In the U.S., we have a serious homeless problem. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the number of homeless people jumped to nearly 800,000 by 2024, with the previous year seeing over 650,000, stating the “nation’s affordability crisis” being the issue. How do you wrestle with this issue? Well, one woman in Oregon chose to share her disdain for homeless people when she discovered a poor woman sleeping just outside her apartment.
“POV: someone lives rent free in front of your door while you pay $1355 a month,” reads the text of Savy’s video (TikTok/usersk3334). She then opens her apartment door, revealing a homeless woman napping in the hallway. In doing so, the woman wakes up and, without saying a word, moves out of frame of the video. In the caption, Savy wrote, “I’m tired of #Oregon,” specifically Salem.
In the comments, Savy shared a few more details, namely that this has been happening since Thanksgiving. Security was hired but she’s only seen them once. She’s also called the police (with no luck) and is even considering installing a security camera. Since then, this has only made her “uncomfortable” and “paranoid” due to owning three cats.
It’s a short video, but it’s the comments that truly offer a window into the general attitude towards homeless people in the U.S.
“I hear Billie Eyelash has extra space,” one commenter posted. It’s great when people can board, but what point is being made here? The pressure of feeding, housing, and clothing the homeless shouldn’t have to rely on the good will of others. There needs to be a funded effort to build homes and get these people help.
“Y’all are too non-violent today is the issue. I’m all for peaceful resolutions but this is not one of those times,” stated one commenter. Savy claims the woman “slams” on her door early in the morning while “tweaking on drugs.”
The ‘non-violent’ ways people suggested handling this seem more cruel than getting into a physical fight. One commenter stated, “I’d get some vinegar water in a spray bottle,” while others suggested ice cold water and even buying a firearm.
This TikTok video is a litmus test for human empathy and sympathy. The footage perpetuates a negative attitude towards the homeless—the same fearmongering that’s been stalling actual change.
