Language matters whilst matters require language

You will notice that the Cardon Banfield Foundation uses the term ‘people who are homeless‘ instead of ‘homeless people’. This is important though, why?

As we look at the issue of homelessness and the society’s opinion of it, there is a disconnect as the general public have a stereotypical view of people who become or are homeless.

Saying homeless before you say people puts situation before human dignity. We don’t say housed people when talking about the majority of society, so why is a situation put before humanity.

Making sure we acknowledge a human and then their situation will help change attitudes. We all make mistakes, including us here at the Foundation, however recognising those mistakes and consciously challenging ourselves to change our language is what the community of people who are homeless need.

Together we can respond to homelessness and make the UK a better place for people in crisis.