Homelessness in America Essay - 608 Words

Homelessness is not something that was created over night; it has existed for a long time; often we choose not to see the homeless, or bother with them, so we look the other way. Homelessness is not prejudice toward race, creed, or religion--it has no boundaries; all homeless people should not be stereotyped as being drug abusers or the mentally ill that have been released from mental hospitals. Homelessness is not a disease that a person can catch from bodily contact, but it certainly has afflicted many Americans. We need to find the cause of homelessness before we can find a solution. More money for more programs is the typical response, but we should look at what has already been instituted and reevaluate them.†¦show more content†¦Adrienne was not mentally ill or a substance abuser; she was like you and me. Weltner says, the money spent on three months emergency housing for Adrienne could have provided a $500 monthly housing voucher to a family for a year (671). Th e fundamental cause of homelessness is the inability to pay for housing due to inadequate income to meet basic needs. The emergency housing program needs to be reevaluated; the money is not being used wisely. We cannot ignore the problem of homelessness; we have to find programs that work. In many homeless cases, a cycle does exist-that cycle must be broken. On an individual basis, we can get involved with some the homeless programs through local organizations at church, homeowners associations, schools, sororities, and fraternities-we must combat homelessness. If combating homelessness means higher taxes to prevent families living under bridges, living in cardboard make shift homes, eating discarded scrapes, then lets pay higher taxes. We need to provide more family shelters, so the children get an education and the parents regain some of their dignity and find employment. Employment of the homeless would not only take them off the streets, but also would strengthen the economy. Society can no longer look the other way; as we drive the freeways of our great country, homelessness is everywhere. In a 1992 survey, conducted by the U.S. Conference ofShow MoreRelatedHomelessness In America1007 Words   |  5 PagesHomelessness in the United States is a serious problem that can be helped by giving homeless people opportunities to thrive in better conditions and/or communities. Although getting them off the streets is a huge step in the right direction, other actions need to be taken. Making sure they have somebody in their corner is a huge step in that process. There are 1,750,000 homeless people on the streets at this very moment. 1 in 30 children in the US, 40% of the homeless population are also VeteransRead MoreHomelessness in America3563 Words   |  15 PagesHomelessness in America Social Program: Public Housing Introduction The issue of homelessness is one that I can relate to all too well. About twenty five years ago I found myself among the homeless. 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There are also different concentrations of homeless in different types of terrain, such as urban or suburban areas. LastRead MoreHomelessness in America Essay1783 Words   |  8 PagesHomelessness in America Each country in the world is faced with various social issues that attract the interests of society and the government. Homelessness is an enormous issue that America has been dealing with for years. There are millions of people, including children, families, veterans, and the elderly who go day to day without food, water or any form of shelter. Mentally ill people also have a rough time out on the streets due to their state of confusion, which makes it dangerous for themRead MoreThe Effects Of Homelessness In America1846 Words   |  8 Pagesshelter or a transitional housing program between October 1st, 2008 and September 30th, 2009. The severity of homelessness is often looked over by different communities. Even here in Charlotte the number of homeless children enrolled in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is 4,700. While 10 percent of people in Charlotte are considered chronically homeless (National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, 2007). America’s homeless population consists of many at-risk groups, including people sufferingRead MoreHomelessness in America Essay2028 Words   |  9 PagesAccording to Streetwise of Street News Services (2010), the first reported instances of homelessness dates as far back as 1640, in some of the larger cities in the original 13 colonies. At this time, there were wars being fought between settlers and Native Americans, and people were left with no shelter in both sides (Street News Service, 2010). Later, the industrial revolution caused more homelessness, industrial accidents left many former hard-working families with a dead provider, or with severeRead MoreEnding Homelessness in America634 Words   |  3 Pageseasily lead someone into a financial struggle. This can lead to homelessness. Homelessness is not a lifestyle that one would choose by choice. In 2003, there has been ... as many as 1.3 million Canadians that have experienced homelessness...at some point during the last 5 years. Affordable housing cos ts less on an annual basis compared to putting the homeless in prison. Canada was the last to have an action plan towards ending homelessness and as we are understanding; the prisons are being over-populatedRead MoreThe Effect of Homelessness on the Youth of America1086 Words   |  5 Pages There are millions of homeless youth in America. 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