Frame Two
Perceptions of Homelessness
How We Frame Issues Affects How We Solve Them
The stigma and discrimination faced by people experiencing homelessness makes them more isolated and vulnerable. Widespread public attitudes about homelessness can also lead to hopelessness and inaction.
By changing our perceptions of homelessness, we can end it.
Wendy faced a lot of stigma from her own family.
They viewed her as the “problem child, the alcoholic”. It wasn’t until much later in her life that she understood the link between anxiety she describes as “paralyzing” and her alcohol use.
As a nurse she felt a lot of shame when she couldn’t control her drinking- “nurses don’t ask for help.” And even when she sought support, she felt chastised when she relapsed.
Wendy wishes people understood that using drugs and alcohol sometimes isn’t a choice- it’s to escape unbearable pain.
The memories of the abuse he suffered at a residential school still haunt Sim.
He was stripped of his name, his language, and his family and beaten when he didn’t comply.
As an adult, he quickly got the message that what had happened to him was shameful. He knew the same thing had happened to many of his friends and family, but no one talked about it.
This shame led to problems with alcohol, then homelessness, which each came with their own stigmas.
Sim wishes people understood the courage it takes to share your story.
Chadd walks through each day with uncertainty.
Uncertainty about where he will sleep, where he will eat but also how he will be treated. Chadd sometimes wonders if things like cashiers taking a long time to wait on him have anything to do with the clothes he wears or because they see a track mark on his arm.
He wishes they knew that he used to be like them- he’s a father and a grandfather, he’s owned homes and went to college. He also went to prison for 10 years and uses intravenous drugs.
Chadd wishes people understood that it’s possible to be more than just one thing.
Language Matters
The language we use when talking about people and issues we care about is powerful.
Language can demean or empower, stigmatize or support and humanize or dehumanize.
Instead of...
Try this!
1. People experiencing homelessness.
2. Person Living with a Mental Health Problem / Illness
3. Person with a substance use disorder
Action Step Learn More about the Power of Stigmatizing Language
Click the link below to access four language guides and “cheat sheets” to further enhance your knowledge.