Homelessness v Houselessness

Monday, October 1, 2012

For this walking journal, I have to admit that I was still not in good health to take the journey. I will use my previous experiences to talk about the homelessness/ houselessness that I have observed at the Riverwalk.

Last time I went to the Riverwalk, I was with my really, really good friend Andrea. Although I was stunned by the beauty of the area, I found myself walking very aware of my surroundings because of the “sketchy wanderers.” I felt like as the day grew shorter, the presence of the people who live out in that area became more apparent. I remember staying very far away from a man that was obviously spending the night there. He was wearing extremely shabby clothes and his face covered in grey patches of dirt. He had the stereotypical large duffle bags which probably contained all that he owned. In all honesty, I was frightened of his intentions. But I also felt guilty, because there I was walking around with my luxury items in each hand—smartphone and a camera. It made me wonder what his story was that led him to that point in his life.

After contemplating Jim Burklo’s distinction between homeless and houselessness, I can see it from another perspective. The man seemed very comfortable in his ways. It didn’t seem as if he was ashamed. It was his way of life. The other “sketchy wanderers” that I came across also appeared to be in routine. This activity was not unusual for these people. To them, it was their home because they knew it in a way which one may know their house or bedroom. Although it was a public area that was the vibe they gave.

It is a tricky concept because so many people abide by society rules. Society just classifies anyone without a physical house or shelter under his or her name as homeless. But technically one who has just moved out on his own and has not really established himself in place could be said to be homeless. On the same thought, one who is without a house who knows his surroundings well and is established in place may be “home” just with a house and can be called “houseless.” This is definitely an interesting concept. In this light, I can see that there is more “houselessness” than “homelessness” at the Riverwalk.