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US Adults Perception of the Homeless Population in Their Community
US Adults Perception of the Homeless Population in Their Community
By: Jake Enlow, Ariannah Stephan, and Matthew Metty
By: Jake Enlow, Ariannah Stephan, and Matthew Metty
Introduction:
Introduction:
The central focus of our project is the marginalization of homeless people, and the problems they face that make them more of a target for discrimination. As a group, we wanted to acquire and reflect on the views of our family and friends on the topic of this stigma. Our research focus was on how homelessness affects mental health and the healthcare field, drug statistics, and major cities. We choose to believe that homeless people, although viewed as a lesser part of society, can overcome their habits and become functioning members of society again. Alas, it is not as simple as it seems. Homeless people have many factors working against them, such as substance addiction including but not limited to the following drugs: cocaine, marijuana, opioids, heroin, and methamphetamine. They may also develop or have multiple pre-existing mental issues including: autism, schizophrenia, psychosis, conversion disorder, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder. Marinus Spreen and Moneik Coumans assert that homeless people are more likely to be marginalized against, and their data shows that marginalization can lead to homelessness (Coumans, Moniek, and Marinus Spreen 334). Although not all marginalization that happens against varying groups of people leads to the victim being homeless. We hope that with our survey and findings, we will be able to get quality responses and data that is able to create a representative sample of people and their thoughts on the marginalization of homeless people and the issues that they face.
The central focus of our project is the marginalization of homeless people, and the problems they face that make them more of a target for discrimination. As a group, we wanted to acquire and reflect on the views of our family and friends on the topic of this stigma. Our research focus was on how homelessness affects mental health and the healthcare field, drug statistics, and major cities. We choose to believe that homeless people, although viewed as a lesser part of society, can overcome their habits and become functioning members of society again. Alas, it is not as simple as it seems. Homeless people have many factors working against them, such as substance addiction including but not limited to the following drugs: cocaine, marijuana, opioids, heroin, and methamphetamine. They may also develop or have multiple pre-existing mental issues including: autism, schizophrenia, psychosis, conversion disorder, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder. Marinus Spreen and Moneik Coumans assert that homeless people are more likely to be marginalized against, and their data shows that marginalization can lead to homelessness (Coumans, Moniek, and Marinus Spreen 334). Although not all marginalization that happens against varying groups of people leads to the victim being homeless. We hope that with our survey and findings, we will be able to get quality responses and data that is able to create a representative sample of people and their thoughts on the marginalization of homeless people and the issues that they face.
(Above is the flyer used on the social media platforms Instagram and Snapchat to recruit respondents. PosterMyWall)
(Picture of income statistics Qualtrics)
Methods:
Methods:
We will be distributing a survey through social media about how homelessness affects people in their cities by putting a link onto our social media and asking others to take the time to complete our short survey. Our results will consist of quantitative data. To distribute the survey, we will send links to our friends and families asking them to complete the survey. While doing so, we will be asking our friends and family to get their friends to take the survey. This way we will be able to have some diversity in our Participants.
We will be distributing a survey through social media about how homelessness affects people in their cities by putting a link onto our social media and asking others to take the time to complete our short survey. Our results will consist of quantitative data. To distribute the survey, we will send links to our friends and families asking them to complete the survey. While doing so, we will be asking our friends and family to get their friends to take the survey. This way we will be able to have some diversity in our Participants.
After closing the survey, our group ended up with 39 finished responses. Out of those 39 participants, 87.18% of those who answered were White or Caucasian, 2.56% were Hispanic or Latino, 7.69% were Black or African American, and 2.56% were Multiracial.
After closing the survey, our group ended up with 39 finished responses. Out of those 39 participants, 87.18% of those who answered were White or Caucasian, 2.56% were Hispanic or Latino, 7.69% were Black or African American, and 2.56% were Multiracial.
The age range for our survey was 18 or older, and all of the participants were between the ages of 18 and 74 with 33.33% of them in the 18-24 category, 15.38% were 25-34, 20.51% were 35-44, another 20.51% were 45-54, 5.13% were 55-64 and lastly 5.13% were 65-74. As stated before, none of the participants that took the survey were 75 or older.
