Kaia Sand, executive director of Street Roots, explains.
PORTLAND, Ore. — KGW viewers have noticed in recent years a change in our wording referencing the homeless community. We still use the word "homeless" in our reporting, but we have also started using "houseless."
Kaia Sand, executive director of Street Roots, said she takes the lead on what word to use based on what the people she works with want to use.
"I hear houseless more often now. The thing that people tell me, this really comes from Ibrahim Mubarak and Lisa, they run the group 'Right to Survive.' They always say, you know, home is where the heart is. I have a home even when I don't have a house. And so it's really getting across that idea that people create homes when they're in their tents, when they're in their communities," Sand explained. "That's why more and more folks who are houseless have been promoting that term. And I love that. I love how it's a way of keeping our language fresh. Like it keeps us on our toes because there's a way in which I think we can just start to flatten out what the idea is to be homeless. So, if we have to reengage in a new way, I think it's actually healthy for all of us."
— Maggie Vespa (@Maggie_Vespa) August 13, 2020Houseless vs. homeless.
Someone saw our @StreetRoots piece (above) on @TheStoryKGW & asked about the difference. It got me thinking... over the years, my writing tied to #PDX's housing crisis has changed a lot.
Called @mkaiasand to talk a bit about why. #heydan pic.twitter.com/GppgbLUF5Q
We've also heard a lot of people using the terminology, "experiencing homelessness" instead of saying someone is homeless.
"I think that's beautiful because you know, for all these different aspects of us, it's just showing that we're each the person that we are and that these aren't intrinsic characteristics to who we are," Sand said. "It's a condition of our lives. Sometimes it gets a little clunky with language. So, I think it's, for those of us who write, it's always a challenge to try to do these things while also figuring out how to have a little bit of rhythm with the language, but it's important too."
Sand also wanted to point out this isn't a time to shame others for not using the "right" terminology. She said she appreciates it when people try, even if they make mistakes.
Thanks for diving into a fascinating topic! As someone deeply entrenched in language and its nuances, I can certainly appreciate the careful consideration of terms in discussing the homeless—or, as Kaia Sand would put it, houseless—community.
Let me break down the concepts touched upon in this article:
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Kaia Sand, Executive Director of Street Roots:
- Demonstrable expertise: Kaia Sand holds the position of Executive Director at Street Roots, a nonprofit organization focused on addressing homelessness. Her role suggests a deep involvement and understanding of the challenges faced by the houseless community.
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Use of "Houseless" vs. "Homeless":
- Kaia Sand advocates for the term "houseless" based on input from those she works with, particularly citing Ibrahim Mubarak and Lisa from the group 'Right to Survive.' The rationale is tied to the idea that home is where the heart is, emphasizing the creation of homes within communities, even in the absence of physical houses.
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Language Evolution and Freshness:
- Sand appreciates the shift in language as a way to keep our perspectives fresh. By adopting the term "houseless," there's an effort to avoid flattening out the concept of homelessness and to engage with it in a renewed and nuanced way.
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"Experiencing Homelessness" vs. "Homeless":
- Another linguistic shift discussed is using "experiencing homelessness" instead of simply stating someone is homeless. This approach aims to highlight that homelessness is a condition of life rather than an intrinsic characteristic of individuals. It adds a layer of depth and respect to the narrative.
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Challenges in Language Usage:
- Kaia Sand acknowledges the challenges of using precise terminology while maintaining a sense of rhythm in language, especially for writers. It underscores the importance of balancing clarity with the poetic flow of expression.
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No Shaming for Terminology:
- Sand emphasizes that it's not about shaming others for using "incorrect" terms but appreciates the effort when people try, even if mistakes are made. This fosters a more inclusive and understanding discourse around the topic.
The article encapsulates a shift in language that reflects a broader evolution in societal attitudes toward homelessness, aiming for a more empathetic and nuanced portrayal. It's a testament to the power of words in shaping perceptions and fostering understanding.
