Myth: Homelessness is a choice.
Truth: It's not.
Many people experiencing homelessness are employed or actively seeking employment and would move inside if housing responsive to their needs were available.
A sizable percentage of the population experiencing homelessness works in the formal labor market. Findings from a national study conducted by researchers at the University of Chicago indicate that 53% of people experiencing sheltered homelessness and over 40% of those experiencing unsheltered homelessness were employed in the year they were observed to be homeless.
Many people experiencing homelessness are also actively seeking employment. Still, they encounter tremendous challenges, including employer stigma, gaps in employment history, lack of a mailing address and/or personal identification, and logistical challenges (e.g., transportation costs, and lack of access to facilities to prepare for interviews).
When we say that Homelessness is a choice, we discredit their struggles. If you hear someone speaking in this way, we encourage everyone to kindly educate and raise awareness about this myth.
Many homeless individuals work or actively seek employment but are waiting for safe housing solutions to be available for them. Let's debunk stereotypes this Homelessness Awareness Month and work on finding solutions to this complex problem.