The age range for our survey was 18 or older, and all of the participants were between the ages of 18 and 74 with 33.33% of them in the 18-24 category, 15.38% were 25-34, 20.51% were 35-44, another 20.51% were 45-54, 5.13% were 55-64 and lastly 5.13% were 65-74. As stated before, none of the participants that took the survey were 75 or older.
As for the genders of the survey respondents, 30.77% (12) were Male, 66% (26) were Female and 2.56% (1) was Non-Binary.
As for the genders of the survey respondents, 30.77% (12) were Male, 66% (26) were Female and 2.56% (1) was Non-Binary.
The respondents were from 4 states (in order of most respondents to least): Georgia (77.78%), Virginia (11.11%), Florida (8.33%), and South Carolina (2.78%).
The respondents were from 4 states (in order of most respondents to least): Georgia (77.78%), Virginia (11.11%), Florida (8.33%), and South Carolina (2.78%).
The incomes of those we surveyed varied from “Less than $10,000 a year” to “$150,000 a year,” with 51.28% having an income of $49,000 or less, and 48.72% having an income of $50,000 or more a year.
The incomes of those we surveyed varied from “Less than $10,000 a year” to “$150,000 a year,” with 51.28% having an income of $49,000 or less, and 48.72% having an income of $50,000 or more a year.
Results:
Results:
Related to the topic of income, respondents were asked how likely they were to give money to a homeless person if they were approached by them or saw one holding a sign. On a scale of “Not at All” likely to “Whenever they approach me,” the majority responded “Not likely” (41.03%), and the second recurrent answer was “Likely” (30.77%).
Related to the topic of income, respondents were asked how likely they were to give money to a homeless person if they were approached by them or saw one holding a sign. On a scale of “Not at All” likely to “Whenever they approach me,” the majority responded “Not likely” (41.03%), and the second recurrent answer was “Likely” (30.77%).
Another factor that contributes to our survey is drug abuse of homeless people, and we feel as if drugs are oftentimes associated with people who live on the streets. Two of our questions and their responses showed that drug abuse is very prevalent in communities where our respondents have seen homeless activity. For example, our question “Which stereotype contributes to the stigma around the homeless?” This question received 39 responses, with 26 of those (66.7%) or around ⅔ of the sample answering drug use. Another question related to this topic is, “Which drugs, if any, have you seen those living on the streets using?” Only 33.33% of the respondents had not seen someone on the streets abusing drugs. The rest of them, the remaining 66.67%, answered from the choices: Heroin, Cocaine, Alcohol, Marijuana, Opioids, Other, and I have not seen homeless people using drugs. Alcohol, as we expected, was the most common drug our respondents have seen being used.
Another factor that contributes to our survey is drug abuse of homeless people, and we feel as if drugs are oftentimes associated with people who live on the streets. Two of our questions and their responses showed that drug abuse is very prevalent in communities where our respondents have seen homeless activity. For example, our question “Which stereotype contributes to the stigma around the homeless?” This question received 39 responses, with 26 of those (66.7%) or around ⅔ of the sample answering drug use. Another question related to this topic is, “Which drugs, if any, have you seen those living on the streets using?” Only 33.33% of the respondents had not seen someone on the streets abusing drugs. The rest of them, the remaining 66.67%, answered from the choices: Heroin, Cocaine, Alcohol, Marijuana, Opioids, Other, and I have not seen homeless people using drugs. Alcohol, as we expected, was the most common drug our respondents have seen being used.
Government spending, emergency services, and shelters can all aid the homeless, and we included questions about these topics as well. For government spending, 30/39 (76.92%) of those who answered believed that there should be more government spending towards homeless services. As for emergency services and shelters, 32/39 participants (82.05%) believed that they are helpful in aiding the homeless.
Government spending, emergency services, and shelters can all aid the homeless, and we included questions about these topics as well. For government spending, 30/39 (76.92%) of those who answered believed that there should be more government spending towards homeless services. As for emergency services and shelters, 32/39 participants (82.05%) believed that they are helpful in aiding the homeless.
(Out of 39 responses, more than ⅔ of them had seen a homeless person actively abusing a substance. Qualtrics)
Discussion:
Discussion:
The data that we collected through our survey and through the use of social media indicates that generally most people are willing to help homeless people in their community whether it be through giving them food, money, or volunteering. It also shows that drug abuse is very common among those who are sleeping rough. As we said before, ¾ of them believe that there should be more government spending on homeless people.
