Homelessness is a large problem that shows itself in abundance across the U.S., and it is the worst in California compared to any other state, with a 25% contribution to nationwide homelessness. This issue can also be seen here in Chico. The city is experiencing an ongoing homeless crisis, which was exacerbated by recent fires and rising house prices. 

Many may look down upon the people they see roaming the streets, but hardly take into account their story. It is easy to judge without understanding the person beyond their homelessness. For this reason, over the past week, I’ve interviewed three people who are living without homes to learn about their experiences and remind the public that they are people, and to treat them with empathy.

The first man I interviewed is someone who is commonly seen around my neighborhood. I’m unsure of his actual name, but he has introduced himself as Rod for as long as I’ve known him. He is a kind man who always greets people with a wave and a smile, even if they give him a face that is undeserving of such. He told me that after his family had ostracized him, he fell into a deep depression and gave up on his life.“ After my family gave up on me, I gave up on myself, and also on other people.” He explained that it was hard to learn to trust people again, and he’s mostly been staying at a friend’s house whenever they let him.

Another man I interviewed, Bill, is someone close to my mother. He has worked on her car and even given her money for gas a few times. He is soft-spoken, often wearing baggy clothes and pushing a shopping cart. He shared that he has struggled with drug addiction for most of his adult life. When I asked him about it, he said he never believed he would amount to much. “I’ve never really been an ambitious person, and my parents thought the same. I’m not happy about the way I live, but I don’t know how I could be any different.”

The last person I interviewed, Bethany, is the sister of my former social worker. In her case, homelessness is a lifestyle she chose. “I can never stay in one place for too long,” she said, explaining that staying in one place makes her feel restless and anxious. She feels more connected to nature and the world around her when she allows her “body to roam.” Bethany is a kind person, but she reflected on how people often treat her when she is on the street. In their eyes, she is unfortunate, but in her own, she feels free and at peace.

There are many reasons people could end up without a home or on the streets, yet many are very quick to judge them or come up with assumptions in their heads about the person’s character. We need to realize that everyone has their own story and should always be treated with respect. Our judgment and assumptions need to be cast aside in favor of treating people the way they deserve to be treated — with kindness and empathy.