When was the last time you heard someone say “the homeless”?
It might have been in a news report, a casual conversation, or even in a policy document. Chances are, it wasn’t said with ill intent. But even well-intentioned language can carry consequences. The words we use shape our perceptions—and by extension, our behaviors. In the context of homelessness, language not only reflects our biases but also reinforces them.
Words are powerful. They can humanize or dehumanize, build understanding or build barriers. And when we talk about people living without stable housing, the way we speak can either reinforce stigma or promote dignity.
The Problem with Labels
At first glance, referring to someone as “homeless” might seem harmless or even descriptive. But labels like this reduce a person’s identity to a single, painful experience; often the most difficult and visible chapter of their life. Imagine if your entire identity was boiled down to your lowest point. That’s what happens when we say “the homeless””, we erase the person behind the experience.
The term “homeless” flattens identity, implying that housing status is an inherent trait rather than a temporary condition. It suggests permanence where there may be none and blurs the distinction between circumstance and self. In doing so, it subtly shifts how society views and treats people in these situations, less as individuals, more as statistics or social problems.
There is a growing shift among advocacy organizations, health professionals, and housing policy makers toward person-first language. Instead of “the homeless,” more inclusive phrasing like “people experiencing homelessness” or “individuals affected by homelessness” is encouraged. This language intentionally centers the individual, recognizing that housing instability is a condition they are navigating—not who they are.
As the National Health Care for the Homeless Council puts it, “Language is not just about communication. It is about the power of perception—our own and others’.” (NHCHC, 2020). When we choose person-first language, we shift the narrative away from blame and dehumanization toward compassion, possibility, and action.
Real-life experiences provide powerful insights into the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness. For instance, Bobby's story, shared by Street Health, highlights how unforeseen circumstances can lead anyone into homelessness. Bobby emphasizes that "nobody is immune from experiencing homelessness; it can happen to anyone, and its effects are devastating." His journey underscores the importance of understanding and empathy in addressing this issue (Street Health, 2023).
Stereotypes That Stick
Let’s be honest: homelessness is often portrayed in extremes. We imagine someone sleeping in a park, struggling with addiction and mental illness. While these situations exist, they’re not the whole picture. Families, working professionals, seniors, youth aging out of care; people from all walks of life can experience this
When we group everyone into one bubble, we ignore the full spectrum of who’s affected. And what is worse, we start to believe the myth that homelessness is always a result of personal failure instead of recognizing the reasons that contribute to it, for example , the lack of affordable housing, low wages, or inaccessible healthcare.
Our words shape our perceptions, and our perceptions influence our actions. By choosing language that respects the dignity of individuals experiencing homelessness, we take a crucial step toward addressing the systemic issues that contribute to it. Let's commit to speaking with compassion and understanding, recognizing that behind every label is a person with a unique story.
https://streethealth.ca/street-health-client-stories-bobby
https://nhchc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Homeless-and-Trauma-Training.pdf
%20(1).png)
