1. Homeless Myth Buster
Resource 2.2

2. Homeless Myth Buster
Resource 2.2
In this quiz you will learn some facts about homelessness.
Put your hand up if you think the statement is correct.

3. There are people in Northern Ireland who do not have a home.
Homeless Myth Buster
Resource 2.2
There are people in Northern Ireland who do not have a home.

4. Nearly 12,000 people and families in Northern Ireland
Homeless Myth Buster
Resource 2.2
Nearly 12,000 people and families in Northern Ireland
were homeless in 2016–17.
(Northern Ireland Audit Office figures)
This is equivalent to the amount of people who live in Limavady or Dungannon and double
the number of people who live in Portrush or Donaghadee.

5. Homelessness is a choice.
Homeless Myth Buster
Resource 2.2
Homelessness is a choice.
People without a home could get a home if they wanted to.

6. No one chooses to be homeless.
Homeless Myth Buster
Resource 2.2
No one chooses to be homeless.
Homelessness is often caused by a range of problems that build up over time.
Most homeless people desperately want a place to call home.

7. All homeless people sleep on the streets.
Homeless Myth Buster
Resource 2.2
All homeless people sleep on the streets.

8. Homeless Myth Buster
Resource 2.2
Only a small proportion of people who are homeless sleep on the street.
Many people who are homeless find
somewhere else to sleep.
This type of homelessness is called hidden homelessness
H O S T E L

9. Homeless people are lazy.
Homeless Myth Buster
Resource 2.2
Homeless people are lazy.

10. People who are homeless face many daily challenges.
Homeless Myth Buster
Resource 2.2
People who are homeless face many daily challenges. z
z z

11. It would be cool to be homeless and go anywhere you want.
Homeless Myth Buster
Resource 2.2
It would be cool to be homeless and go anywhere you want.

12. A homeless life is not a comfortable one.
Homeless Myth Buster
Resource 2.2
A homeless life is not a comfortable one.
Being homeless can be unhealthy, dangerous, stressful and lonely.

13. Homeless people just need to get a job.
Homeless Myth Buster
Resource 2.2
Homeless people just need to get a job.

14. Finding a job can be difficult for many people.
Homeless Myth Buster
Resource 2.2
Finding a job can be difficult for
many people.
It is more difficult for people who do not have
a home, an address or a phone.
Also, some homeless people do have jobs.

15. It is impossible to end homelessness.
Homeless Myth Buster
Resource 2.2
It is impossible to end homelessness.

16. Homeless Myth Buster
Resource 2.2
The Housing Executive has responsibility for dealing with homelessness in Northern Ireland.
The Housing Executive and other organisations and charities have a plan to prevent homelessness:
Ending Homelessness Together.

17. Homeless Myth Buster Resource 2.2
Did anything surprise you in this quiz?
What have you learned?
Do you think stereotypes of homeless people are true?
Can anyone become homeless?
Have you considered that homeless people may have jobs?
Do you think homeless people are beyond help?
Are homeless people born homeless?
Is it important for the government to help homeless people?