To avoid stereotyping or stigmatizing unhoused people, try to understand the reasons that led them to homelessness. Knowing an individual’s story and struggle is essential to serving them accurately and with compassion and dignity. A person’s path to homelessness is unique, but they often share similar experiences to others, such as:

• Abuse or abandonment. Many people experiencing homelessness have suffered abuse or domestic violence that forced them to flee to the streets for safety or led to mental illness, trauma, and/or addiction.
• Addiction and Mental Health. A life-long support system is necessary to overcome the obstacles of addiction or mental illness.
• Cost of Housing. Affordable housing can be limited, especially in bigger cities. Someone on a waitlist may have to wait in a shelter situation or on the street.
• Employment. A job can be difficult to find and keep if you have unaddressed mental or physical health issues, a criminal record, no driver’s license, and no address.

Struggling to cover basic needs like housing is challenging on all levels. It can cause many mental health problems, from feeling irritable, sad, or more anxious than usual, to more serious issues like depression, thoughts of suicide and addiction issues. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to improve your mental health despite the ongoing uncertainty of the situation. Stay physically active, sleep, eat well, and drink plenty of water. Schedule time to worry instead of worrying all day, and find solace in connecting with your loved ones and friends. Keep the big picture in mind. Although things may feel really stressful right now, you are working on getting help and changing your circumstances. If you’re experiencing a decline in mental health that has you concerned, or your strategies aren’t working to improve your mood, then seek support. Some services can include supportive crisis counseling, education, and the development of coping skills.