Treating Homeless People Like Humans: A Societal Imperative

Homelessness is often discussed as a social problem, but at its core, it’s a human one. Each individual experiencing homelessness is more than a statistic—they’re someone’s child, sibling, or friend. And yet, too often, they are stripped of their dignity, reduced to mere figures in policy debates.

What if we reframed our perspective? What if we looked at people experiencing homelessness not as a problem to be solved, but as individuals deserving the same respect and humanity as anyone else?

From our experience working on the frontlines of healthcare services for homeless populations at Ozanam House, we've seen how transformative human connection can be. It’s simple but powerful. And it’s something we can all bring to our daily interactions.

The Power of Human Connection
Homelessness doesn’t just take away shelter; it erodes a person’s sense of belonging, security, and often, their identity. Many of the individuals I’ve worked with experience a deep sense of isolation. They become invisible, ignored by a society that moves past them without a second glance.

Imagine the feeling of walking down a busy street where no one acknowledges your existence. It’s not just disheartening—it’s dehumanizing. What’s missing in these interactions is something fundamental: a recognition of our shared humanity.

Shifting the Narrative
Step one in treating homeless individuals with dignity is to change the narrative around them. We need to stop thinking of people as “the homeless” and instead recognize that they are people experiencing homelessness. It’s a critical distinction. Homelessness is a situation—a crisis they are enduring—not a permanent identity.

Too often, homelessness is framed as the consequence of poor choices. But this narrative is both misguided and dangerous. Yes, addiction and mental health challenges often play a role, but these are complex issues requiring empathy and support, not judgment. For many, homelessness results from systemic issues—job loss, domestic violence, or an absence of affordable housing—that can happen to anyone.

Steps for Empathy and Action
How do we, as individuals, shift from passive observers to active participants in treating homeless people with dignity? Here are practical ways to foster empathy and make a meaningful impact:

1. Acknowledge Them:
Make eye contact. Say hello. These small gestures signal that they are seen—that they matter.

2. Listen to Their Stories:
If the opportunity arises, have a conversation. You’ll often find remarkable resilience, intelligence, and humor. Listening fosters understanding and human connection.

3. Support Local Solutions:
Get involved. Donate to shelters, volunteer at food banks, or support programs like Mobile GP, which provides healthcare to those in need.

4. Advocate for Change:
The root causes of homelessness—lack of affordable housing, inadequate mental health services, and failing social safety nets—require systemic solutions. Use your voice to support policies that address these challenges.

Restoring Dignity, One Interaction at a Time
Treating people with dignity doesn’t require monumental acts. It starts with recognizing the humanity of everyone, regardless of their situation. When we look past labels and see the individual, we begin to understand how much we all have in common. A little dignity—extended through even the simplest of gestures—can help restore someone’s sense of worth and hope for the future.

Ultimately, how we treat our most vulnerable citizens speaks volumes about our collective character. If we are serious about building a society that is compassionate, equitable, and just, we must start by treating everyone with the respect and humanity they deserve.

Now is the time to act. Let’s reshape how we engage with the homeless population. Not through grand gestures or temporary solutions, but through daily acts of empathy and dignity. The ripple effect of small, intentional actions can lead to a society that values every human life, no matter their circumstances. And in doing so, we not only help others—we elevate ourselves.

About the Author:
Brett is a project manager. With over two decades of experience in the health and insurance industries, Brett leads initiatives focused on early interventions for ageing and healthcare access for underserved communities.