It is common knowledge that living on the streets is dangerous. However, few people understand the gravity of the situation. Street people face various challenges like insecurity, lack of food, violence and exposure to weather elements. Despite all these, people assume that homeless people are dangerous and alienate them. This article will discuss the dangers of living on the streets to provide insight into the situation.
Table of Contents
Addiction
Families that live on the streets are sometimes forced to separate. They go different ways to look for basic needs like food and water. This means families on the streets might take a while before they connect. It is stressful not knowing if their family members are safe and alive. This makes a significant percentage turn to drugs as a coping mechanism. Sadly, drug and substance abuse is not easy to overcome, even after they are out of the streets. However, people with heroin or other addictions can seek help from heroin addiction treatment centers.
Insecurity
People with houses or who can afford to rent a space hardly appreciate the security they get from this privilege. Insecurity is one of their biggest concerns when people live on the streets. That is because they are not protected by walls or a roof, which means anyone can attack and hurt them. As a result, they have to sleep with one eye open and always be alert. However, at times, sleep can take over, leaving them vulnerable and at the mercy of the world. Some end up losing their belongings, being abused, or killed.
Prostitution
Different circumstances can cause people to go to the streets, such as unemployment, debt, or the death of their provider. When they go to the streets, they quickly discover that even though they do not have to pay rent, they must meet their other life expenses like food, clothing, and medication. In an attempt to make money, some are forced into prostitution. This happens even to the young girls and boys on the street.
Underpayment
Homeless people are usually hungry and desperate. Therefore, they will do almost anything to put food in their bellies. Consequently, they look for any employment they can get. Unfortunately, people aware of this might take advantage of the situation by hiring them to do odd jobs in hazardous situations and underpay them. With no one fighting for their rights, they have no choice but to comply.
Loneliness
Homeless people are embarrassed of their situation. Therefore, they are unwilling to share their situation with their family, friends, or workmates. Additionally, they do not trust each other; everyone only looks for safety. This makes a living on the street very lonely, with no one to talk to or connect with. Even those living with their families do not have a safe space to share and connect. Therefore, they live in isolation and do not share their fears, achievements, or goals, which can be devastating. There is also the fact that the homeless move around a lot, making it difficult for them to create genuine connections with friends and other homeless people.
Homelessness should not be taken lightly. Those under these circumstances struggle daily to stay alive and lead a meaningful life. They do not get the basic needs, are exposed to drugs, experience insecurity, are forced into prostitution, and are underpaid and lonely. Therefore, it is essential to offer a helping hand to improve their situation.
Featured Image by Myriams photos from Pixabay
