Does calling someone an unhoused person instead of homeless make a difference to that person? Given this latest naming sophistry that has been popularized by people online, the media, advocacy groups and government you might think calling people “unhoused” changes the reality for homeless people.
It wouldn’t change a thing for me. When I lived on the road for two months, I lived side-by-side with homeless people on public lands, rest areas, campgrounds, desert wastelands, truck stops, Walmarts and casino parking lots. Some of my neighbors were vacationers or voluntary nomads nomads with resources (like me). Many were broke and homeless, living in their vehicle because it was their only option. They often struggled to get by on social security, disability or temp jobs. They were too poor, or addicted, or mentally ill, or otherwise unfit to be able to live “normally” in society.
Some were proud misfits who proclaimed, “This vehicle and the great outdoors are my home. I am free“. Many others clearly would have preferred a warm apartment, a safe place to sleep, utilities, furniture – in other words a real home.
Cold is cold. Wet is wet. Buffeted by never-ending wind is buffetted by wind. Hungry is hungry. Strung out is strung out. Having no place to sleep, cook, shower or relax sucks.
Putting a nicer label on it doesn’t change any of those things.
Do you want to really help a homeless person?
Visit the parking lot of Walmart, Cracker Barrel, Bass Pro Shops after 9PM or before 7AM near any urban area. You’ll find many people “camping” in one of the few free places available where they won’t get hassled by the police.
Visit to BLM land in Arizona or New Mexico. You will find encampments of dozens of homeless people who caravan together for safety, companionship and community.
Or drive around your own town and keep your eyes open. You’ll spot people living under bridges, people sleeping in their cars in the park, and others “stealth camping” in their vehicles in desolate warehouse districts.
Do you really want to help? Offer him a place to park in your driveway, use your electricity to charge his phone and your hose to wash up and refill his water jugs. If you’re feeling particularly generous, let him use your shower, cook in your kitchen and sleep in your guest bedroom.
My guess is, most of us won’t do anything like this. It’s much easier to call them “unhoused” and collect likes for displaying our “compassion” with sanctimonious wordplay in public.
Note – I am no better than most people who do little to nothing to help the homeless. I met plenty of sketchy homeless people who I would never invite into my home. This includes addicts, criminals, mentally ill, and other potentially dangerous people. I’m no saint.
But I’m also no hypocrite.