“I became first aware of the extent of homelessness in our community when I worked with my older siblings helping perform various projects that helped LUW's efforts to assist the homeless. However, writing this essay brought to my mind yet another stigma that homeless individuals suffer from being perceived as mentally ill or dangerous. Researching the link between homelessness and mental health taught me that homeless is a complex problem with primarily socioeconomic origins, with mental health issues contributing to it in a minor way. The vast majority of those who suffer from mental illnesses are not homeless and continue to stay employed and housed. Most homeless individuals don't have mental illnesses, though they may naturally suffer from psychological distress brought on by their situation. Prolonged homelessness and adverse conditions may lead to some developing mental health issues, and mental health issues can result in some becoming homeless. However, correlation does not imply causation when it comes to mental health issues and homelessness. By providing those struggling with mental health issues with the support system they need, we can potentially prevent them from spiraling into homelessness.”

Isabella Vembenil, The Ursuline School
2nd Place, 9th & 10th Grade Category

“It's crucial that the way we think about mental health, homelessness, and how they affect each other needs to be changed to ensure progress with both issues. The best way to start with changing society's opinion as a whole is starting with "our own homes", or yourself. The best way to combat stereotypes is through education and research, and to learn all the distinctions and nuances. For instance, before sitting down and researching homelessness, I was unaware of how complex the issues harming them were. But, through learning more about the topic, I have begun to think of mental health and lack of housing as intertwined problems. Helping displaced people requires changing your perceptions, and helping them long-term. This is also why organizations, such as Lifting Up Westchester must provide aid to those without residence. Lifting Up Westchester is providing long-term aid, lifting those in need, which will help alleviate financial, safety, and mental health issues. Through supporting those in need, Lifting Up Westchester is not only able to support individuals, but uplift their families and our community as well.”

Le Wang, Edgemont Senior High School
1st Place, 9th & 10th Grade Category

“As a society we fail to recognize the importance of offering support to those who require it. Our culture does not address the problems that people are facing and only criticize them when they are struggling. It is a very hypocritical notion to perpetuate when there are many people who respond to trauma similarly but go unlabeled because their privilege and status protect them from scrutiny.

Mental illness is not the only reason for homelessness; poverty, gentrification, and pandemics are only some of the factors that play a role in homelessness as well. The societal isolation of homeless people is an extreme form of victim-blaming that humanity has adapted.”

Agnesa Rraci, Woodlands High School
1st Place (tie), 11th & 12th Grade Category

“Being homeless isn't something people just choose to do. It is something that happens to them. All things out of our control can negatively impact our mental health. Think about a time when someone or something else was in the process of making a decision for you. It stressed you out, right? Think about something that occurred in your life that was completely out of your control. It's a terrible feeling. Especially when it's something as life changing as homelessness.

For adults, homelessness carries a lot of stress and dangers. Especially for those with kids. There is stress, and hopelessness. For kids, there is a lot of confusion. I was a kid and I was confused, sad, and I felt terrible. I didn't really understand what was happening or why it was happening to me of all people. What did I do to deserve this? Truth is, absolutely nothing.

Homeless people are people too. They don't deserve to be judged and stereotyped. We, as a population, are people first.”

Honesty Woods, Peekskill High School
2nd Place, 11th & 12th Grade Category

“A vast majority of homeless women have reported an increased vulnerability to sexual assault and physical violence. Similarly to men, alcohol, and substance abuse have commonly inflicted adults, offsetting brain chemicals including serotonin and dopamine. This deficiency triggers many of the mental disorders that have led to suicide. Homelessness has also been shown to be traumatic and detrimental, especially to children's development. Like adults, studies have shown that homelessness throughout youth is closely connected with social issues, anxiety, depression, and more. These challenges among children are deleterious to psychological growth and maturity, and can play a major role in a child's overall future success. Another group heavily afflicted with homelessness and mental health challenges is the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning community (LGBTQ). Suicide attempts and ideations have reported to be 4 times higher than heterosexual youth. Overall, the tribulation of homelessness has significantly impacted, and continues to impact individuals from all walks of life.”

Kristen Luther, Woodlands High School
1st Place (tie), 11th & 12th Grade Category

“We, the passerby, can ease some of this loneliness for people on the street by acknowledging and interacting with them — holding conversations, giving handshakes, making eye contact. Asking a person how they are doing, and really listening to the answer. Asking about ways we can help and being ready to act goes a long way in reminding the unhoused person of their importance. If significance "is a human need" as Cloe Madanes suggests, then let's make everyone feel significant, not just those in the Tudor homes of the 10583, or the rarified one square mile of the 10708.”

Natasha Pereira, Scarsdale High School
3rd Place (tie), 11th & 12th Grade Category

“Homelessness is difficult to overcome and can lead individuals down a desperate path to survival. With no permanent address, it is difficult to secure a sustainable job, furthering the struggle homeless people experience to save money. The world does not accommodate the homeless population, especially in New York City, where hostile architecture prevents people who are homeless from using public spaces such as benches, stairs, or train stations.”

Stacy Di Maulo, Alexander Hamilton High School
3rd Place (tie), 11th & 12th Grade Category

“I think people experiencing homelessness are likely to be stigmatized or stereotyped as having a mental illness or poor mental health because there is a misperception that homeless individuals are dangerous and should be avoided. It makes it more difficult for homeless individuals to access the resources they need to get back on their feet. The reality is that homeless individuals are no more likely to be violent than anyone else, and many are themselves victims of violence and abuse. I believe it's crucial to challenge these misperceptions and to work to address the root causes of homelessness and mental health problems, rather than simply treating the symptoms. This will require a multi-faceted approach that involves investing in affordable housing, improving access to mental health services, and addressing poverty and inequality.”

Risa Goji, Keio Academy
1st Place, ESL Category

“The government has put so much money into changing benches and different surfaces homeless people sleep on so that they can't sleep there anymore. Instead of putting money into changing all of these benches and other surfaces, they should be putting this money into affordable housing or shelters or support for homeless people. They are avoiding the issue of homelessness instead of solving it. This is why homelessness is so stigmatized and stereotyped because instead of helping these people, we're more focused on removing them from our sight. "Out of sight, out of mind" is not the answer. More resources are needed in order to end the stigma that all homeless people have mental health issues. Getting people off the streets and into jobs and homes not only improves the stigma around homelessness but also helps decrease the homeless population.”

Jacob Souza, Irvington Middle School
3rd Place, 9th & 10th Grade Category