Why are people afraid of homeless people? Be honest?

Question

Why are people afraid of homeless people? Be honest?

Answer 1

There before the grace of God, go I. I'm not afraid of the homeless. Everyone should take into consideration that could very easily be them. We assume too much is wrong with a homeless person, but none of us know they became that way or wiling to help (if only a little). We are real quick to get away though. Think about if it were you, would you help you?

Answer 2

Its for the same reason that certian people are afraid of "goths". People hear horror stories and assume that ALL homeless are drug addicts or theives etc. It comes down to people being uneducated. Their parents or friends may have told them something about a homeless person and they will see it from that point of view unless something changes it. Its the fear of the unknown.

Personally, growing up I didn't know much about homeless people. When I became a teenager and hung out downtown I started to see them - notice them. I was scared of them, they were dirty and unfamiliar. It wasn't until my youth group volunteered at a soup kitchen that my opnion changed. Then in college I heard a woman speak about her job with street kids. Her story touched me and I felt compelled to check it out. I loved it! The street kids were great. Volunteering with those kids was such a great experience. Realizing how much I enjoyed being with these people, who had so little but laughed and loved so much, I applied to work at a local shelter. It was sooo awesome! Best job ever! I worked there for 5 years until I had my son. I go down often to visit with my pals because I miss them a lot.

If I hadn't heard that woman talk about the street kids, who knows, I may still "fear" the homeless. My opinion may have never changed. However, because I became educated and got to know people personally, those fears fell away.

Now I can honestly say that I am much more comfortable sitting in a room full of homeless people than regular joe schmoes! Many of my friends are so sweet and humble, and have a great sense of humor despite their living situation and problems.

Answer 3

There's a common misconception that homeless people are crazy. Some people might have had a bad experience when they tried to help the homeless person or they go off of the myth. It could also be that they are not very clean and sometimes smell. While this may be true in some cases homeless people are still people too.

Answer 4

Bacteria.

Answer 5

The people are always afraid from strange

objects or unusual looking people unfortunately for the homeless people that they act,do & wear cloths different than normal people do.what do you think about

unshaved man who's wearing two coats in

a 95 degree & fighting with everyone in the street ?what would you do if a woman

sits next to you in the train while drinking alcoholic beverage in a brown bag ? I wish that we can help these people & eliminate this problem.

Answer 6

I don't feel that they are afraid of them, but they are stigmatized to be today's  'lepers'  of society.  This is so unfortunate, for they are, most of them, very 'good people.  I have worked with them for the last 25 years, from my own home.  I  have found them to be such 'genuine' people.  Because they do not have 'things and money to play a facade, they have only themselves to offer others.  I have found them to be very honest and trustworthy people.  Much moreso than a whole lot of other people I know.  I have found some truly rewarding friendships and experiences through my relationship with them.

I have always given whatever I  can afford, because they are so appreciative of everything you give them.  And yes, there are those few, who take more than their fair share.  But I leave this for God to handle.  I know that when we take more, we will eventually have to pay it back.

May I quote this passage, here?

                    James 2:5

Listen to me, dear brothers; God has chosen poor people to be rich in Faith, and the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs, for that is the gift God has promised to all those who love Him.

Almost all those I have helped through the years have incomparable faith in God.

Answer 7

Well, because we are taught our whole lives never to talk to strangers and with someone that is homeless you just never know. If they are homeless there is the factor that they may be desperate enough to hurt someone. That is why people are afraid of them and there are some good homeless people some people maybe homeless living out of their cars and you would never know because, why would they volunteer that information, because suddenly they would be seen as bad.

There are a lot of homeless people who should be in group home and institutions being looked after, but the system we have puts them out on the street or they end up in prisons being shifted around for the rest of their lives. People will help stray animals, but stray people. They look the other way and think it is their fault their lives just ave not worked out.

With all the gas prices going up you'll see more and more homeless people and yes even the best of men can get desperate enough to hurt someone if they are pushed hard enough.

Answer 8

I can't say that I'm afraid of homeless people, I'm just reluctant to give them any money. They could be scam artists or if they are homeless they may spend it on booze/drugs. I'd rather donate to centers who teach homeless people to help themselves: Get off drugs/alcohol, learn job skills, etc.