Three days ago, World Homeless Day passed almost unnoticed.
On 10 October, the news was consumed by wars, economic recession, Trump’s latest frustrations, forthcoming elections and the endless churn of political headlines. Yet there was barely a word about homelessness, nor much sign of political leaders being pressed to confront this widespread and deeply human crisis.
That silence should trouble us.
The media rightly describes itself as the watchdog of democracy. But a watchdog that only barks at the issues that dominate the news cycle is hardly doing its job.
So here are three simple questions for them:
• Where was the scrutiny of those in power over homelessness?
• Where were the difficult questions?
• And why weren’t you biting harder?
They are rhetorical, I know, and that is precisely the problem.
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The “Hobo” News, established in 1913 by James Eads How, was a groundbreaking publication uniquely created by, with, and for hoboes (the itinerant, often homeless, migrant workers who travelled the country looking for labour). Championing the marginalised, homeless and impoverished working class, the newspaper served as a vital forum for news, creative writing, poetry and social advocacy tailored specifically to the hobo community.
True to its mission, the paper proudly carried the distinct slogan: ‘A Journal of the Homeless, for the Homeless, and by the Homeless.’ Through its pages, the publication not only gave a dignified voice to migrant labourers, often shunned by mainstream society, but also provided them with practical advice, organised support and a shared sense of identity and solidarity during a turbulent era in American history.
I’m not advocating for bringing back the Hobo News, but rather pointing out that solutions are always within reach when we genuinely commit to finding them.
I didn’t know about World Homeless Day; as you say, the media had other concerns. The UK has a kind-of Hobo News – The Big Issue. Vendors buy the magazine at a discounted price and sell it, often on the street, at a (small) profit. Not sure the existence of the magazine is something we can be proud of.