HOMEless but not hopeless

By Jhester N.

According to homeless advocates, more people have been living outdoors than ever before. A recent count in 2019 states that more than 6,100 people in San Jose are experiencing homelessness, but the number may have increased over time.

Neil C. is one of the many individuals who recently experienced homelessness in San Jose. He struggled to pay for his apartment and had to move for school.“I became homeless because I couldn’t pay my bills; it wasn’t enough so I had to give it up,” he said.

Neil lived in his car for months. Even though he had a job, it was still difficult for him to get housing due to still having to pay debts and having no savings. He says, “It’s so expensive here in the Bay Area, so it’s hard to get an apartment”.

On a typical day, he goes to the gym before work to exercise and shower. He works full-time and gets off late. After he gets off, he hangs out in his car until he falls asleep.

Neil usually eats small portions of fast food and conserves it so it lasts him the entire day. However, for some homeless people, this may not be the case. According to an article from The Guardian, some businesses refuse service to homeless people and people who try to buy food for them.

Another article from The Guardian describes the poor and unfriendly treatment from others to be common, such as homeless people being seen as potential thieves, always having eyes on them, and being beaten and sexually assaulted. Some victims are so hurt and upset that it causes them to take their own lives.

Sources: Interviewe: (Neil C.)

Neil once felt ashamed and embarrassed after a police officer once questioned him for parking his car in a restricted area. He says, “If you camp in places where you can’t stay inside your car, you can get in trouble for that, especially if it’s private property.”

In a recent article from San Jose Spotlight, homeless residents in San Jose were recently forced to leave an encampment located in North San Jose on land owned by the company, Apple. Many were moved into temporary housing in shelters and safe parking sites.

However, many homeless people experience physical and mental crises transitioning from a camp. According to the CDC, homelessness is connected to a decline in physical and mental health. Neil says, “Health-wise mentally, yes because you get depressed sometimes thinking about being homeless and you see a lot of homeless people too and you feel like life sucks, but you can always hope for the best.”

The City of San Jose plans to shelter and employ thousands of unhoused residents for five years. An article from San Jose Spotlight states they plan to increase employment opportunities and job training for homeless people. These jobs will involve litter cleanup and projects improving the look of the city. The plan to find them permanent housing is in the works, but yet challenging.