Why We Don’t Use the Terms “the Homeless” or “Homeless People”

Original Article by Father Joe’s Villages cited below

Summary by Simply the Basics

Language is powerful! It is the way in which people may communicate with one another and has the power to shape the way we see the world and the way we see ourselves. This article emphasizes a topic dear to Simply the Basics and that is, “Why we don’t use the terms ‘homeless people.” Experiencing homelessness is an experience, a state of being, and your state of being does not define you.

When individuals hear themselves being called “homeless people” it can unintentionally contribute to negative or harmful stereotypes. Our neighbors are people first and we must ensure we are humanizing their experience.

Better Phrases

• Person experiencing homelessness

• Those struggling with homelessness

• Neighbors / Unhoused Neighbors

When working with clients at a drop-in shelter, it was visually apparent the effect a difference in language can make. We never want to think of a person as inseparable from their experience of being homeless. By shifting our language to show that this is simply an experience and not something attached to who they are, we are able to empower our neighbors and remind them that this experience can change.

Continue reading the article for more examples and a deeper explanation of why language is so important.

Why We Don’t Use the Terms “the Homeless” or “Homeless People.” (2021, October 4). Father Joe’s Villages. https://my.neighbor.org/terms-the-homeless-or-homeless-people/