Homeless for 30 Years. He Says Being Ignored Hurts Most.
Eddie has been homeless in Miami for over 30 years, far too long. You can hear it in his voice and see it in his eyes — the trauma, the repetition, the mental illness that comes from surviving decades on the streets. He sometimes rambles. He repeats himself. But everything he says is true.
Being ignored hurts the most.
Eddie grew up in the system — foster care, group homes, orphanages — and aged out with nowhere to go. He’s struggled with addiction, but he’s been clean and sober for years. He has a hernia, untreated. He panhandles to survive. He’s been stabbed. He can’t sleep. And he’s stuck.
Without ID, there’s no way out. No housing, no job, no bus ticket home. He tried to get help, but shelters were unsafe, overcrowded, and often filled with drugs. Outreach workers made promises, but never followed through.
Eddie says he would go into a Housing First program if one were available. He doesn’t need treatment, just a safe place to stabilize. But Miami, like so many cities, is out of options.
Eddie is a reminder that people don’t stay homeless because they’re broken, they become broken because they stay homeless. We need to get people like Eddie off the streets, and we need to act faster to prevent others from ending up like him.
More:
From a Tent to a Home: No Longer Homeless https://youtu.be/0hkkGH_QADA?si=ko0eCYxw8aQqzuIR
Can We End Homelessness? Hennepin County Shows How https://youtu.be/yq1C8l4uSZc?si=ZH6NHfO-gp0JHlTx
Finland Solved Homelessness: Here's How https://youtu.be/0jt_6PBnCJE?si=nNFhfIe5fqlwbPNx
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About Invisible People
Invisible People works to change public perceptions of homelessness and influence policy change. Many people mistakenly blame homelessness on individuals rather than systemic issues like affordable housing shortages, unemployment, childhood trauma, and insufficient wages. This misunderstanding hampers efforts to address homelessness effectively.
Our vision is a world where everyone has a home. We aim to fight homelessness by humanizing it and educating people about the systemic issues behind it. Through storytelling, education, news, and activism, we are shifting the narrative on homelessness.
Our impactful educational content reaches millions monthly, breaking stereotypes and prompting action from governments, brands, nonprofits, and individuals. Yet, the fight continues as homelessness remains a major societal issue that requires immediate action.
Invisible People is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about homelessness through storytelling, news, and advocacy. Since 2008, we’ve been a pioneering and trusted resource in North America and the UK, inspiring action and dialogue around poverty.
