Mythbusters

Busting myths about homelessness

When reading social media and online commentary, you see lots of inaccurate beliefs about homelessness. At the PSU Homelessness Research & Action Collaborative we want to ensure that you have the most accurate information.

We know that facts provide an essential foundation for neighbors to come together with elected officials to make just, democratic decisions.

This mythbusters page helps you identify what you think is true about homelessness and what is actually true. This is only the beginning of our work to shed light on the systemic causes of homelessness and solutions.

Please let us know what questions you have about homelessness.

Video: Myth vs. fact

Common myths try to explain everything from why the West Coast struggles with disproportionately larger populations of people experiencing homelessness to why cities don't seem to be solving the issue. These myths can cloud understanding and undermine solutions. We have tackled a few of the most common ones.

Understanding Homelessness Podcast

To learn more about homelessness, listen to the Understanding Homelessness podcast with Dr. Marisa Zapata. Each episode illuminates the underlying causes of homelessness, explains systems that perpetuate it, explores innovative solutions, and shares stories from those with lived experiences.