It's called homelessness, not houselessness

by Vanessa on 14 May 2010

So, welcome to my very first blog, ever. At the ripe old age of 40, I have never before written a blog. To be honest, I don’t even know where the word blog originates from. That said, I have decided to blog (I feel very young and IT savvy even saying the word ‘blog’) because what I am about to write is something that warrants sharing. 

I have been a youth worker for the past 16 years and for most of that time, worked with young people who have experienced homelessness. Predominantly, these young people are courageous, resilient and talented, kids who grew up with dreams of becoming firemen and ballerinas. Kids like us, kids like your kids.

Having worked in the field, I know that homelessness doesn’t just mean sleeping rough. It also means couch surfing, living in refuges or boarding houses and living in accommodation that is precarious.

Interestingly, when we consider homelessness, many people immediately think of housing, or lack thereof.  That makes perfect sense of course. Having safe, secure and affordable housing would certainly go a long way toward addressing a young person’s homelessness. I would suggest that if the issue could be addressed by merely providing properties, this experience would be called houselessness. It’s not though, it’s called homelessness – and why is that? What is it that a home provides that a house doesn’t? A home is a place we can feel safe, heard, loved, supported and encouraged. It is free from racism, sexism and harassment. Do bricks and mortar provide that? I think you get where I‘m going here.

We need to continue to provide services to young people that address all aspects of homelessness, not just accommodation. We need to design programs that are innovative and sustainable. We need to provide programs that encourage flexibility rather than trying to pigeonhole young people into boxes. We need to think creatively and outside of those aforementioned boxes.

Anyway, thanks for reading my blog (the word is sitting very comfortably with me now). I encourage you to keep thinking about youth homelessness, keep talking to your family and friends about it, bring in up at dinner parties and social functions and keep thinking creatively about ways we can continue to address this community issue.

Comments

Submitted by candi (not verified) on 23 August, 2010 - 22:20.
I comment you for delving into the world of blogging and commend your first post. I totally support your idea of thinking creatively and not putting anyone into any sort of box. There are all sorts of different people in this world and we need to accept them all for who they are, and provide assistance to those who need it, in a way that helps them. To do this effectively, we need to ask what needs to be done to support young people, older people, and all the people in between. Everyone has different needs and being flexible and willing to listen is the first step towards change. As I learn, I will spread the word and bring up the issue. It is the least I can do to get others to realise that this is a real issue that needs real support and recognition and discussion, then the real action can take place! 
Submitted by Guest (not verified) on 27 July, 2010 - 18:08.
An excellent distinction between houselessness and homelessness. Very thought provoking. P.S. - this is my very first time commenting on an article / blog!
Submitted by Alex (not verified) on 16 May, 2010 - 15:06.
Great first blog! The word originates from the term 'web-log'. The term was shortened in the late nineties to become 'blog'. A silly word for an important form of communication. I agree that it is an important distinction to make between Homelessness and Houselessness. Often we drift toward the material in our culture and we forget the importance things that are more human such as the need for a home, not just a house.  
Submitted by Vanessa (not verified) on 4 June, 2010 - 12:19.
Thanks Alex.   I feel all the more technologically savvy now the I know the origins of the word 'blog' - I will now be trying to work this new found information into social conversations. I appreciate your comments and will endeavor to blog further. Have a great weekend.
Submitted by Kate Burton (not verified) on 14 May, 2010 - 13:38.
Hey there - nice first blog! It's a very good distinction you make between houselessness and homelessness. I've never thought of it like that before. I've done some work for a men's shelter and also feel very passionately about the issue. I'm here in Tas and every day that shelter turns men away. Bricks and mortar would help them a lot - but many have alcohol and other drug issues as well as relationship problems so clearly for them, too, it's more than just having a place to sleep. Anyway good on you - I so admire what Streat is doing and will keep watching with interest!
Submitted by Vanessa (not verified) on 4 June, 2010 - 12:27.
Thanks Kate,   Working in full-on crisis settings such as short term supported accommodation is incredibly trying.  Apart from the lack of funding and appropriate staffing levels, the often challenging behavior that you deal with can be both emotionally and physically confronting - so look after yourself and keep advocating for better conditions (for clients and workers). I just reckon that if we can keep talking about these kind of social issues, we can work toward getting these topics discussed in the main stream rather than keeping them out of the general social consciousness. Good luck with your work Kate and have a great weekend.