Who are the Homeless?

The short answer is that anyone can become homeless. At the OC we have served people from just about every background and every socioeconomic status, race, color, and creed. We have served former university professors, bankers, and engineers; we have served mothers, fathers, grandparents, brothers and sisters. We have served teachers, day-laborers, and artists. We have served US citizens and foreigners. We have served the down-on-their-luck, the mentally ill, the addicted, the sick, and the battered.

You would not want to be homeless because at that point you may have lost most, if not every, relationship that you have had. The homeless are folks who have lost quite a bit, and sadly, many have lost those people dearest to them. So, when you see a homeless person, notice the poverty, but remember that they may not have a real friend or family left to help them. Homelessness is a long road back to community.