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December 2024 – January 2025 : Solidarity READ ONLINE

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Solidarity on the streets

December 01 2024
Emdad (right) with volunteers at an east London-based night shelter. © Emdad Rahman Emdad (right) with volunteers at an east London-based night shelter. © Emdad Rahman

What does solidarity mean to the homeless community in the winter months, and how can we practice it? By Emdad Rahman

When we talk about homelessness, it’s easy to think of it as someone else’s problem. But the reality is that homelessness touches every part of society and could impact almost anyone. People can end up homeless for many reasons, such as losing a job, facing a medical crisis, leaving a dangerous relationship, or struggling with mental health issues. And while the most immediate needs like food, warmth and shelter are vital, there’s something equally important that doesn’t get talked about enough: solidarity. Real solidarity means seeing, supporting and standing up for people who are homeless, not just out of charity but as part of a shared responsibility.

Homelessness isn’t just about individual missteps or ‘bad choices’, it’s often about systemic issues like unaffordable housing, lack of mental health support, or social safety nets that leave people behind. When we practice solidarity, we acknowledge that homelessness is a problem rooted in a broader social context and we commit to working towards solutions that get at these deeper causes.

Empathy is a powerful first step toward solidarity. For many people, it’s natural to think of homeless individuals as somehow ‘different’ or even as people who made poor choices that led them to where they are. But when we think like this, we create distance between ‘us’ and ‘them’. In reality, homelessness could happen to almost anyone, and for people experiencing it, it’s not a lifelong identity, it’s something they’re trying hard to overcome.

Empathy lets us see that the causes of homelessness are complicated and varied. Not everyone has a support system to lean on during tough times. Many homeless individuals are battling issues that make stability hard, like the challenge of getting a job without an address, or managing chronic illness without healthcare. When we step into their shoes, even briefly, we start to understand the resilience it takes just to survive on the streets, never mind build a better future. Empathy makes it easier to see homeless individuals as people with their own dreams and struggles, not just as homeless.

Solidarity can start with small acts, but it can grow into something much larger and more impactful. One simple but meaningful action is to acknowledge homeless people with basic human kindness. A smile, a hello, or even a short conversation can mean a lot to someone who often feels ignored or invisible.

Beyond that, volunteering with local shelters, food banks, or outreach programmes can make a big difference. These organisations are usually underfunded and rely heavily on volunteers to provide essentials. When we show up and lend a hand, it creates a supportive community environment that helps people feel less alone. And by supporting long-term solutions, we can push for change that prevents homelessness instead of just addressing its symptoms.

Advocacy is another powerful form of solidarity. By local action, speaking up, signing petitions, or even just staying informed, we can help push for policies that make it easier for people to find affordable housing, access mental health resources, or avoid getting penalised for things that are often out of their control.

When communities choose solidarity over exclusion, it creates a ripple effect that strengthens everyone. Supporting those who are vulnerable or struggling makes communities more compassionate, connected and resilient. This isn’t just about helping homeless people, it’s about creating a society where everyone feels valued and safe. It’s about choosing a path that doesn’t look away from people in need but instead works to lift everyone up.

This kind of solidarity can also help break down the ‘us versus them’ mentality. Homelessness isn’t just ‘their’ problem. It’s a social issue that affects all of us.

Solidarity with homeless people is a powerful, meaningful way to respond to one of our society’s biggest challenges. By looking at homelessness through a lens of empathy and action, we can move beyond simple charity and work towards solutions that respect every person’s dignity and right to a stable life.

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December 2024 – January 2025 : Solidarity

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