We often receive questions and comments from people in regards to homelessness and jobs. “Why don’t your guests just get a job?” “If you held a job fair for your residents, a lot of them could move out of homelessness.” While some homeless individuals may be able to work and hold down jobs, there are several reasons why many cannot. Here are some reasons why many homeless people don't or can't have jobs:
1.) Lack of stable housing and transportation: Homeless individuals often lack stable housing, which can make it difficult to maintain consistent employment. Without a stable address, it can be difficult to secure a job, as employers often require an address to contact potential employees. Without reliable transportation, many jobs are inherently inaccessible. Taxis are expensive and carpooling is great in theory but often difficult to establish.
2.) Mental health issues: Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and PTSD can make it difficult for homeless individuals to maintain employment. These issues can make it difficult to concentrate on work, communicate effectively with coworkers and supervisors, and handle the stress of work. Roughly 50-60% of people who are chronically homeless struggle with some form of mental illness and as many as 25% have severe mental illness. You can learn more from this article here: www.psychologytoday.com
3.) Physical health issues: Many homeless individuals suffer from physical health issues such as chronic illnesses, injuries, and disabilities, which can make it difficult to work. Without access to medical care, these issues can become exacerbated, further limiting their ability to work.
4.) Lack of education and job skills: Many homeless individuals lack education and job skills, making it difficult for them to find employment. Without access to education and training programs, they may not have the necessary skills to hold down a job.
5.) Discrimination: Homeless individuals may face discrimination from employers, making it difficult to secure and maintain employment. This discrimination can be based on their homelessness, appearance, or other factors.
6.) Criminal records: Many people who struggle with homelessness also have criminal records. In many places, simply existing as a homeless person can be a criminal offense. Many people who have a criminal background are unable to get jobs or housing - the root of their homelessness in the first place. Finally, many people who struggle with homelessness also struggle with substance abuse and addiction which can lead to a whole host of criminal charges.
Now, having said that, it’s important to address that there’s actually a big misconception with the premise for this article. Many of our guests who stay at our shelters do in fact have jobs. At any given time, more than half of our residents are typically employed. As the housing crisis stretches on, inflation rises, and the cost of housing increases while wages stagnate, more and more people who have gainful employment still struggle with housing insecurity.
