Unique, Beautiful, and Different: the Stories and Faces of Homelessness
Everyone is unique, beautiful, and different! It is imperative to remember that each and every person experiencing homelessness does not fit into a stereotype. The only thing that unites them all is, they are without a place to call home. It is unfair and unjust to lump everyone into one or two boxes, as there’s so much diversity and beauty. It is also unfair and unjust to see certain people as exceptions. It is unfair to claim certain people are “not like those other homeless folks”, creating a picture of there are those deemed worthy in a pool of unworthiness. All are worthy of our love, respect, and dignity. The diversity of people I have the honour of connecting with most days comes with a remarkable range of ages, genders, ethnicities, races, and skills. Everyone has a unique personality and it’s beautiful, seen in each person’s individual mental health, spirituality, physical differences, addictions, cognitive abilities, and health issues. Everyone’s whānau (family) has its ow