Editorial: Homelessness is a systemic problem, not a voluntary choice

Over half a million people go homeless on a single night in the United States.

To be more precise, there were about 567,715 homeless people living in the United States in 2019. According to Statista, this number has been steadily increasing in the past two years.

It’s been no secret that homelessness is a growing issue across the nation. The rate of homelessness amongst states continues to rise and the amount of affordable housing remains painstakingly low.

Let’s make it clear: Homelessness is a systemic problem. It’s about disadvantage. It’s not a lifestyle choice. No one chooses to be homeless, nor does anyone want to be homeless.

Among the top homeless cities in the world include places such as San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York City. In many major cities, like San Francisco, there are streets filled with people stacked upon people in tents asking for spare change, while they wonder how they can afford their next meal.

And in High Point, North Carolina, the number of unsheltered homeless people continues to rise.

High Point University student Meghan Lambalot regularly volunteers at Harbor House homeless shelter in New Hampshire.

“Homelessness in America is becoming an increasingly worse issue, and by volunteering at Harbor House, I am able to help a cause that I feel very passionate about,” said Lambalot. “I think it’s important for individuals to understand that homelessness is a systemic issue and the reasons why homelessness continues to exist.”

1 out of 5 households in Guilford County regularly do not have enough money to buy food. Equally as important, 15% of households struggle to buy basic necessities.

“One of the saddest things is when I see families who aren’t able to afford food for their children,” said Lambalot. “Being a student at HPU makes me grateful for the life I live, and it allows me to put things in perspective.”

As students of HPU living in a bubble enclosed by bright, shiny gates, we take for granted basic necessities like a warm meal and adequate shelter. We have become accustomed to the plethora of dining options when not everyone is as fortunate.

Poverty is the most powerful explanation of why people become homeless. It’s driven by inequality, lack of employment with a livable income and a reflection of the values of our society.

There is not equal access to education, medical care, safety or security. Individuals have to work much, much harder to attain the same benefits enjoyed by other demographics. It is extremely challenging for someone born into poverty to achieve the same levels of opportunity as compared to those born into the most opportune of circumstances.

According to the Interactive Resource Center, 47% of Guilford County’s homeless population is homeless due to unemployment or underemployment and this number continues to rise.

We tend to pass homeless people on the streets without blinking an eye. Would you stop to lend a hand? People treat those who are homeless as if they carry a contagious disease—it’s dehumanizing.

It’s easy to ignore the issue, but the fact of the matter is that homelessness is very much a problem we should all be aware of.

The problem needs intervention at all levels. With the number of those experiencing homelessness is only increasing, reform must happen. But even with the number of organizations fighting to end homelessness, the numbers still rise of those experiencing homelessness.

While there are already many organizations in the Triad area fighting for the cause—Tiny House Community Development, Partners Ending Homeless, United Way, Open Door Ministries, Greensboro’s Interactive Resource Center and more—we can come together as a community to fight for something bigger than ourselves.

We would like to see more foundations and philanthropists collaboratively fund initiatives that fight homelessness. We simply can’t ignore the data. We can’t do this on our own. We need to come together to collaborate and provide vital funding for those experiencing homelessness.

Spend a couple hours out of your week at a homeless shelter. Spend time at a soup kitchen. Spend time helping those in dire need. If the lives of those who are homeless improve, we all improve as a community.

Homelessness is about disadvantage. And as a community, we need to provide individuals with adequate resources for a better future. Housing is a basic human right.

Let’s exit the metaphorical bubble that we currently live in and help those who aren’t as fortunate.