And how would you end homelessness?
For a recent documentary in the making, a fellow caseworker and I were interviewed about homelessness one night during Youth Clinic. The interviewer, armed with a video camera in one hand and an extensive list of questions regarding the homeless population, had one final inquiry, “How would you end homelessness?” For just a moment, the two of us were speechless and blanked. Of course, we eventually formulated an answer.
Despite the fact that my semi-coherent response was very much on the spot, had I been given the time to construct a different one I still wouldn't come up with the perfect answer. Really, it's too big of a concern for any one human being to address and I honestly have no clue where and how to begin.
I have met a number of clients and gotten to know several of them. Many of them are very creative and talented, and they all have a unique story. Just an example: some have fled home and decided against higher education to pursue something they're passionate about, whether it be music, writing or art. Should they, too, be involved with the elimination of homelessness? Let's put it this way; if it's not in our power to change them, we should just focus on helping those who want the help.
Nonconformity is itself a choice and an alternative lifestyle should not be found disputable by the rest of society. Who are we to decide whether their preferred lifestyle needs to come to an end? Don't get the wrong idea—I'm not implying that homelessness shouldn't receive the attention or that taking action is ineffective. Homelessness is a major concern in our society, and we should definitely assist those who are seeking a home, a job, and a life other than the one they're living. As long as we target the appropriate individuals of a population, the right people will receive the proper aid.
In the end, it is difficult for any one of us to represent the homeless population at an aggregate level. Before we ask ourselves the question of how to eliminate homelessness, might we first ask ourselves another question: For whom do we need to “end” homelessness?