Bob Tancig said he doesn?t like to use the term homeless.
He said he prefers the term houseless.
Tancig, coordinator for the Florida Coalition for Peace & Justice, spoke Monday about homelessness in Gainesville. Tancig?s speech was held at a monthly Florida Free Speech Forum meeting.
"They?re not homeless, they?re houseless because Gainesville is their home," he said.
There are many myths about homeless people being lazy or being criminals, Tancig said.
"Homeless people are having to deal with very difficult problems," Tancig said. "They have a lot to overcome, and trying to get a job is not easy."
Ann Williams, president of Florida Free Speech Forum, said the organization was founded about 10 years ago and has more than 100 members.
Williams said Florida Free Speech Forum is a private, non-profit organization.
They meet once a month at the Paramount Plaza Hotel and Conference Center and discuss a wide range of issues from social security to media, Williams said.
A different speaker comes every month and talks to the forum, and members can ask questions and engage in a discussion.
