People seem to be more generous around the holidays when it comes to giving to the less fortunate. However, there are misconceptions that there are more indigent people in winter than in summer.
Society generally believes that winter is the hardest time for indigent people because of the cold temperatures and the necessities that are needed. In some cases, the following is true: people need more clothes to stay warm; socks, jackets, beanies, and gloves are all necessities to not freeze during the winter. There is also a higher reliance on housing to stay warm if the needed clothing isn’t in their possession.
The holidays also bring a feeling of gratitude for those who are fortunate, and encourage those who can to give. Towards the end of the year, individuals feel more inclined to give back to others due to feeling more fortunate. Stable families and people are surrounded by food, socks, toys, and so many more drives that fundraise opportunities to give back to the community.
During the summertime, however, many landlords evict tenants because they are reluctant to do so in the winter. According to the article, Summer is No Vacation for Families Facing Homelessness, there is a “sumer surge” in which applications for housing increases by at least 25%. Many of the indigent would include families, as there is overcrowding in homes. While they have the warmth on their side, they still might face heatstroke and heatwaves, contributing to illness and death. There is also increased visibility of encampments in parks and on benches because they don’t necessarily need housing to stay warm. During the day, there is shade, and during the night, they may find it not as chilly as the winter nights.
In general, homelessness is not a seasonal problem but faces different challenges in summer and winter. Society, however, only cares in winter, although many more families and people are put out onto the streets during summer after winter has passed. This makes it harder for them to obtain the support and supplies they need that were given to the indigent during the winter.
As a community, the people should contribute to these food and clothing drives not just in winter, but in summer too. They must work together to help strengthen our community year-round.
