29 Nov A Divide in Understanding
The Power of Empathy in Overcoming Stigma Around Homelessness.
Written by Bryn Hardy, Lifeguard Digital Health
Where do the boundaries of your compassion lie? Do you extend grace and understanding only to those you love while others – those you may not understand – are left out? This post invites you to reflect on your subconscious biases towards people in different circumstances, especially those facing homelessness. Homelessness is at a crisis point around the world. This is very clear in Vancouver, where it has reached an all-time high and continues to be a persistent issue in the Lower Mainland. The reasons behind homelessness, or what leads someone to lose their home, may surprise you. We’ll explore homelessness in Canada, focusing on the critical issue of empathy (or the lack thereof) towards the unhoused from those fortunate enough to have a home. There seems to be a barrier of understanding, making it difficult for the housed to remember that homelessness can happen to anyone.
Even those who hold compassion may still think, “Surely I would do better in this situation.” At first glance, there may seem to be no obvious similarities between you and someone who is chronically homeless. However, by looking closer and taking the time to learn, you can see that individuals experiencing homelessness are human beings, just like you, deserving of the same compassion and respect. Their circumstances do not diminish their worth or their right to receive support. It’s still essential to approach situations we may not understand with empathy and kindness. After reading this article, you may feel more inclined to smile at the next homeless person you see, which is our goal.
Real Experiences
TRIGGER WARNING: Fictional, first person POV of Domestic Violence
“Everything seemed fine; how did this happen?”
As I stand a few blocks away from home, one child in each arm, my thoughts run circles around my brain. Four years of marriage, two children, stable finances, and a beautiful family home, we have it all—or had it all, I guess.
“Where am I going to go? How will my children eat dinner? What if he finds me?” The last question sends chills down my spine. In the six years I’ve been with my husband, I’d never seen this side of him. He had a temper, I’ll give him that, but this time was different. This time, he hit me in front of our children at the breakfast table. When his fist made contact with my face, I knew he had crossed a line and that I had to leave; it was just a matter of how to do so safely.
He left in our shared car, and the moment I heard the engine turn over, a big red alarm clock started beeping in my head. “You don’t have much time,” I told myself, “make a move now.” I grabbed a duffel bag and filled it with two jackets for my children, some toys, and a change of clothes for each. “Mom, why can’t I bring more toys!?” shouted my youngest. “Where are we going?” my older child chimed in. I could see the curiosity and worry exuding from their little faces. I looked back at them with tears running down my cheeks. “No more questions, please,” I state with the best smile I could muster. It hurts my heart to shut them down this way, but I have to be strong; they’re too young to take on this burden. I grabbed their hands and walked out the door, not daring to look back.
We made our way a few blocks down the street, and I finally felt safe enough to pull out my phone and dial 911. With shaking hands, I also check my bank account to see if I have enough to score a hotel room for the night until I devise a better plan. My face drops the minute my TD app opens and I see a zero staring back at me. Last time I checked, there was more than enough, but my husband has likely checked our cameras, noticed I’ve left, and drained our account to prevent me from getting far. It feels like eternity has passed by the time the police arrive. They call the five women’s shelters local to my area, but no beds or space are available. I look at the officers and shakily ask, “If all the shelters are full, what will I do?”. “Keep trying the shelters,” one of the officers tells me. They disappear into the street as they walk back to their squad car, and I’m still standing in disbelief, mouth agape, at the lack of solutions.
My kids are off to the side having some battle about which Disney movie is better. I start feeling my breathing labour; I know that my options are running thin and my children are only growing more concerned by the minute. My family and I have a terrible relationship, and I thought of calling my best friend Julie, but my husband put a sharp divide between us long ago and I don’t think she’d want to hear from me, especially if I’m asking for something. The weight on my shoulders gets heavier and the ball in my stomach bigger as I start to accept the reality that within a few hours, me and my children may be sleeping on the street.
