Comments on: Mark http://invisiblepeople.tv/blog/2009/12/mark-homeless-detroit/ changing the story of homelessness Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:39:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: slohomeless http://invisiblepeople.tv/blog/2009/12/mark-homeless-detroit/comment-page-1/#comment-1273 slohomeless Tue, 29 Dec 2009 20:46:56 +0000 http://invisiblepeople.tv/blog/?p=552#comment-1273 I was pleased to note that you asked Mark why he remains in Michigan. His response is similar to many homeless I've spoken to, and is contrary to the popular belief that the homeless are "vagabond" types who migrate from place to place.<br><br>In reality, the overwhelming majority of homeless remain in the very communities in which they became homeless. Yet, many folks are opposed to creating or expanding homeless services for fear that it will attract more homeless to their areas - a type of <em>"if you build it they will come"</em> mentality.<br><br>All the more reason why local governments and homeless support services providers need to engage in raising public awareness. I was pleased to note that you asked Mark why he remains in Michigan. His response is similar to many homeless I've spoken to, and is contrary to the popular belief that the homeless are “vagabond” types who migrate from place to place.

In reality, the overwhelming majority of homeless remain in the very communities in which they became homeless. Yet, many folks are opposed to creating or expanding homeless services for fear that it will attract more homeless to their areas – a type of “if you build it they will come” mentality.

All the more reason why local governments and homeless support services providers need to engage in raising public awareness.

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