To put it bluntly, this can be a hellish and unnerving experience for anyone who isn’t accustomed to living on the streets. This was one of the first places where I regularly slept when I became homeless because I simply didn’t know where else to go or what to do when it was cold outside. But this is a common experience for many homeless people in urban areas throughout the world. Since those first experiences on the Hotel 22 bus, I’ve been homeless in other cities and have had to repeat this method of attempting to sleep on public buses when necessary.
Government programs and social policies aimed at preventing homelessness before it starts. Homelessness is not a choice, and people experiencing it are not “lazy” or “undeserving.” Public understanding and empathy can transform how society responds. By recognizing the humanity, potential, and dignity of every homeless individual, communities can foster meaningful solutions rather than perpetuate stigma. Homelessness is a complex social issue with human faces and stories behind it. Solving it requires empathy, systemic change, and collaborative action.
