Recognizing Humanity in the Face of Homelessness

Tue, 05 May 2026 15:46:00 +0200

In this reflective piece, Alison Owings discusses the widespread desensitization toward homelessness in California, particularly in San Francisco. She recounts personal experiences encountering individuals sleeping on sidewalks and notes how society often passes by without acknowledging them. Owings highlights the lessons learned from Del Seymour, a formerly homeless man turned civic leader, who emphasizes that many homeless individuals have jobs or families, challenging common assumptions. Simple acts of acknowledgment, such as saying hello, can have a meaningful human impact. While recent statistics show a decrease in deaths among Los Angeles County's unhoused population—from 2023 to 2024, the number dropped to 2,208—Owings stresses that the situation remains critical. The article also contrasts individual acts of compassion with systemic solutions, noting that meaningful long-term progress requires policy interventions like Housing First programs, adequate social services, and legal