Many people don’t understand why the homeless prefer to live outdoors instead of shelters (if they’re available). Kylssa Shay over at Soapboxie provided a great detailed list to learn in detail, but here’s the quick highlights:
- No pets allowed
- Danger of sexual assault
- Threats of violence
- Fear of contracting illness / disease
- Worry of Theft
- Hours of operation incompatible with work hours
- Difficult to sleep due to noises
- Endanger disabled individuals
- Loss of personal control (check-in time, eating, sleeping, waking, checkout, etc.)
- Lack of privacy
- Fear of crowds
- Forced religious services
- Personal belongings not allowed inside
- Rejection based on drug or alcohol use (or perception of usage)
- Separation of family members (due to gender/age restrictions)
- Lack of handicapped accommodations
- Disrespectful check-in process
- Fear of contracting parasites like lice, scabies, or bedbugs
- Discrimination against LGBTQ people
- Denied entry due to mental illness
And many times it’s just not their choice to live outdoors, but a lack of available beds in their area.
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