Addiction and Homelessness
People in our community getting to know each other at Koinonia, open to everyone, every 3rd Thursday of the month at 6pm in the FMS dining room
Biases, stereotypes and preconceived opinions about a group of people based on any particular shared trait are widely and correctly thought of as ignorant and presumptuous, but that belief is not quite as often extended to those experiencing homelessness. Many people label those experiencing homelessness collectively as lazy, as criminals, as dangerous, and as less valuable or worthy of our time, love and attention.
One of our goals at FMS is to confront these assumptions by sharing real people’s stories on social media and in our monthly newsletter. (You can sign up at feedmysheeptemple.org/newsletter!) Many of these stories do include poor choices in people’s lives that they make and which lead to things like living on the street. Even for those who are directly and solely responsible for the factors that cause their dangerous and miserable living conditions, (which is not everyone,) we should still be filled with understanding and compassion and a desire to help. One of these such factors we see is addiction.
Understanding Addiction and Its Role in Homelessness
Addiction is a pervasive issue that deeply impacts individuals and families across the country. It can take various forms, from substance use disorders to behavioral addictions, and it often leads to a cascade of consequences, which can include homelessness. Understanding the relationship between addiction and homelessness is vital for fostering compassion and creating effective solutions for those affected.
The Link Between Addiction and Homelessness
For many, addiction may only lead to shame, maybe trouble at work, or maybe broken relationships. For others, it can be both a cause and a consequence of homelessness. Individuals struggling with substance use may face difficulties maintaining employment or stable housing due to the behavior and health issues that accompany addiction. As addiction escalates, the financial instability that often results can lead to eviction or an inability to secure a safe living environment.
Conversely, experiencing homelessness can exacerbate existing addiction issues. The stress of living in unstable conditions may push someone further into substance use as a coping mechanism, creating a cycle that can be incredibly difficult to break.
Challenges in Recovering from Homelessness
Recovering from homelessness while battling addiction presents several challenges. For many, the stigma associated with addiction can deter them from seeking help or support. Moreover, those experiencing homelessness may face barriers such as lack of access to healthcare, social services, and rehabilitation resources.
Additionally, recovery from addiction requires a stable environment, mental health support, and often a community of others who understand and encourage the journey toward sobriety. Unfortunately, these support systems can be hard to access for those who are homeless, making it vital to approach this issue with empathy and practicality.
Addressing Addiction in Homeless Communities
Our free mental health facility at FMS, the SunRISE Center, seeks to address many of these solutions, although some are outside of our control. Addressing addiction for those experiencing homelessness is complex and ideally should use a multifaceted approach:
Integrated Services: Programs that combine addiction treatment with housing support, healthcare, and job training can provide a more comprehensive safety net for those in need. Stable housing often serves as a foundation for recovery, allowing individuals to focus on their addiction treatment without the additional stress of homelessness. There are rehab programs we have sent people to which do these things well, and the success rate is incredibly higher than less comprehensive programs.
Community Support: Building a community that understands addiction can create an environment where individuals feel safe seeking help. Peer support groups that include individuals who have successfully navigated addiction can inspire hope and offer guidance. This is something we offer here at FMS. We have AA and NA meetings, among other groups, at the SunRISE Center. For a current list of classes, you can visit feedmysheeptemple.org/sunrisecenter.
Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about addiction and its correlation with homelessness can help reduce stigma. When someone at FMS talks about addiction or substance abuse, we don’t shame them, we listen. When someone commits to rehab, we celebrate with them and even share it on social media. We want our community to see the people in these situations for who they are and have compassion.
A Compassionate Perspective
When I first started writing this article, I wanted to find a specific person’s story to focus on. Maybe a following article or two will end up doing just that, but I decided for now to instead focus on the issue of addiction itself, because there are so many different nuanced stories (people’s lives) which too often get lumped together and labeled, as if strangers could possibly know a person just by looking at them.
I know a man who was struggling from addiction and went to an emergency room asking for help because he wanted to get clean, but they ignored him and left him in the lobby, waiting for him to finally give up and leave, which he did 6 hours later. He ended up using again later that night. I couldn’t tell you for sure why they treated him that way, but I imagine it’s because of how he looked and the assumptions they made about him. He looked dirty and homeless and like an addict, so he wasn’t deemed worthy of their time and compassion. By God’s grace, that man is now sober, has a home and job, but it took other people caring about him, not making assumptions about him.
There are many people in our community who are too often categorized, marginalized and ignored, when all they need is for other people to care about them. Individuals facing these challenges are not defined by their circumstances. They are people, created and loved by God. They are someone’s son, daughter, mother, or father who deserve respect, dignity, love and support. I would encourage you, wherever you are, to take some time to have conversations with the people around you. Especially those who don’t look like you, sound like you, or smell like you. Get to know where they’ve been and where they are. You might just end up being part of the change they’re hoping for.
If you want to get involved at FMS and meet some of the amazing people we serve, you can learn more at feedmysheeptemple.org/get-involved.
