Andrew is homeless in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. When I offered him socks, Andrew showed me that he needed new shoes. He was hiking the Appalachian Trail, and his shoes wore out. Nine months ago, Andrew's son died. He set out to hike the Appalachian Trail because it's something he has always wanted to do and to find himself again. Andrew says the military taught him how to take care of himself, but the Appalachian Trail taught him about being more self-sufficient.
Andrew says that Harrisburg, like many communities, is lacking in resources to help homeless people get out of homelessness. Also, like in many communities, Andrew says there is plenty of food. There is food insecurity in the United States but homeless people in urban areas are often overfed.
After this interview, I went and bought Andrew's new shoes. I share on social media that I do this type of charity, not for me, but to inspire others to do the same. The homeless sector now has conference sessions on how to engage with people who have lived experience of homelessness when it's really as easy as 1) see people 2) listen to their stories 3) be present 4) if they share a need and you can help, DO IT 5) repeat often.
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About Invisible People
There is a direct correlation between what the general public perceives about homelessness and how it affects policy change. Most people blame homelessness on the person experiencing it instead of the increasing shortage of affordable housing, lack of employment, a living wage or the countless reasons that put a person at risk. This lack of understanding creates a dangerous cycle of misperception that leads to the inability to effectively address the root causes of homelessness.
We imagine a world where everyone has a place to call home. Each day, we work to fight homelessness by giving it a face while educating individuals about the systemic issues that contribute to its existence. Through storytelling, education, news, and activism, we are changing the narrative on homelessness.
This isn’t just talk. Each year, our groundbreaking educational content reaches more than a billion people across the globe. Our real and unfiltered stories of homelessness shatter stereotypes, demand attention and deliver a call-to-action that is being answered by governments, major brands, nonprofit organizations, and everyday citizens just like you.
However, there is more work to be done on the road ahead. Homelessness is undoubtedly one of our biggest societal issues today and will only continue to grow if we don’t take action now.
Invisible People is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about homelessness through innovative storytelling, news, and advocacy. Since our launch in 2008, Invisible People has become a pioneer and trusted resource for inspiring action and raising awareness in support of advocacy, policy change and thoughtful dialogue around poverty in North America and the United Kingdom.
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