Stigma has serious effects on homeless

The stigma against homelessness and mental illness is apparent in our community’s media and more disturbingly in our city council.

The inhumane attempt for a shelter on hot concrete near the airport last year is an embarrassing show of our city council’s stigma on homelessness. According to a 2015 study by the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development, 25% of people who are experiencing homelessness have Severe Mental Illness, while 45% have any mental illness. The way some people talk about our community members that are experiencing homelessness/mental illness further divides our community on the issues of how best to solve the problem. The hatred of people who are homeless has led to murder!

I invite anyone who has biases towards people who are homeless or who have a mental illness to realize stigma has serious effects on people’s well being and changes how people feel about themselves. I ask everyone to challenge their own stigma with these few steps. First, know the facts, educate yourself on mental illness and homelessness. Be mindful and aware of your attitudes and behavior by examining your own judgmental thinking. Choose your words carefully. Be an advocate and educate others on what you have learned. Focus on the positive. And lastly, support people by treating everyone with dignity and respect.

A person’s mental illness is only part of that person’s much larger picture. Ending stigma is the first step. Long-term stable housing along with support is the next.

— Erinn Bromley, Chico