This short story was written to shine a light on the thoughts and feelings that someone may go through when finding themselves homeless, in this case, specifically in a domestic violence situation. Parts of this story and the inspiration have been taken from the real experience of a woman in Montreal, Canada, and her story is not unique. Family violence, estimated to affect 336 per 100,000 people, can force individuals and families to leave home suddenly without proper support in place. Women who experience violence or live in poverty are often forced to choose between abusive relationships and homelessness; the leading cause of homelessness for women is domestic violence. In a CBC article, Angela Marie MacDougall, the executive director of Battered Women’s Support Services in Metro Vancouver, says the organization responds to up to 1,800 calls a year from women with limited housing options, some of whom are considering returning to their abusers. She said another issue is some vulnerable women do find an affordable unit, only to experience sexual violence from predatory landlords. “Women are dealing with insurmountable hurdles trying to get housing when they are leaving an abusive relationship,” said MacDougall; “homelessness becomes the direct result of leaving.” This story is an example of how easy it can be to end up on the street, how quickly it can happen, and how it can happen even to seemingly stable people. There are thousands more of such stories from around the world. The reasons that homelessness can occur range from personal circumstances and domestic challenges to the housing market and systemic failures. Some further examples are relational problems, traumatic events, mental health or addiction challenges, structural factors, lack of adequate income, access to affordable housing and health supports, upbringing, as well as discrimination. Based on these reasons, you may be able to guess that not all socio-demographic groups experience homelessness in the same way or at the same rate. The groups more likely to have an episode of homelessness in Canada are single adult males, youth, women, single parents, Indigenous people, minorities, and families. Another challenge that is not talked about enough is the struggle to combat homelessness once you’re in it. The moment you find yourself in any state of homelessness, there is a stigma placed upon you. This stigma is why many people experiencing hidden or transitional homelessness will not disclose to their loved ones, out of shame or fear of being judged.
Unique Challenges
Homelessness can be considered an umbrella term with categories underneath. The four general categories of homelessness are chronic, episodic, transitional, and hidden. Each type comes with its own unique challenges, needs, and defining factors. Separating homelessness into categories helps enable organizations to address each group’s needs and meet individuals where they are. Understanding each group separately increases our compassion and aids in a more effective response.
- Chronic homelessness is the category that most people associate with homelessness. The Canadian Government defines chronic homelessness as “long periods of homelessness that are associated with greater risks of harm and difficulty accessing stable housing.” This includes those who are currently homeless and meet at least one of these criteria: experiencing a total of six months of homelessness within the past year or having recurring periods of homelessness over the past three years, with a combined total of at least 18 months. The term “chronic” highlights the persistent and long-term nature of this issue, which is often exacerbated by various social and health challenges. Addressing chronic homelessness is particularly difficult, but experts agree that effective case management is crucial in providing a solution to this complex problem.
- Episodic homelessness refers to individuals who experience homelessness multiple times within a year but not for extended periods. This type of homelessness often involves someone who may briefly secure housing only to lose it again due to an inability to pay rent, eventually ending up on the streets. They might spend a short time in a shelter before finding another place to live more permanently. Recognizing episodic homelessness is crucial because it can often lead to chronic homelessness if left unaddressed. Unlike chronic homelessness, episodic homelessness is more manageable, and providing timely intervention during this phase can significantly improve an individual’s chances of stability.
- Transitional homelessness is the most frequently encountered form of homelessness. It occurs when individuals face a significant life event or crisis that disrupts their stability and leads to losing their housing. Examples of such events include losing a job, going through a divorce, experiencing a personal/family crisis, dealing with mental health issues, or escaping domestic violence. People in this situation may still manage to maintain employment and other aspects of their daily lives, but they often have to rely on temporary accommodations such as sleeping in their cars, staying in shelters, or securing some other form of tertiary housing.
- Hidden homelessness refers to individuals who temporarily stay with others because they lack a stable home of their own. This form of homelessness is described as “hidden” because it is often overlooked and not included in national homelessness statistics. Without access to formal housing resources or recognition in data collection, these individuals remain largely invisible. People experiencing hidden homelessness frequently rely on friends, family, or neighbours for shelter. Many cannot afford to pay rent or cover other basic living costs. Young people make up a significant portion of this group, often due to sudden life changes, trauma, or other challenges. They face unique struggles, such as discrimination and harassment when seeking alternative housing, which contributes to their disproportionately high rates of homelessness. Unlike older individuals, youth in hidden homelessness are less likely to access services, making them “invisible” in official counts. Their first signs of homelessness often include couch surfing or staying with friends; situations that may seem less severe than sleeping on the streets, but are no less precarious.
