When thinking of superpowers in- visibility seems like a one of the coolest power. Imagine being invisible for a day. You can spy on people or maybe freak some others out, but what happens when you’re in a situation where you need help? Let’s say you got locked out of your house. No one sees you so they don’t help you. 

In New York City there are many people who are invisible to the average eye. These are the people at the side of the 

streets, asking people to help them when 

they’re in need, yet nobody seems to notice them. Nobody seems to care. 

Humanity, especially in the City, has lost their love because they live in fear of others. When people think with logic and not heart. 

Let’s talk about numbers because numbers are logical, right?

4,000

That is the number of people who sleep on the street, subway, or anywhere they can find shelter in the public.

25,000

That is the number of children that do not have homes.

70,000 

That is the around the total number of people that are experiencing homelessness in New York City.

These numbers that keep growing every year are real people. Some may even be your cousins, parents, or children. Maybe (God forbid) one day it could be you. 

Veterans, LGBTQ+ youths, people above the age of fifty, and single woman with children are among many of those that experience homelessness. Notice how many of these groups already face a harder time in society. They are more susceptible to poverty and homelessness because they begin with a disadvantage. 

The logic that people use to question that that experience homelessness is based on misconceptions and uneducated biases. These stigmas surrounds people who experience homelessness like a heavy blanket. Speaking of blankets, a cardboard box is not one nonetheless it is sometimes the only option for a bit of warmth for people that are living on the streets.

“They’re just crazy.”

No. It doesn’t make sense that someone would willingly live in a cardboard box on the streets. 

Some people who experience homelessness have mental illnesses. These cans stem from abuse, neglect, and some are just born with it. It is a disability. 

“Why don’t they just get a job?”

Why don’t you give them a job? That is the real question and there are answers to it. Many job applications require an address and if there is an irregular one or none at all there is little to no chance of the person getting a job. Even if a person who experiences homelessness tried to get a job it is even harder for them because of employer’s and working people’s convictions of who they think a person who doesn’t have a home is.

“They’re lazy, they don’t want to work.”

Many people that struggle with homelessness do have jobs they just cannot afford New York City’s ever-growing living costs. Currently the average cost of a New York City apartment is $3432! They have no choice but to go to shelters or live out in public areas.

“Why don’t they go to a shelter?”

Business Insider looks into this question as they interview Moustafa, an immigrant mechanic who lost his business and with that his income. Moustafa said the shelter rooms were cramped and “They treat you like an animal.” Moustafa would rather be on the streets than a shelter because of the health there and the strict rules. 

Unlike Moustafa, some cannot get into a shelter. “The wait times for the NYCHA can range from a few weeks to a few years.”

“They are criminals.”

We all know stereotyping is not okay and this is just another case of it. Yes, some people that experience homelessness steal and they shouldn’t be excused from their action either however,  instead of damning them help them. They’ll be stuck in the same situation and forced to steal, give them reasons not to steal in order to survive.

“They make me uncomfortable.”

It makes sense why many people are uncomfortable around people that experience homelessness. People naturally are afraid of what they do not know and don’t have experience with. 

Humanity wouldn’t exist if people weren’t curious and if discovering things wasn’t rewarded. I encourage all New Yorkers to not just be aware of their surroundings but to discover their invisible neighbors. It only takes a little gesture to make a large affect.

You can give someone out in the cold a hot cup of water. 

You can look at someone experiencing homelessness eye to eye instead of avoiding their gaze.

You can bring someone who’s hungry a meal if you have time or if you’re feeling generous.

You can make make someone visible by just being a friend.