March Newsletter: The Power of Perception -- How Media Shapes Society’s View of the Homeless

When you think of a homeless person in movies, TV shows, or news stories, what image often comes to mind? Is it the scruffy man on a street corner holding a cardboard sign? Is it the aggressive beggar? The addict who refuses help? If so, you’re not alone- these are the most common portrayals of homeless people seen in the media. These portrayals create a narrow and misleading view of how homelessness is in reality. 

The Power of Media in Defining Homelessness

(Barajas, 2015)

The portrayal of homelessness in the media plays a significant role in shaping how the public perceives this issue. When news outlets, films, and television shows reduce homelessness to a set of negative stereotypes, it fosters harmful misconceptions. These portrayals not only influence public sentiment but also impact policies and societal support for solutions. When the media misrepresents homelessness, it fuels stigma, making it harder for individuals experiencing homelessness to receive necessary assistance. Instead of highlighting the systemic factors driving homelessness, such as poverty, lack of affordable housing, and mental health struggles, the media often distorts the issue by focusing on the personal shortcomings of those affected. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the crisis of homelessness in the U.S. is rooted in systemic failures, not in the failure of individuals (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2025).

The Most Common Stereotypes

One of the most damaging stereotypes perpetuated by the media is the idea that homelessness results from laziness or a lack of effort. News stories and entertainment often focus on individuals who are unemployed or unwilling to “get a job,” ignoring the structural barriers like unaffordable housing, job instability, and rising healthcare costs. As noted by the Columbia Journalism Review, media portrayals of homelessness that focus on personal failure oversimplify the issue and overlook critical systemic factors (Columbia Journalism Review, 2025). This creates a false narrative that homelessness is a personal failing rather than a complex social issue that requires systemic intervention.

Another prevalent stereotype is that homeless individuals are primarily addicts or criminals. While substance abuse is a factor for some, it is not the defining characteristic of homelessness. However, the media often amplifies this connection, linking homelessness with crime or addiction, as seen in popular films and television. This narrow portrayal disregards the many individuals who are homeless due to factors like job loss, domestic violence, or medical emergencies. Psychology Today highlights that media outlets tend to focus on sensational stories rather than providing a comprehensive look at the many reasons behind homelessness, thus contributing to harmful stereotypes (Psychology Today, 2025).

In addition, many media portrayals render homeless individuals invisible. By focusing only on the most visible cases of homelessness, such as large encampments in major cities, the media creates the misconception that homelessness is rare or confined to urban areas. In reality, homelessness affects people across all demographics, including families, veterans, and those living in suburban and rural areas. As reported by The Guardian, this selective coverage prevents the public from understanding the true scale and diversity of homelessness (The Guardian, 2019).

How News Media Reinforces Public Perspectives

(Father Joe's Villages, 2021)

News media plays a significant role in reinforcing public attitudes about homelessness. Often, sensationalized stories focus on isolated incidents involving homeless individuals, such as crimes or tragic events, rather than exploring the root causes of homelessness. This type of coverage can lead to harsh public policies, such as “anti-camping” laws, which criminalize homelessness instead of addressing the structural causes of the issue. The media often fails to present homelessness as a societal issue that requires long-term, compassionate solutions. According to PBS NewsHour, this type of media coverage can create a perception that homelessness is a "public nuisance" rather than a global crisis (PBS NewsHour, 2025).

Furthermore, narratives presented in the media can shift how the public perceives homelessness. When homelessness is framed as a "problem of choice" or as an issue of individual failure, public support for policies that address the root causes such as affordable housing, mental health services, and economic opportunities are obscure. This aligns with findings from Psychology Today, which emphasize the role of media in framing homelessness through a lens of personal responsibility rather than societal support systems (Psychology Today, 2025).

