According to recent reports, an estimated 300,000 people in Canada and 744,313 in the U.S. live on the streets, each with his or her individual story about the factors that brought them there. For some it is a personal choice, but quite often, it is due to circumstances that are out of the person’s control.

The Working Poor
A popular misconception is that poor or homeless people do not work. The reality is some do work full-time or part-time. However, due to low wages earned, a lack of affordable housing, and increases in inflation and standards of living, they sometimes just can’t make ends meet. Some of these people live in shelters – sometimes with their whole families – some with friends or relatives, some on the streets.

As Mark Twain once said: “Life is what happens when you are making other plans.” We all know that life can suddenly place challenges or obstacles in front of us. For those living paycheque to paycheque, all it takes is an illness or injury, the loss of a job, an unforeseen expense or event – and suddenly there is no money for rent.

The Street Kids
Another myth is that kids who live on the street are rebellious and can’t obey rules. This is true of some, however, many young people who experience violence or abuse at home turn to the streets, thinking it will offer them an escape. Whatever the circumstances that brought these children to the streets, the results are often the same: they don’t finish their education, or gain any of the work skills or relevant experience that could help them enter the workforce.

In addition, these teens may not receive the opportunity to gain even basic life skills that are needed as an adult, such as how to budget money, pay bills, or find and keep a job. Without this knowledge, becoming independent and self-reliant is extremely difficult. All these factors compound, and the longer these kids are on the streets, the harder it is for them to escape it. And without help from others, it may become the only thing they know.

The Mentally Ill
There is a segment of the homeless population that struggles with mental illness. Although there are agencies available to help, the individual must first recognize that there is a problem, and then seek out help. In addition, if someone doesn’t have a trusted social network of friends or family, they may not have anyone that can assist them during their time of need, if they are unable to care for themselves.

The Addicted
Some people on the streets turn to alcohol or drugs to forget about or cope with their troubles. If they become addicted, what money they do have may go to feed their habit. Getting off the streets becomes less important to them, and they often form new friendships with other addicts. These new friends may help perpetuate the problem, with the result that these persons may no longer be able to help themselves at all.