the homeless population (Winnipeg Street Health Report). The homeless are also a high-risk population for tuberculosis (TB) due to living conditions that increase the contraction of this disease, “including substance abuse, HIV infection, and residence in crowded shelters (Center for Disease Control and Prevention).” Figure 3 compares the health status between the homeless and non-homeless.
Since 1988, the Fourth Street Clinic has provided health care for the homeless in Salt Lake City. At this specialty clinic, hours are generally reasonable (most days open at eight in the morning and close up to seven at night), a pharmacy is available, and there is even a walk-in clinic for those as young as 13. The downfall seems to be that there is only one location, meaning that lines can be long or receiving care can take more time. The clinic is also closed on certain holidays; however, this clinic offers a wide range of care for their patients. Patients can receive primary care, behavioral health care, medications, and even more specific care for other needs such as dermatology, physical therapy, and others. The Fourth Street Clinic accepts insurance, but does not require it for their services. New patients can simply make a call for an appointment or walk in to screen for eligibility and future appointments (Fourth Street Clinic). It’s important to acknowledge these generous services; however, we are reminded by the National Health Care for the Homeless Council that “no amount of health care can substitute for stable housing”.
Are there other challenges?
Obtaining and keeping a job while homeless is harder than you may think. Many homeless people can’t afford or keep up with the proper attire for their jobs because of cost or lack of resources to care for the clothing. Transportation can be another factor, especially when individuals are staying far from their workplace or have other circumstances that delay traveling time. Disabilities can be a challenge for many reasons. Being pregnant or having children or other family members to care for also adds to the challenges of trying to get out of
homelessness.