What is homelessness? When we think on this, our minds gravitate quickly toward the idea of someone who lives on the street. Someone “dirty”, someone “mad”. There are, however, varying degrees of homelessness which often have unique circumstances. “Home is where the heart is”, they often say. But what happens if you were to lose that home? Being homeless can range from living on the street, living out of your car or simply not having anywhere to call your own, forcing you to spend your nights with just about anyone.
To date there are over 1,500 persons living on the streets in Jamaica, and while many members of the population have never had to face the unfortunate reality of homelessness; for those who have, it has not been easy. Often, people believe homelessness is due to nonpayment of rent or mortgage or substance abuse but that is not always the case. Let’s explore some circumstances.
1. Divorce (or break up)
This classic example is played out in the Lifetime original movie, Home by Christmas, starring Linda Hamilton. Spoiler alert! It tells the story of a divorcee who had been driven out of her home by her husband after she learned he was cheating on her. She then moved into a smaller, less lavish house but because of her lack of skills, she was unable to find a job; she ultimately ended up on the streets after being robbed of the little money she had left. Situations like these are common and often leave the victim in a very dark place, sometimes literally.
2. Family disagreements
Disagreements among family members can result in segregation, even someone being “put out”. These disagreements can range from financial problems, conflict surrounding who should take care of a family member’s final expenses and even the mental health or sexuality of a family member.
3. Abuse of all kinds
Far too many people, especially youth, experience abuse of all kinds inside the home causing them to flee in search of a new life. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work out right away (or at all) and people end on the streets. Even though this is not remotely safe, they believe it is the best way to escape whatever reality being experienced at home.
4. Poor management of finances (or lack thereof)
For some, homelessness occurs after falling on hard times. This could be due to poor management of funds or loss of a job. When managing money therefore, it is wise to prioritise obligations related to maintaining a home. However, some persons are not as frugal as they should be or do not spend within their means. As such, their ability to maintain a home suffers and poor spending habits, like gambling, quickly deplete finances.
5. Mental illness
When someone is mentally ill, it can go one of two ways – the family cares for them or the family does not. Based on the nature of mental illness, not all relatives may be able to assist. For example, someone affected by schizophrenia usually experiences hallucinations. These hallucinations put a strain on reality and often the person suffering will roam the streets or distance themselves from family, sometimes never to return.
To continue reading, purchase Vol.8 #10, 2017 Issue.
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What is homelessness? When we think on this, our minds gravitate quickly toward the idea of someone who lives on the street. Someone “dirty”, someone “mad”. There are, however, varying degrees of homelessness which often have unique circumstances. “Home is where the heart is”, they often say. But what happens if you were to lose that home? Being homeless can range from living on the street, living out of your car or simply not having anywhere to call your own, forcing you to spend your nights with just about anyone.
To date there are over 1,500 persons living on the streets in Jamaica, and while many members of the population have never had to face the unfortunate reality of homelessness; for those who have, it has not been easy. Often, people believe homelessness is due to nonpayment of rent or mortgage or substance abuse but that is not always the case. Let’s explore some circumstances.
1. Divorce (or break up)
This classic example is played out in the Lifetime original movie, Home by Christmas, starring Linda Hamilton. Spoiler alert! It tells the story of a divorcee who had been driven out of her home by her husband after she learned he was cheating on her. She then moved into a smaller, less lavish house but because of her lack of skills, she was unable to find a job; she ultimately ended up on the streets after being robbed of the little money she had left. Situations like these are common and often leave the victim in a very dark place, sometimes literally.
2. Family disagreements
Disagreements among family members can result in segregation, even someone being “put out”. These disagreements can range from financial problems, conflict surrounding who should take care of a family member’s final expenses and even the mental health or sexuality of a family member.
3. Abuse of all kinds
Far too many people, especially youth, experience abuse of all kinds inside the home causing them to flee in search of a new life. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work out right away (or at all) and people end on the streets. Even though this is not remotely safe, they believe it is the best way to escape whatever reality being experienced at home.
4. Poor management of finances (or lack thereof)
For some, homelessness occurs after falling on hard times. This could be due to poor management of funds or loss of a job. When managing money therefore, it is wise to prioritise obligations related to maintaining a home. However, some persons are not as frugal as they should be or do not spend within their means. As such, their ability to maintain a home suffers and poor spending habits, like gambling, quickly deplete finances.
5. Mental illness
When someone is mentally ill, it can go one of two ways – the family cares for them or the family does not. Based on the nature of mental illness, not all relatives may be able to assist. For example, someone affected by schizophrenia usually experiences hallucinations. These hallucinations put a strain on reality and often the person suffering will roam the streets or distance themselves from family, sometimes never to return.
To continue reading, purchase Vol.8 #10, 2017 Issue.
Share this post: