Week 10

Front Steps posted an interesting status via facebook that read a common misconception of homeless individuals, that all homeless individuals are mentally ill. They then posted the facts that read "a recent report by the National Coalition for the Homeless determined that 20 to 25 percent of people experiencing homelessness were severely mentally ill, compared to 6 percent of the general population." This is a common misconception that many still hold. Front Steps is urging individuals to rethink common stereotypes we hold against homeless individuals by reporting accurate statistics and simply, the truth. This makes me think about encounters I have witnessed throughout Austin with homeless individuals. There is one man in particular my roommate and I see all around Austin. He carries the same bag with him at all times and walks quickly down the Austin streets in a swift place. I remember my roommate saying "this guy has to be to be crazy". I think about it now and these would be the last words I would ever again to describe any individuals. You cannot judge a person and the situation they are in without knowing their past. I think Front Steps strategy of posting statistics and the truth is a wonderful way to advocate for social change. It helps break stereotypes and reform common misconceptions.