The homelessness crisis in California and throughout the United States is the direct consequence of inadequate housing policy, and yet, homelessness is consistently misrepresented as the result of poor personal decisions made by individuals in extreme poverty. The myths about homelessness disproved in this brief have skewed the public’s perception of the crisis, leading to widespread contempt toward the unhoused members of our community, and delaying the implementation of effective policy changes. In order to institute necessary, sustainable housing and homelessness policies, it is crucial to dispel these myths and improve the public’s understanding of why our neighbors are experiencing homelessness.
Beyond the Bias: Realities of Homelessness in California
Homelessness Policy Research Institute
Year: 2024