TMID Editorial: Overcoming stigma
The CEO of YMCA in Malta, Anthony Camilleri, spoke to The Malta Independent on Sunday last week, and highlighted the stigma surrounding homelessness in the country.YMCA is an organization, among a number of others, dedicated to helping those in need
The CEO of YMCA in Malta, Anthony Camilleri, spoke to The Malta Independent on Sunday last week, and highlighted the stigma surrounding homelessness in the country.
YMCA is an organization, among a number of others, dedicated to helping those in need get back on their feet. Organisations like this take care of those who society chooses to ignore.
There are many reasons someone might end up homeless, or in an unsafe living situation. People could fall on hard times financially, could be victims of domestic violence trying to escape, could become victims of substance abuse, could have a sudden illness and the list goes on. Homeless people should not be shunned, but should be supported, and given the tools needed to rebuild their lives. That can only be achieved if they are supported.
"Homelessness in Malta is mostly invisible because people delay taking action to address their circumstances and are ashamed to admit that they do not have anywhere to live. If they become homeless, they'd rather stay with friends, moving from one place to another, which leads to the issue of couch-surfing," Camilleri said. He explained that the stigma surrounding personal struggles, whether it's homelessness due to a sudden illness or poor life choices that might invite blame, prevents people from speaking openly about their experiences. "In the past, we often had people coming to us with all their belongings in a garbage bag, and that still happens. However, these days, it tends to be more discreet, with individuals using shopping bags or a backpack." Despite the ongoing local culture of shame, Camilleri noted that in the rare instances when someone experiencing homelessness speaks out, "the community responds remarkably well."
But he also said that the local stigma surrounding homelessness is more pervasive than many realise, affecting the funding of YMCA, a voluntary NGO. He said that "fundraising has become extremely challenging." Whilst people are starting to recognize that homelessness is on the rise, there is still a prevailing attitude of, 'It's their fault,' which hinders YMCA's fundraising efforts.
If people falling on hard times are afraid to talk about their problems and seek help before its too late, then that only makes things worse. If you need help you shouldn't fear asking for it. The stigma surrounding homelessness is one that society must overcome. People going through tough times should not feel like they cannot seek help for fear of being shamed. A similar problem exists due to the stigma surrounding mental health also.
Combatting stigma is something which society as a whole needs to do. Keep in mind that anyone could fall into a rough patch, anyone at some point could need help. But if a person feels like they will be shunned or looked down on for reaching out for help, then the spiral will only worsen.
So how do we change this situation to one that encourages people to seek support if they need it? One step could be by supporting the organisations that already exist and offer support, another is by openly discussing the subject matter with the aim of breaking down the taboo.
The conversation on mental health has become much more frequent than it used to be, and barriers in that respect are being pushed through, although there is still a long way to go. We should do the same for other issues, like homelessness.
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