Neely’s death reflects the inhumane consequences of being homeless, experts say

NBC News quoted Elizabeth Bowen, associate professor in the School of Social Work, in an article about the death of Jordan Neely and the disdain and violence many people experiencing homelessness may face. Bowen said unhoused people are often stereotyped as being unstable and dangerous or having substance abuse issues. She said these beliefs often stem from a “fundamental fear of people that are different from us.”

Bowen said: “Seeing people that are homeless, you know, sometimes reminds the rest of us of our own privileges, and that makes people uncomfortable, and that discomfort can lead to fear.”