The data that we collected through our survey and through the use of social media indicates that generally most people are willing to help homeless people in their community whether it be through giving them food, money, or volunteering. It also shows that drug abuse is very common among those who are sleeping rough. As we said before, ¾ of them believe that there should be more government spending on homeless people.
Related to our results, in particular the question about which drugs people have seen homeless people abusing, another article found similar results to ours. As we stated, alcohol was the most prevalent drug seen being used on the streets by homeless people. This correlates to an article by Jane Fountain, a Distinguished University Professor of political science and public policy, in which she asserts three hundred and seventy-two out of three hundred and eighty-nine participants in a survey admitted to drinking alcohol within the past month, which equates to about 96% of those she surveyed (Fountain, Jane, et al. 249).
Related to our results, in particular the question about which drugs people have seen homeless people abusing, another article found similar results to ours. As we stated, alcohol was the most prevalent drug seen being used on the streets by homeless people. This correlates to an article by Jane Fountain, a Distinguished University Professor of political science and public policy, in which she asserts three hundred and seventy-two out of three hundred and eighty-nine participants in a survey admitted to drinking alcohol within the past month, which equates to about 96% of those she surveyed (Fountain, Jane, et al. 249).
Because of our group’s topic, we think perhaps one of the most important factors that we asked those who took our survey is income. We feel as if income could influence how someone acts around or when seeing someone living on the streets. We hypothesize that those who have more money are less likely to give, and those who have less are more likely to give as they feel for those that are going through or have dealt with hard situations. Although we can’t prove this using our results, we choose to believe that those in the $50,000-150,000 yearly salary range picked Not at all likely or Not likely in our survey question, “How likely are you to give money to a person living on the streets if they approach you or have a sign asking for money?”
Because of our group’s topic, we think perhaps one of the most important factors that we asked those who took our survey is income. We feel as if income could influence how someone acts around or when seeing someone living on the streets. We hypothesize that those who have more money are less likely to give, and those who have less are more likely to give as they feel for those that are going through or have dealt with hard situations. Although we can’t prove this using our results, we choose to believe that those in the $50,000-150,000 yearly salary range picked Not at all likely or Not likely in our survey question, “How likely are you to give money to a person living on the streets if they approach you or have a sign asking for money?”
Another study talks about mental illnesses as we discussed in the introduction. Homeless people were interviewed, and when asked about how common mental illness is, one responded that it’s uncommon not to see a person in a shelter who doesn’t have schizophrenia (which is common among homeless people) or some other type of illness (Ahajumobi, Edith N., and Peter B. Anderson 112). One study that relates to our question on government spending/aid, is one by Dave Cowen in which he asserts that in the UK they are giving homeless people jobs, but they remain homeless. Whether that be because the jobs don’t pay enough or because they’re used to life on the streets the study doesn’t show. Nonetheless, they are trying to cut back on homelessness by providing labor and shelters to help get them back on their feet (Cowen, Dave 127). 8 people who took our survey stated that they had seen homeless people in the news. In a study conducted by Calder, Moira J., et al., it is discussed that the News frames homeless people and pushes a social norm that it is not okay to be homeless (Calder, Moira J., et al. 1). Our question about emergency services showed that many people think that emergency services are helpful in providing help to the homeless. While this is true, and homeless people have a big majority of emergency room visits with most of them averaging 2-3 a year, many homeless people go too often and flood the system. Kinna Thakarar says that, “in order to prevent frequent use of emergency services, providing stable, supportive housing, and targeting services towards homeless patients with mental health disorders and hepatitis C should remain public health priorities” (Thakarar 10). Most people in our study seemed to take a more liberal, compassionate approach to the homeless population in which they wanted good things for the homeless (for example economic aid and government spending). This correlates with a trend in a paper written by Jack Tsai, in which he discusses the public opinion shift from 1990 to 2016 on homelessness. It points out that there has been a significant improvement on how adults perceive homeless people (Tsai 604). A majority of people that took our survey said that panhandling is the most common way that they’ve seen homeless people trying to make money on the street. Some may see panhandling as annoying, but as an article by Judith Wegner and Matthew Norchi suggests, it’s perfectly legal under the First Amendment terms of “charitable solicitation” (Wegner and Norchi 638).
