A man on the street, sitting on the landing in front of a business, a woman on the side of the street begging for a job, meanwhile her family is sleeping in their car, an individual standing by the interstate hoping for a ride - all these images may represent many thoughts of homelessness. Stereotypes. Society places so many stereotypes for the homeless because individuals placed in these difficult situations do not measure up to society 's idea of success. The homeless population often faces stereotypes placed on them without people even knowing the circumstances or situations. Often no one knows how fortunate he or she is until something bad happens to put life into perspective.