Homelessness is a social suffering experienced by human beings around the world. In 2013, the New York Department of Homeless Services reported that approximately 1 in 2,662 people, out of a general population of 8,244,910 in New York City, were homeless (New York Department of Homeless Services New York, 2013). Prior to these findings, in 2012, the U.S. Department of Housing and Development reported that New York City's homeless population represented approximately 11% of the U.S. homeless population (Annual Homeless Assessment Report 2012) . In our society, the homeless constitute a highly stigmatized group and subject to negative stereotypes about their homeless situation (Knecht and Martinez, 2009). Stereotypes are generalizations about a group of people (cultural, ethnic, racial, social, socioeconomic status, etc.) that are considered rigid beliefs even if they are not true. They can be positive or negative and can be attributed to a person's internal or external characteristics (Mio, Barker & Tumambing 2011). Some of the common stereotypes attributed to homeless people are that they are all alcoholics, mentally ill, dangerous, or drug addicts (Knecht and Martinez, 2009). As a result, homeless people are often overlooked as human beings who can benefit from increased assistance from society in terms of policy and advocacy. What part of being human causes them to be inclined to help or ignore a homeless person because of their understanding, or lack of understanding, of the current emotions of the “other”? Empathy is a conscious characteristic of humans that allows them to understand the situation and feelings of another person (Segal, Cimino, Gerdes, & Wagaman, 2013). Regarding ho...... middle of article...... on.pdfMio, Jeffrey S., Barker, Lori A., Tumambing, Jaydee S.. Multicultural Psychology: Understanding Our Diverse Communities. United States: Oxford Press, 2011.Print. Segal, EA, Cimino, AN, Gerdes, KE, Harmon, JK, & Wagaman, M. (2013). A confirmatory factor analysis of the interpersonal and social empathy index. Journal of the Society For Social Work And Research, 4(3) Office of Community Planning and Development, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (2012). The 2012 Point-in-Time Estimates of Homelessness. Retrieved March 1, 2014. https://www.onecpd.info/resources/documents/2012AHAR_PITEstimates.pdf Tompsett, CJ, Toro, PA, Guzicki, M., Manrique, M., & Zatakia, J. (2006). Homelessness in the United States: Assessing changes in prevalence and public opinion, 1993-2001. American Journal of Community Psychology, 37(1/2), 47-61.