CHIP Fact Sheets and talking points...

 

What does a homeless person look like? Who is homeless? Old men who drink too much? A bum? Someone who sleeps under a bridge? Often, people imagine someone who is:

• Dirty
• Dangerous
• Intoxicated
• Crazy

Worst-case stereotypes like these feed into the dehumanization and the voicelessness of homeless persons. The fact is there is no one answer.

Homeless persons are any age, race, gender-men, women and children-who often work and may be indistinguishable from anyone else riding the bus or shopping at the grocery. The reasons for their homelessness vary across a wide range of issues, including:

• Women escaping from domestic violence
• People encountering sudden and severe financial setbacks
• Young people exiting from the foster care system
• And many other situations

Misconceptions can only be corrected through information, education and advocacy.  Lend your voice to the voiceless. Help tell their stories...

http://www.chipindy.org/advocate-fact-sheets.php