Skip to main content
Location
P.O. Box 871
Fort Worth, Texas 76101
Phone 817-810-9797
Contact

A Special Annoucement from the DRC

Challenges & Solutions

Busting the Myths

Busting the Myths of Homelessness

A look at who experiences homelessness in Tarrant County

“Homeless” is a temporary state of being, not a homogeneous group of people.

The only thing that everyone experiencing homelessness has in common is that they do not have a home at this current moment in time. Common misconceptions abound.

Risk Factors for Homelessness

While each person experiencing homelessness is unique, there are a variety of factors which can lead to homelessness and serve as barriers to housing. These include but are not limited to:

  • Low or No Income
  • Eviction or Foreclosure
  • Chronic Illness
  • Physical Illness or Disability
  • Mental Illness or Disability
  • Domestic Violence
  • Veteran Status
  • Chemical Dependency
  • Old Age
  • Age Out of Foster Care
  • Disowned/Kicked Out
  • Incarceration/Reentry

When someone is experiencing multiple factors, their risk increases exponentially. However…

Not Everyone Experiencing Homelessness Is…

Homeless is a temporary state of being, not a homogeneous group of people. The only thing that everyone experiencing homelessness has in common is that they do not have a home at this current moment in time.  Common misconceptions abound.

  • …A Single, Adult Male

    While the majority of people experiencing homelessness in Tarrant County are, in fact, adult males, the percentages of women, couples, and families with children is rising significantly.

  • …Chemically Dependent or Mentally Ill

    According to the TCHC, the actual rate of chemical dependency and/or mental illness among people without homes in Tarrant County is 18%.

  • …A Dangerous Criminal

    Often, merely being in the state of homelessness can lead to legal issues, but it is untrue that all people in homelessness are dangerous criminals. In fact, people experiencing homelessness are more likely to be the victims of violent crimes than commit violent crimes.

  • …Homeless By Choice

    It is categorically false that people without homes choose to live on the streets. Even those who claim otherwise often come around after building a relationship of trust with a professional case manager.

  • …On East Lancaster or Downtown

    People are experiencing homelessness all across the area, in every neighborhood. People gravitate to areas where they are comfortable, returning to those areas even when they have been “moved” to more “acceptable” locations.

  • …Lazy

    “Get a job!” is a refrain often proffered as a “cure” for homelessness. We encounter people every day who have jobs but are experiencing homelessness nonetheless. People can become homeless due to unemployment, but they can also become unemployed due to homelessness. We also work with many people who for a variety of reasons are unable to work and support themselves.

Does all this mean you’ll never encounter an alcoholic, single, male ex-con with mental illness who prefers to live on East Lancaster and not work? Of course not. He exists.

But so do thousands of people with their own stories, situations, and factors which led to their current state.

The one thing they all have in common? They all need a home.

Our Impact This Year

  • People Helped

    1000

  • Volunteer Hours

    250

  • Dollars Raised

    $10000

  • Program Participants

    1000

  • First Last * Location
    First Last * Location

    [Testimonial] We exist to raise awareness for our cause and bring change to the lives of those we serve in our community. With your help we can make a difference.

DRC Community Solutions to End Homelessness
Location
P.O. Box 871
Fort Worth, Texas 76101
Phone 817-810-9797
Contact
MENU CLOSE