Myth busting the general public’s ideas about the homeless is a big part of NS Impacts World Homeless Day campaign this year.
South Africa (04 October 2021) – Homelessness impacts all of us, whether or not we experience it ourselves. It is a human tragedy – our own community members live on the streets and under bridges, vulnerable to inclement weather and violence, stripped of dignity and our collective respect.
Some people believe that homeless individuals choose to be homeless, that they are criminals, lazy, alcohol- and drug-users, or that they are homeless because of poor choices. However, this notion of homeless people is flawed and does not look at all conditions, often outside of these individuals’ control that give rise to homelessness. We stand by the statement that homelessness is a state – it’s not a character trait.
Ahead of #WorldHomelessDay2021, we’re debunking some common myths:
Myth: The cause of homelessness is drug and alcohol abuse.
False. Drug and alcohol abuse are often the result of homelessness, not the cause.
Myth: Homelessness is a choice. Most homeless people choose to live on the streets.
False. Homeless people want affordable housing.
Myth: Homeless people don’t need cell phones. Cell phones are a luxury.
False. Cell phones are a lifeline for people experiencing homelessness and are sometimes their only connection to family, services, housing, and employment.
Over 200,000 individuals in our country live without the basic human comforts of warmth, health, safety, and hygiene. These are some of the basic items that homeless individuals require:
- Living on the street, many unsheltered people rarely take their shoes off. They walk often and don’t always have laundry facilities at close reach.
- Personal hygiene items such as Vaseline, deodorant, shampoo, soap, shaving supplies, and pads. Travel-size products allow individuals to carry these supplies in their own bags, as well.
- Food. Even something small, can help them right now.
- Protective gear. When you’re at the mercy of the elements, even light rain can create severe discomfort or damage your personal valuables.
- Compassion. People experiencing homelessness are just that: people. They have the same need for interaction and entertainment as anyone else.
This #WorldHomelessDay 2021, the NS Impact Foundation is honoured to be able to support The Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Braamfontein for the second time. They help some of the most desperate struggling to survive, and the Covid-19 pandemic has made matters even worse. The church runs a food kitchen from Monday to Friday but is never sure it will have enough food – they need our support! Visit the NS Impact Foundation for ways you can assist: https://nsimpact.org/
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