Thousands of homeless need our attention

THE case of Ben Nathan, the popular singer from the 1980s , who was found living on the streets has opened the eyes of many Malaysians.

Even celebrities, if not given proper advice, coaching and counselling on their financial planning and in managing their contracts, can end up on the streets. It is a useful lesson for people in general.

Thank goodness that many caring well-wishers have responded with support, such as from Yayasan Artis 1 Malaysia president D.J.Dave.

The press coverage also brought Ben’s family together to give him support and assurance and saw the Welfare Department and the Ministry of Health taking efforts to assist him. There are thousands of homeless and marginalised groups around the country who may not have not been receiving as much attention as Ben Nathan.

I often see in Kuala Lumpur at night, homeless folks without a regular private space for sleeping, washing and conducting one’s daily activities. These homeless people often have little choice but to spend most of their time in public spaces such as in parks, pave- ments and on the streets.

Some have experienced homelessness for years or months while others have only recently become homeless.

Homelessness has roots in poverty and social exclusion. Some asume that status after retirement or loss of a job.

Some people have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities that make it difficult to earn an income while others face financial or legal issues.

Other barriers to adequate employment include an incarceration history, limited literacy, or discrimination as in the case of marginalized groups.

Some people struggle with addictions that make it hard to maintain personal health and financial well-being. Some people become homeless as a result of domestic abuse, depression or personal trauma.

But there are homeless people in the capital city who are not all beggars or vagabonds.

In fact, many of them hold jobs during the day. However, they do not make enough to pay for houses or rooms and find it easier to make ends meet by sleeping in the streets.

There are no accurate figures on the number of homeless people in the city as only a few non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are aware of their existence.

The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry needs to have a comprehensive support system which is crucial to eradicate urban poverty and to ensure that fewer people end up homeless.

Many countries adopt successful models in dealing with poverty, including having proper social welfare as part of the nation’s policies to help these marginalised groups.