Another study talks about mental illnesses as we discussed in the introduction. Homeless people were interviewed, and when asked about how common mental illness is, one responded that it’s uncommon not to see a person in a shelter who doesn’t have schizophrenia (which is common among homeless people) or some other type of illness (Ahajumobi, Edith N., and Peter B. Anderson 112). One study that relates to our question on government spending/aid, is one by Dave Cowen in which he asserts that in the UK they are giving homeless people jobs, but they remain homeless. Whether that be because the jobs don’t pay enough or because they’re used to life on the streets the study doesn’t show. Nonetheless, they are trying to cut back on homelessness by providing labor and shelters to help get them back on their feet (Cowen, Dave 127). 8 people who took our survey stated that they had seen homeless people in the news. In a study conducted by Calder, Moira J., et al., it is discussed that the News frames homeless people and pushes a social norm that it is not okay to be homeless (Calder, Moira J., et al. 1). Our question about emergency services showed that many people think that emergency services are helpful in providing help to the homeless. While this is true, and homeless people have a big majority of emergency room visits with most of them averaging 2-3 a year, many homeless people go too often and flood the system. Kinna Thakarar says that, “in order to prevent frequent use of emergency services, providing stable, supportive housing, and targeting services towards homeless patients with mental health disorders and hepatitis C should remain public health priorities” (Thakarar 10). Most people in our study seemed to take a more liberal, compassionate approach to the homeless population in which they wanted good things for the homeless (for example economic aid and government spending). This correlates with a trend in a paper written by Jack Tsai, in which he discusses the public opinion shift from 1990 to 2016 on homelessness. It points out that there has been a significant improvement on how adults perceive homeless people (Tsai 604). A majority of people that took our survey said that panhandling is the most common way that they’ve seen homeless people trying to make money on the street. Some may see panhandling as annoying, but as an article by Judith Wegner and Matthew Norchi suggests, it’s perfectly legal under the First Amendment terms of “charitable solicitation” (Wegner and Norchi 638).
Conclusion:
Conclusion:
In conclusion, we found that most people in our area have the same ideas about the homeless. Many assume that most homeless people become homeless from addiction and substance abuse. Some did say that the prices of everyday living or mental illness may affect the homeless pandemic, however, the majority of those who took the survey said that most homelessness is caused by substance abuse. Most people also said that when they see homeless people, they see them panhandling. In the end we do think there is a big stereotype about the homeless that can potentially worsen the problem. In our research, we found that some homeless people don’t get the right treatment needed when going into hospitals, making it harder for them to get help. Not only this, but a good portion of homeless people have a mental illness that has contributed to their own homelessness. There are factors that contribute to homelessness which the people who are affected by it can't control. We believe that government action and help of the community could help the problem, but when there are so many people who have seen homeless people doing bad things (e.g. drugs) it's hard to convince those same people to vote on a bill or law to help them.
In conclusion, we found that most people in our area have the same ideas about the homeless. Many assume that most homeless people become homeless from addiction and substance abuse. Some did say that the prices of everyday living or mental illness may affect the homeless pandemic, however, the majority of those who took the survey said that most homelessness is caused by substance abuse. Most people also said that when they see homeless people, they see them panhandling. In the end we do think there is a big stereotype about the homeless that can potentially worsen the problem. In our research, we found that some homeless people don’t get the right treatment needed when going into hospitals, making it harder for them to get help. Not only this, but a good portion of homeless people have a mental illness that has contributed to their own homelessness. There are factors that contribute to homelessness which the people who are affected by it can't control. We believe that government action and help of the community could help the problem, but when there are so many people who have seen homeless people doing bad things (e.g. drugs) it's hard to convince those same people to vote on a bill or law to help them.
Limitations:
Limitations:
Our study had a total of 39 finished responses, which is less than expected. There were a total of 58 responses, but many were not finished. Ideally, we would have liked to have 100 complete responses, with a more equal amount of racial groups and a bigger variety in age. The racial makeup of Brunswick Georgia is 59.23% Black, 33.21% White, 0.1% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.2% from some other race and 1.5% from two or more races. Our respondent percentages ended up being however, 87.18% White or Caucasian, 2.56% Hispanic or Latino, 7.69% Black or African American, and 2.56% Multiracial.
