OPINION|
by Keeley Barbee, Peyton Pearcy, Riley King, Aisling Allen, Springfield
If homelessness remains stigmatized, it will remain a problem.
As college students, we have heard our unhoused neighbors referred to as “boogans,” dehumanizing these individuals in every way by attributing their situation to mental incapacity or addiction. When someone is considered less than human, it is easy to lack empathy and not analyze the roots of their situation. Instead, unhoused individuals are feared and often viewed as criminals.
The 2019 Point in Time Survey found that in Springfield, 69.1% of the unhoused population suffer from a disabling condition, 97.5% were over 18, 92% were single, and 72.8% were male.
According to Adam Bodendieck, the Director of Homeless Services at Community Partnership of the Ozarks, there are gaps in government funding due to the prioritization of unhoused youth, veterans, and families with children. Thus, single men who are not veterans or youth, do not have many service options, indicating why the Point in Time Survey results show the disproportionate number of single, adult, men on the streets.
The systemic barriers, such as the prioritization of government funding on certain parts of society, poverty rates, the affordable housing shortage, and the way landlords are taking advantage of these conditions, are important pieces of information to know before you call the unhoused individual on the sidewalk a “boogan.”
It is crucial to be educated on the issue of homelessness so we can think critically about our systems and how they victimize certain groups. Education is the key to breaking the stigma and bringing about change. Empathize with these individuals: If you were an unhoused single adult male, with a disabling condition impairing your ability to work, how would you get back on your feet?
Educate yourself:
Ozarks Alliance to End Homelessness Unsheltered Point-in-Time Report
Community Focus Report for Springfield and Greene County
Volunteer: