Are Homeless New Yorkers Dirty?

 

Homeless New Yorkers Are Not Dirty

Photo Credit: miss irine -stock.adobe.com

Thanks to countless movies and TV shows, we have all seen the stereotypical image of those experiencing homelessness. However, in many instances, that image is a myth. This blog post will discuss why homeless New Yorkers are not “dirty,” how they maintain their appearances and why you should not stigmatize them. 

Do Homeless New Yorkers Observe Proper Hygiene?

This may surprise some folks, but not all homeless people in New York City sleep outside, in tents or in condemned buildings. Many live doubled, tripled or quadrupled up in facilities they can’t rightly call their own or in well maintained shelters. 

In a previous blog post, we discussed the rising trend of those who lack permanent housing and still have to work full-time and/or part-time jobs. In order to interview for, obtain and keep gainful employment, one absolutely must bathe regularly and dress appropriately. 

How Do Homeless New Yorkers Stay Clean?

Many homeless individuals pride themselves on their appearances. Indeed, it’s often a full-time occupation in and of itself finding and utilizing the facilities many of us take for granted, such as showers and laundry mats. In addition to shelters, most of which have bathing facilities, those experiencing homelessness may also resort to the following resources to uphold cleanliness: 

  • Beaches
  • Rivers 
  • Campgrounds 
  • Bathrooms and baby wipes, and/or 
  • Gyms and the YMCA

How Does the Perception of Dirtiness Hurt Homeless New Yorkers? 

By dismissing all homeless people as “dirty,” we Otherize them. In so doing, we stigmatize them and signal to society at large that they are unworthy of our care, attention or respect. This in turn increases their vulnerability. 

For example, when an entire community stigmatizes homelessness, their local leaders may enact laws to keep this population out of sight, thereby denying them access to critical medical and social services.

Some community members may exploit these stigmas by victimizing homeless individuals through harassment or outright violence without fear of consequences. Though undoubtedly not unique to the municipality, a 2022 Los Angeles survey of homeless women without children showed common experiences include:

  • Theft (57.9 percent)
  • Repeated harassment or threats (43.1 percent) 
  • Assault (35.3 percent) 
  • Unwanted sexual activity (20.4 percent)

Our words and opinions have consequences. It is important to remember that, regardless of circumstances, we are all human beings and, therefore, deserving of kindness, compassion and basic dignity. 

Mentor A Promise and its network of partner organizations are working hard to destigmatize this vulnerable population and promote their overall being. 

Contact Mentor A Promise Today 

Our organization recognizes the immense potential within each individual and seeks to provide them with the educational resources and opportunities they need to thrive. To that end, we have built a strong network of family shelters, educational institutions and community organizations to support homeless children, youths and their families. Click these links to learn more about what we offer or to get involved. Together, we can break the cycle of homelessness. 

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