Combatting Common Misconceptions on Homelessness

It’s a cold, winter day. You’re walking on the streets of Downtown Toronto toward your car. Suddenly, you see a hand reach out to you asking for some spare change. A flood of thoughts rush into your head. They want to be homeless. It’s their fault anyways. They may try to hurt me. You avoid eye contact and walk away.

These are some of many common misconceptions people face regarding those who are experiencing homelessness. Unfortunately, these misconceptions create barriers and prevent people from supporting those in need. In this article, I will be addressing a few common myths surrounding homelessness.

Myth #1: People experiencing homelessness chose to be in the situation they are in.

Fact: There are a number of factors that can lead to someone experiencing homelessness. These include eviction, lack of affordable housing and unsafe living conditions. Most do not choose to be homeless, rather it is their circumstances that lead them to experience homelessness.

Myth #2: People experiencing homelessness don’t work.

Fact: Minimum wage is not a livable wage; especially if a single income must support an entire family. Many times, people experiencing homelessness are amongst what is known as “the working poor”. Additionally, applying for a job can be cumbersome due to the fact that someone experiencing homelessness may not have access to a computer, phone, or fixed address. Moreover, factors such as not having access to regular showers and having limited transportation, can limit one’s ability to sustain a job.

Myth #3: Only middle-aged men experience homelessness.

Fact: Anyone can experience homelessness. Recently, there has been an increase in the number of women and youth experiencing homelessness. In 2021, 34% of people experiencing homelessness in Toronto identified as female. In addition, 11% of people experiencing homelessness in Toronto identified as youth.

In summary, it’s essential to address misconceptions surrounding homelessness in order to better understand the reality of the issue.