Too many of us believe that homelessness is simply the result of an individual’s poor decision-making. This widespread assumption inevitably leads to the feeling that it is their choice, instead of acknowledging and fixing the complex and systemic issues that cause and maintain homelessness. I like to say that if someone chose homelessness, what were the other choices they had?

There is a common misconception that drug addiction and alcohol abuse lead to homelessness. However, studies have found that in many cases, it is actually the other way around. Homelessness often precedes addiction, and substance abuse can be a powerful coping mechanism. It is crucial to understand the complexities of addiction and homelessness to help individuals overcome these challenges and find a new life on the other side.