So how do we talk about homelessness in a way that promotes understanding instead of stigma?

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Changing public perception starts with changing the language we use. Words shape beliefs, and beliefs influence policies, behaviours, and the society that we build. Simple actions of changing the way we speak, lays the groundwork for a more compassionate and equitable future. 

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1. Ditch the Dehumanizing Terms

Phrases like “bums”, “transients”, or “vagrants” may sound strange to some, but they still persist in media headlines and casual conversation. These terms are more than just outdated, they’re extremely damaging. They strip individuals of their identity and humanity, reducing them to a nuisance or a stereotype rather than someone in need of support and understanding.

Instead, use language that reflects personhood and dignity. Terms like “community member without stable housing”, “person navigating homelessness”, or simply “neighbor” reframe the conversation and invite empathy. 

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2. Center the Voices of Lived Experience

If we want to transform public attitudes toward homelessness, we need to shift the narrative. This means making room for people who have lived it.

Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have to challenge stereotypes. When individuals share their journeys- the causes that led them to homelessness, the barriers they’ve faced, and the strength they found- it opens minds in unfathomable ways. These narratives remind us that homelessness is not a moral failure- and certainly not up to the person, but a systemic issue affecting real people.

From advocacy organizations like Invisible People, which uses video interviews to share firsthand accounts, to local community groups that feature speakers with lived experience, there are growing platforms making space for these stories. We must amplify them, not speak over them.

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3. Respect the Complexity

Homelessness does not have a single cause, and it does not follow a single story. It intersects a wide range of issues: mental health, domestic violence, job loss, the housing crisis, racial discrimination, colonialism, disability and so many more. Nobody chooses to be unhoused because they “don’t want help”

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Yet dismissive phrases like “they’re lazy” or “they made bad choices” are still incredibly common. These oversimplifications ignore the structural harms at play and reinforce myths. 

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Instead of placing blame, we should be asking: 

“What systemic failures brought them here?”

“What supports were missing?”

“What barriers are they still navigating?”

Empathy begins without judgement, and an instinct to let curiosity win. Allow for the willingness to see beyond assumptions- and put people first. 

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Final Thoughts

Changing the way we talk about homelessness will reshape how we engage with it. Language informs action. It influences how policies are written, how services are delivered, and how community members respond when they encounter someone in crisis. 

When we choose our words with care, we take an active role in dismantling stigma and fostering inclusion. When we lead with empathy instead of assumption, we help build a society where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

Let’s continue the conversation with compassion, not condemnation. Let’s commit to using language as a bridge toward belonging, empathy, and the belief that safe, stable housing is not a gift to be given- but a human right. 

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https://invisiblepeople.tv/

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