By Charlene Welch, Council for the Homeless

It is a myth that people choose to be homeless. This myth is dangerous and allows us to ignore the trauma of homelessness and the fact that people are living in tents, cars, and trailers without heat or running water. Being homeless is stressful, humiliating, exhausting, and dangerous. It is a hard day-to-day existence for men, women, and children. Some people may choose to sleep outside rather than in a shelter because they fear having to leave their pets or possessions outside. They also may not want to leave their community of others living outside. In addition, some shelters and housing programs have strict criteria that potentially “screen out” the most vulnerable people. When we take the time to learn someone’s story, we likely will hear they are not “choosing to be homeless” but rather the other choices available are not the best-fit solution for them, so for now their current situation is better than the alternative. Homelessness is traumatic and complicated and solutions are not a one-size-fits-all.

Our friends at Outsiders Inn collect stories of people who are unhoused. You can read Doug’s story that explores the idea of “choosing to be homeless”. CLICK HERE to read Doug’s story!

Thanks to Outsiders Inn for allowing us to share! Please check out their Facebook page HERE!