Entertainment’s Role in Shaping Perceptions

Beyond news coverage, entertainment media also plays a critical role in shaping public perceptions of homelessness. Movies and TV shows often present a one-dimensional view of homelessness, depicting individuals as either tragic victims or as dangerous and unpredictable. This simplification often neglects the complex realities faced by homeless individuals. According to the Columbia Journalism Review, media portrayals that focus on extreme cases can create a false sense of the issue, leading the public to misunderstand the diversity of people affected by homelessness (Columbia Journalism Review, 2025)

The Need for Responsible Storytelling

To address the media’s role in perpetuating stereotypes, ethical and responsible storytelling is crucial. News outlets and entertainment creators must strive to provide accurate, diverse representations of homelessness, highlighting both the causes and the human experiences behind the issue. As PBS NewsHour notes, this kind of storytelling can change the way homelessness is understood, moving away from blaming individuals to focusing on societal structures that need reform (PBS NewsHour, 2025).

Moreover, it is vital to amplify the voices of those with lived experience of homelessness. Media outlets should prioritize these stories, as individuals who have experienced homelessness are often best positioned to explain the true causes and solutions. According to The Guardian, giving voice to homeless individuals is essential for changing the narrative and combating stigma (The Guardian, 2019).

Why It Matters

The way homelessness is portrayed in the media has far-reaching consequences. When the issue is reduced to stereotypes, it preserves harmful views that justify criminalizing homelessness and ignoring its root causes. However, when media outlets take a more responsible approach such as focusing on the systemic factors that contribute to homelessness and highlighting successful solutions, they can shift public perception and encourage positive action.

Project Hope Haven’s March Recap

In March, Project Hope Haven (PHH) undertook a meaningful initiative aimed at supporting individuals experiencing homelessness through a community fundraising event. The organization hosted a pickleball tournament to raise awareness and financial support for this cause. The event drew participation from over 35 teams—more than 70 individuals—who contributed their time and enthusiasm to support this impactful effort.

As a result of the tournament, PHH successfully raised over $350. These funds will be directed toward programs and services that provide essential resources, shelter, and support for those affected by homelessness. While the financial outcome of the event is commendable, the greater achievement lies in the strengthened community engagement and increased visibility of PHH’s mission. By combining recreational activity with purposeful giving, PHH has laid the groundwork for continued outreach and future fundraising efforts that aim to uplift and serve vulnerable populations.

Project Hope Haven’s Mission

Project Hope Haven remains committed to combating homelessness and providing hope to vulnerable communities. By taking a hands-on approach, the organization continues to make a direct impact, one project at a time. Moving forward, Project Hope Haven plans to expand its outreach efforts, organize additional donation drives, and collaborate with local organizations to create sustainable solutions, all while keeping cultural significance in mind. Through collective action and compassion, Project Hope Haven strives to make a lasting difference in the fight against homelessness.

Bibliography:

Barajas, Meriah. “How Homelessness Is Distorted in the Media.” Street Spirit, 11 Oct. 2015, thestreetspirit.org/2015/10/11/how-homelessness-is-distorted-in-the-media/.

Father Joe's Villages. “Common Myths and Stereotypes of Homelessness.” Father Joe’s Villages, 25 Aug. 2021, my.neighbor.org/myths-stereotypes-of-homelessness/.

“Homelessness.” PBS NewsHour, www.pbs.org/newshour/tag/homelessness.

National Alliance to End Homelessness. “National Alliance to End Homelessness.” National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2023, endhomelessness.org/.

Nowell, Cecilia. “US Saw Dramatic Rise in Homelessness at Start of 2024, Housing Agency Says.” The Guardian, The Guardian, 27 Dec. 2024, www.theguardian.com/society/2024/dec/27/homelessness-rising-2024.

Shelters, Homeless. “Homeless Shelters 4 AT&T-Verizon Duopoly.” Columbia Journalism Review, 2021, www.cjr.org/the_audit/homeless_shelters_4_att-verizo.php. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

Vitelli, Romeo. “Why Is Homelessness so Stigmatized? | Psychology Today.” Www.psychologytoday.com, 5 June 2021, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/media-spotlight/202106/why-is-homelessness-so-stigmatized.