Our study had a total of 39 finished responses, which is less than expected. There were a total of 58 responses, but many were not finished. Ideally, we would have liked to have 100 complete responses, with a more equal amount of racial groups and a bigger variety in age. The racial makeup of Brunswick Georgia is 59.23% Black, 33.21% White, 0.1% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.2% from some other race and 1.5% from two or more races. Our respondent percentages ended up being however, 87.18% White or Caucasian, 2.56% Hispanic or Latino, 7.69% Black or African American, and 2.56% Multiracial.
Our survey could have been improved with spreading the survey with more platforms such as Facebook. We could have also made more questions more directly related to our topic. We found that some people thought the survey was about fixing homelessness, rather than learning about the discriminations against the homeless.
Our survey could have been improved with spreading the survey with more platforms such as Facebook. We could have also made more questions more directly related to our topic. We found that some people thought the survey was about fixing homelessness, rather than learning about the discriminations against the homeless.
Works Cited:
Works Cited:
- Ahajumobi, Edith N., and Peter B. Anderson. “Homeless Canadians’ Perspectives on Homelessness in Calgary.” Journal of Social, Behavioral & Health Sciences, vol. 14, no. 1, Jan. 2020, pp. 106–122. EBSCOhost, doi:10.5590/JSBHS.2020.14.1.08.
- Calder, Moira J., et al. “Framing Homelessness for the Canadian Public: The News Media and Homelessness.” Canadian Journal of Urban Research, vol. 20, no. 2, Winter 2011, pp. 1–19. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,shib&db=slh&AN=74471539&site=eds-live&scope=site.
- Canham, Sarah L., et al. “Health Supports Needed for Homeless Persons Transitioning from Hospitals.” Health & Social Care in the Community, vol. 27, no. 3, 16 July 2018, pp. 531–545., doi:10.1111/hsc.12599.
- Coumans, Moniek, and Marinus Spreen. “Drug Use and the Role of Homelessness in the Process of Marginalization.” Substance Use & Misuse, vol. 38, no. 3–6, Feb. 2003, pp. 311–338. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1081/JA-120017376.
- Cowan, Dave. “Reducing Homelessness or Re‐ordering the Deckchairs?” Modern Law Review, vol. 82, no. 1, Jan. 2019, pp. 105–128. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1111/1468-2230.12390.
- Fountain, Jane, et al. “Drug and Alcohol Use and the Link with Homelessness: Results from a Survey of Homeless People in London.” Addiction Research & Theory, vol. 11, no. 4, Aug. 2003, pp. 245–256. EBSCOhost,
- GOLABEK-GOLDMAN, SARAH. “Ban the Address: Combating Employment Discrimination Against the Homeless.” Yale Law Journal, vol. 126, no. 6, Apr. 2017, pp. 1788–1868. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,shib&db=lgs&AN=122612138&site=eds-live&scope=site.
- Lynch, P. “HOMELESSNESS, POVERTY AND DISCRIMINATION: IMPROVING PUBLIC HEALTH BY REALISING HUMAN RIGHTS.” Deakin Law Review, vol. 10, no. 1 April 2005, pp. 233–259., doi:10.21153/dlr2005vol10no1art275.
- Milburn, Norweeta G., et al. “Discrimination and Mental Health Problems Among Homeless Minority Young People.” Public Health Reports, vol. 125, no. 1, Jan. 2010, pp. 61–67. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1177/003335491012500109.
- Thakarar, Kinna, et al. “Predictors of Frequent Emergency Room Visits among a Homeless Population.” PLoS ONE, vol. 10, no. 4, Apr. 2015, pp. 1–13. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0124552.
- Tsai, Jack, et al. “Changes in Public Attitudes and Perceptions about Homelessness Between 1990 and 2016.” American Journal of Community Psychology, vol. 60, no. 3–4, Dec. 2017, pp. 599–606. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1002/ajcp.12198.
- WEGNER, JUDITH WELCH, and MATTHEW NORCHI. “Regulating Panhandling: Reed and Beyond.” South Dakota Law Review, vol. 63, no. 3, Jan. 2019, p. 579. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,shib&db=edb&AN=135192441&site=eds-live&scope=site.
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