Life on the Street: Sheltered by Culture
You see, when you’re homeless, you’re invisible. People don’t want to see you because when they see you it’s very hard for them to just ignore you, to just pretend that you’re not there.
~John S., a homeless man
Homeless culture is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. It is shaped by a variety of factors, including individual experiences, socioeconomic conditions, and the broader social and political context.
For most of us, homelessness is unimaginable. We take for granted that we’ll be able to meet our daily needs of safety, food, shelter, and companionship without facing incredible obstacles. But every day, thousands of people awake in every region of the world and build their lives despite the challenges of living without shelter or a regular address.
There is no “average” life of a person experiencing homelessness. Life on the street is as varied and complex as life anywhere, and an individual’s experience of homelessness can be a product of their age, health, Relationships, Employment status, and many other factors. You may be surprised to learn that the homeless culture reflects:
- A strong sense of community and mutual support. Homeless people often form close bonds with each other, sharing resources and providing emotional support.
- A shared set of norms and values. Homeless people develop their own unique ways of coping with the challenges of living on the streets. These coping mechanisms can include things like developing a strong sense of independence, learning to trust others, and developing a sense of humor.
- A unique language and slang. Homeless people often develop their own unique language and slang, which can be used to communicate with other homeless people and to express their experiences.
Homeless culture can be a source of strength and resilience for homeless people. It can help them to cope with the challenges of living on the streets and to maintain a sense of hope for the future. However, homeless culture can also be a barrier to getting help. Homeless people may be reluctant to seek help from mainstream institutions because they fear being stigmatized or discriminated against.
It is important to remember that the homeless culture is not monolithic. There is a great deal of diversity within the homeless population, and homeless people come from all walks of life. Homeless culture is a complex and ever-evolving phenomenon that is shaped by a variety of factors.
Here are some additional insights into the homeless culture:
- Homeless people are not a monolithic group. They come from all walks of life and have a wide range of experiences.
- Homelessness is not a choice. It is the result of a complex set of factors, including poverty, mental illness, addiction, and domestic violence.
- Homeless people are often stigmatized and discriminated against. This can make it difficult for them to get the help they need.
- There are many things that can be done to help homeless people. These include providing affordable housing, access to healthcare, and job training.
There are a wide range of reasons and situations that force a person to homelessness. But one thing is for sure, most of them didn’t choose that life. They’re mostly just victims of circumstances beyond their control. Sometimes, all they need is someone to empathize with them and a chance to redeem themselves. It’s time for us all to come together to “debunk the myths” about the homeless so we can change the narrative “for good” ….
It’s time for real stories to be told by the unsheltered and by those who can speak about and for them so we can debunk the myths “for good”….
—WORLDWIDE CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS—
CLICK FOR PRESS RELEASE ► Breakthrough Unsheltered Anthology Book Series Launched
WE NEED STORYTELLERS, including:
- Those who are currently unsheltered/homeless, or have been unsheltered/homeless in the past.
- Have been affected indirectly/a degree removed from being unsheltered/homeless (family members, friends,
co-workers, etc.). - Are familiar with the personal and global effects of the unsheltered/homeless population.
- Organizations and causes that are on the ground facing daily struggles with those who are unsheltered/homeless and who have stories to tell.
Originally Published on https://www.bizcatalyst360.com/author/dennisjpitocco/