It was raining heavily on my way home after visiting one of my teachers on Christmas Eve. I saw a man sleeping under the stairs, a place that seemed incredibly insecure, vulnerable, and freezing. On such a cold night, I felt it was tragic for him to be in that situation. This scene made me reflect on what homelessness truly means.

My parents often discuss the high prices of essential items needed for survival. Housing, in particular, has seen a drastic increase in prices compared to just a few years ago. Additionally, I frequently hear comments from my parents urging me to conserve water, and my friends often lament the rising costs of gas. With these thoughts in mind, I‘ve come to realize that many people struggle to afford secure shelter while keeping up with inflation on everyday necessities.

Furthermore, losing a reliable income can be devastating. Imagine losing your job and being unable to find another one; you would find it increasingly difficult to pay ongoing expenses. Many individuals may slowly fall behind on rent, bills, and other basic needs until they find themselves without stable housing.

Mental well-being also plays a significant role in the increasing issue of homelessness. Substance abuse can lead to poor decision-making, damaging relationships and jeopardizing job opportunities.

When someone is already grappling with stress, depression, or anxiety, these challenges can make it even harder to seek help, trapping them in a vicious cycle that is difficult to escape.

This complexity shows that homelessness isn’t just a straightforward issue with easy solutions; it deeply affects real people‘s lives in painful ways.

As a society, we should strive to understand the complexities of homelessness. Instead of judging those on the streets, we should approach them with compassion.

While some individuals may struggle with substance abuse, they are still human beings deserving of our support to help them regain stability. With a collective sense of compassion, we can come together to assist those in need. I hope that one day, no one will have to sleep under the stairs again.

<Andrew Hwang 서니힐스 고교 11학년>