I walked around, asking the homeless how they felt and their responses were heartbreaking.

“It’s terrible out here, humanity diminishes as time goes by. We’re invisible to the public.” –Jessica 

“I’m human and I’d like to be treated like one. We’re seen as a nuisance.” – Ray

“We’re denied our basic rights. I have a job but I don’t have enough to rent an apartment. I’m like you-a person. I’m trying to make ends meet but it’s difficult.” –Michael

“My rent went up, I lost my job, and everything else crumbled after that. We need help, we need something to help us get on our feet. It’s hard making a life on the streets especially as a 30-year-old woman.” –Gabriella 

“I was addicted to alcohol but by the time I realized my errors, it was too late to fix it. I’m trying to survive out here. It’s funny though-you are the first person this month to show interest in my story.” -Albert

“It’s a sham. The effort brings awareness, acknowledges the pressing situation, but it isn’t meant to help those who are already homeless.” –Sam  (when asked about De Blasio’s Housing Plan)

 

Voices are meant to be heard. Whether you are young, rich, old, or poor- your voice matters. But, in this society, if you’re homeless, you’re immediately invisible to the world. You are stripped of your rights, your humanity, and your worth. The misconceptions that surround the homeless population diminishes our will to help. We are blinded by the stereotypes and try to justify the lack of help we provide.

Many believe:

  1. The homeless are all dangerous.
  2. They are too lazy to work.
  3. Their homelessness is a result from poor choices in life.
  4. They are all drug addicts.

We, ourselves, dehumanize them, portraying them as the “scum” of our world. They are almost as bad as actual murderers. This ideology needs to come to a halt. They are just like us! Gentrification, job loss, domestic violence, house fire, etc. are all potential causes for homelessness.

In order to change these stereotypical views we have, we should try to meet a homeless person. Understand their story, know who they are, and take our time to put ourselves in their shoes. This way we won’t be so hesitant to help others who face the same dilemma. Many people believe that, “One person can’t make a change,” but in reality they’re wrong. One person can start a chain reaction. Maybe someone else needs to be incentivized to help- it’s like following the leader. Once a group of people have been influenced- movements are created, programs are funded, and the change, henceforth, becomes inevitable.

In response to the interviews, these citizens briefly shared their story. When I approached them- they were in awe. They haven’t met many people along their journey that showed interest in their origins. Yet, when they began to tell their story, their eyes had a combination of sadness and shame. The sadness was understandable- having no where to go, no one to count on- is heartbreaking. But, the shame they had-was inexplicable. This society has drilled in their minds, that being homeless is essentially a “sin.”

But what did they all had in common?

Their biggest problem was being treated like garbage. They yearned for an act of kindness, something that would make them feel valuable.

So what can we do?

When we are by ourselves, we should buy them a meal, spare some change, and even try to converse with them. Acts like this restore faith in the human race.  Besides this, you can donate to charities that help the homeless, volunteer at soup kitchens, and participate in campaigns.

Local soup kitchens are located in all 5 boroughs

In Queens: http://www.masbiaqueens.org/

In the Bronx: http://www.foodbanknyc.org/

In Brooklyn: https://greenpointchurch.org/

In Manhattan: http://www.holyapostlesnyc.org/what-we-do/soup-kitchen/

In Staten Island: http://www.projecthospitality.org/our-programs/homeless-services/

There are various areas where we can volunteer and make a difference. Homeless people deserve a second chance in life. They need hope, something/someone to believe in. We, as a community, can unite as one to correct this problem. Taking action leads to change. It’s time to give the homeless a voice in our society!