How Can We Make a Difference?
Making an impact can feel like a daunting task. Oftentimes, an issue seems so large or deep-rooted that we’re not sure exactly where to start tackling it. We want to assure you that although it may feel this way, that is not the case. One act of kindness can change someone’s life or even keep them alive for the day. The first question to answer is, “Why should we care?’ At the heart of the belief that helping the homeless is important lies a simple yet powerful idea: the value of human dignity. Every person, no matter their situation, deserves to be treated with kindness and respect. By supporting those without homes, we affirm their fundamental worth as human beings. It’s a recognition of their humanity, even in the face of struggle, and an acknowledgment of their right to basic needs like shelter, food, and safety. Furthermore, showing empathy in these situations can have a ripple effect, promoting a culture of compassion within communities. When individuals take the time to help those less fortunate, they develop a deeper awareness of the difficulties others face. This empathy fosters connection, breaking down the divide between the housed and the unhoused. It serves as a reminder of our common humanity and motivates us to extend care and support to those who are struggling.
Our number one suggestion to make an impact as an individual is to start getting comfortable with what makes you uncomfortable. We know that change typically comes with leaving our comfort zone. You would be shocked at how often people will walk past someone who’s homeless and pretend they don’t see them solely because it makes them feel uncomfortable. Another reason, though, is that people are nervous they will be asked for money and have to decline, making for an awkward encounter. This is understandable, but it would be much braver to take the time to look the person in the eye, say hello, and then mention that you do not have change to spare but that you hope they have a great day. You could even ask for their name and introduce yourself. Even something as simple as asking someone’s name can humanize them and make them feel valued. Have you ever thought of the last time a homeless person was asked their name or treated with genuine humanity? For many of them, it’s been a long time. Societally, there are also things you can do as well to contribute to a greater good. Vote in petitions, support organizations trying to make changes, advocate for issues surrounding this community, and donate household, clothing, children’s or personal items. A few organizations we feel are doing great work will be listed below, as well as some free resources that are easy for anyone to access. On a government level, we hope that more action will be taken to help the homeless get off the street and stay off. The Canadian Observatory on Homelessness says that prevention means “policies, practices, and interventions that reduce the likelihood that someone will experience homelessness. It also means providing those who are homeless with the necessary resources and support to stabilize their housing, enhance integration and social inclusion, and ultimately reduce the risk of a return to homelessness.”
Tying it All Together
Homelessness is a complex and multifaceted issue. While it may seem distant from our daily lives, its impact is profound and deeply human. Each individual’s story serves as a reminder that anyone can fall into homelessness, often through circumstances beyond their control. The divide between the housed and unhoused goes much further than shelter; it’s a matter of understanding and empathy. After reading the research, it becomes clear that our barriers to compassion are often born out of fear, misunderstanding, ignorance, and discomfort. The first step towards dismantling these barriers starts with us seeing the person, not the situation, and recognizing the shared vulnerability that binds us all. When we choose empathy over judgment, we participate in a movement that can shift perspectives, uplift communities, and change someone’s life. Beyond individual actions, we all have a role to play societally. From voting for policies that support affordable housing development to advocating for increased funding of support services and shelters, systemic change starts with individuals taking collective action.
Tackling homelessness requires both individual empathy and systemic changes; together, these forces can bridge the divide between the housed and the unhoused. We hope this article inspires you to start taking small but meaningful actions, such as offering a warm smile or a kind “hello” to the next homeless person you meet. These simple gestures may seem trivial, but they can profoundly impact others, reminding them that they are seen, valued, and not alone. The reality is that homelessness is not just a problem to solve but a call to action for all of us to rethink how we define community, compassion, and dignity.