A Person First, Homeless Second

I believe that there are always going to be homeless people in the United States for reasons such as poverty and unexpected disasters like hurricane Katrina. However, the current epidemic of homelessness can be attributed in part to the way our society is structured, particularly socioeconomically. In a capitalist environment, each person must tend to themselves and not rely on others. Thus, there is a tendency to flee altruism as a form of self-preservation (i.e. one will see to their own financial security and comfortability before another’s is considered). Another reason for the high homelessness rate in the U.S. is due to lack of information or misinformation regarding mental illness. Often I have heard the phrase, “he should have made better life choices; it’s his own fault,” regarding a homeless person asking for money. This outlook is fundamentally incorrect. Mental illness hijacks a person’s cognitive abilities, making their erratic life choices seem normal and shifting the blame from the victim to the disease.

Once properly educated, one can be a part of the solution to homelessness with patience, care, and friendship. I found a quote that was particularly enlightening. Steve Lopez is mid-discussion with Dr. Ragins, and is told the following:

Relationship is primary. It is possible to cause seemingly biochemical changes through human emotional involvement. You have literally changed his chemistry by being his friend (Lopez, 210).

Notice that Dr. Ragins did not mention forcible, more traditional therapy as the main factor of healing. It is a relationship that can set the mind at ease; it is a personal connection that refreshes the mind. Nathaniel is an archetype of the epidemic of homelessness caused by mental illness. Others like Nathaniel (and there are so many like him) can be significantly impacted for the better by people with a willingness to be caretakers. Neurobiologist Fabrizio Benedetti stated in an interview, “The attitudes we have and the words we say move a lot of molecules in the brain” (Brain Science with Ginger Campbell, MD; Podcast). Being a positive influence, an example of a good attitude and a supportive hand can work wonders towards lessening the rate of homelessness in America.

Recently, President Obama established an overarching Medicare plan known as Obamacare. In doing so, he was placing some of the responsibility of American citizen’s health on the U.S. government. I believe that the example of Obamacare should extend to mental illness as well. It is good and right to have government funded institutions and organizations put in place to be shelters and wellness centers for the homeless and mentally ill. The caveat to government institutions is that they should be run by a person with empathy comparable to that of Mr. Lopez. It is the government's duty to care for its citizens, even the ‘not-so-easy’ cases. However, the responsibility does not only fall on America’s infrastructure.

It is also the responsibility of American citizens to care for each other. Yes, this is easier said than done. But, maybe if we say it to each other enough times, some of us will actually do it. It is important that we volunteer and give, altruistically, to help those in need. It is not for us to judge, but to help. If monetary aid cannot be given, then like Benedetti mentioned, attitude and words are the next best thing. Spread the word to others that mental illness is not a choice, but a disease. A homeless person is a person first, and homeless second.