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Risks of Being Homeless

A life on the streets, without the reliability of a roof over their heads at the end of the day, is a harsh reality for many people. Homelessness leaves individuals in a position of extreme vulnerability, placing them in an unforgiving environment without access to many of the basics most people take for granted. The homeless face multiple threats.

  1. Physical Dangers from Others

    • The homeless are often alone on the streets, and others they encounter might not be friendly toward them. Some people might attempt to harm the homeless out of cruelty or because they feel repulsed by those who live in such a way. The homeless are vulnerable to assault by people who set out to target the homeless. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, between 1999 and 2009, 291 homeless people died as a result of such crimes. The homeless also run a higher risk of being victims of sexual assault or else manipulation by individuals who initially appear trustworthy.

    Mental Health

    • Being on the streets without much in the way of personal security can take a significant toll on the mental well-being of individuals. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimates as many as 25 percent of homeless people in the U.S. have a form of mental illness. Mental illness can have a negative effect on a homeless person's ability to form relationships and on the chance of the individual finding residential stability.

    Leads to Crime

    • Homeless individuals often become increasingly desperate in the actions they'll take to survive. They might turn to crime, such as shoplifting, to get food to eat each day, or enter into the world of prostitution. The homeless are thus vulnerable to others who might seek to control them, such as criminal gangs, and may get in trouble with the law too.

    Medical Problems

    • A poor diet and a lack of access to medical treatments mean the homeless are susceptible to a variety of medical problems. Homeless people tend to consume carbohydrate-intensive meals but not fruit and vegetables, which can trigger illnesses associated with a lack of vitamin C. The environment in which the homeless live is a hotbed for serious illnesses, and a lack of shelter and basic amenities such as warmth mean the homeless are vulnerable to respiratory illnesses.

    Theft

    • A homeless person often doesn't have many belongings, and those she does own are difficult to keep safe. Sleeping rough means a homeless individual's possessions are vulnerable to theft, from members of the public and other homeless people.

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