By CHAD YOUNG
Executive Director, Salina Rescue Mission/Salina Grace Foundation
Homelessness is a complex issue that affects communities across the globe, including Salina, Kansas. Unfortunately, misconceptions and myths about homelessness often prevail, leading to stigma, misunderstanding, and inaction.
In this article, we aim to debunk some common myths surrounding homelessness in Salina, shedding light on the realities faced by individuals experiencing homelessness in our community.
Myth 1: Everyone that appears to be homeless must be homeless
One prevalent misconception is that individuals who appear homeless may not truly be experiencing homelessness. Recognizing that homelessness manifests in various forms and may not always be immediately apparent is crucial.
For instance, there is a group that frequents an area of downtown. The assumption is that everyone who hangs out there is homeless.
While there is no denying there are some homeless individuals who hang out in that area, what is not widely known is that some of them who hang out live in downtown housing. Stereotyping based on appearance only perpetuates stigma and hinders efforts to address the root causes of homelessness.
Myth 2: The homeless are aggressive and create a danger to the community
Another common concern is that individuals experiencing homelessness are inherently aggressive and pose a danger to the community. This harmful stereotype oversimplifies a complex issue and unfairly demonizes a marginalized population.
While instances of aggression or disruptive behavior can occur, it's essential to recognize that such behavior is not exclusive to the homeless. People who live in homes are just as likely to be dangerous.
This is a societal problem that is not limited to the homeless. Mental health issues, substance abuse, and emotional instability can contribute to behavioral problems regardless of housing status.
However, the majority of individuals experiencing homelessness pose no threat to public safety.
Myth 3: All the homeless are coming to our town from other communities
A common misconception perpetuated in many communities, including Salina, is the belief that all individuals experiencing homelessness are outsiders who have migrated to the area seeking services or handouts.
While transient individuals may pass through Salina, it's essential to understand that many people experiencing homelessness are rooted in the community. Economic hardships, family breakdowns, mental health issues, and lack of affordable housing are among the myriad factors that can contribute to homelessness, impacting individuals from all walks of life.
Blaming outside forces overlooks the reality that the majority of those who are homeless in Salina are residents of our community.
Myth 4: All homeless live on the streets and are doing nothing to help themselves
Contrary to popular belief, not all individuals experiencing homelessness are living on the streets or are inactive in improving their situations. While there is a population of chronically homeless individuals that are often seen in the downtown area, this is a small portion of those experiencing homelessness.
Many seek assistance through local shelters, support programs, and community resources. These individuals are often engaged in efforts to secure stable housing, gain employment, and address underlying issues contributing to their homelessness.
It's important to recognize that most people experiencing homelessness do not want to be in the situation they are in and are very anxious to get their lives back in order.
Our role is to provide meaningful support to help them overcome obstacles and rebuild their lives.
Dispelling the misconceptions is essential so we can focus on bringing forward appropriate solutions. We need to collaborate, as a community, with our neighbors experiencing homelessness.
Until we as a society can successfully address the root cause issues that create homelessness (poverty, addiction, mental illness, trauma, affordable housing, etc.), we must commit to helping our brothers and sisters find their way to a better life.
It's time to move beyond stigma and towards compassion, recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every person, made in the image of God, regardless of their housing status. Let us unite to help our neighbors find stability and housing and make our community a better place.
Check Salina Post in the future for more articles from Chad Young and the Salina Rescue Mission/Salina Grace Foundation.