Increasing housing costs, the cycle of poverty, isolation, inability to access education, illiteracy, mental health challenges, physical disability, family dysfunction, social barriers: these are some challenges that people at the lowest levels of socio-economic status must face on a daily basis. People who have lost their homes can come from all walks of life; nobody aspires to be homeless. At Manna, we believe that each person is created in the image of God and has a unique purpose in life. We recognize the God given dignity of people, even when they feel at their lowest.
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| “They like being homeless” | 94% would love to have a home |
| “It’s their fault” | Many are running from violent or abusive situations; many have lost jobs – all have lost their home. |
| “They’re lazy” | Many have part time jobs or work trying to retrieve items we throw away. |
| “They’re crazy” | Only 25% have a mental disorder; 1% need hospitalization – the rest could live a productive life if given assistance. |
| “They are substance abusers” | Only 1 in 4 are and many became like that living on the street. |
| “They are dangerous” | Actually, most are a very peaceful part of society. Rarely do you hear of a homeless person hurting someone. It’s usually the other way around, the homeless tragically are beaten for entertainment or sport. |