FOR YOUTH

INFORMATION BY TOPIC

Why do people put down homeless people?

Homeless youth/adults deal with harassment on a daily basis. "Harassment" means that an individual or group of people, for some reason, is insulted, bullied, and bothered by another person. Homeless youth are targeted simply because they are homeless, and because many people in society see them as a "problem." Yet it is a problem they wish to ignore. Society as well as those who are supposed to protect those within our society (e.g., the police) are continually harassing these youth physically and emotionally.

Not all homeless youths are harassed to the same extent. Gay, Lesbian, and Transgendered youths are harassed more than straight youths. Youths who "look" homeless (have large backpacks, hanging out in places where homeless people hang out) are harassed more than youths who easily blend in with the general public.

You can do a few things to help with this:

• Surround yourself with supportive people. If someone says or does something that makes you feel like crap, talk with someone who understands (friend, youth worker)
  
  
• Remember: It is not you who has a problem, it is the person who said or did the insulting thing that has the problem. They don't know you. They are only judging based on some superficial idea about you. You have nothing to be ashamed about.
  
  
• You can get involved in advocacy (see places to volunteer).
  
  
• The best thing to do, if you get harassed by a member of the public, is ignore him/her. Don't get angry and yell, and don't look sad or hurt. This way you don't reinforce them or give them the sense that they accomplished something. If you get harassed by the police, be polite and cooperative. This will get them to leave you alone far more quickly than getting angry. In fact, if you get angry, you are doing what they want you to do. It will give them a reason to arrest you.