Psychology
Homelessness Stigma and Its Effect on Access to Emergency Shelter
Quick fact
Research has consistently found that people experiencing homelessness are often perceived as dirty, dangerous, or lazy—even by the staff who run emergency shelters—leading to frequent rejection, humiliating treatment, and restrictive rules that discourage return visits.
Why this is interesting
Imagine you are trapped outside in the freezing cold, yet you hesitate to knock on the door of a warm building specifically designed to help you. Why do many people in that situation avoid seeking the emergency shelter that exists to protect them? The answer lies in a powerful yet invisible force: stigma.