Word Count: 1099The problem of homelessness in America is growing dramatically. It’s a problem that can strike anyone when you least expect it.
Therefore you should address this as a major crisis that affects our society. I feel as Americans we should come together to create solutions to end a growing epidemic of . Statistics show people living in poverty are most at risk of becoming homeless. Economically they are at a higher risk of losing what little they already have. The number of homeless families with children has increased significantly over the past decade. They are among the fastest growing segments of the homeless population.
They are approximently 40% of people who are homeless. In rural areas the largest group of Homeless People Essay are families, single mothers, and children. In a 1998 survey of 30 cities, it was found that the homeless population was 53% African-American, 35% Caucasian, 12% Hispanic, 4% Native-American, and 3% Asian (U. S Conference of Mayors1998). The ethnic makeup of homeless population varies depending upon geographic location. Homelessness and poverty are closely linked.
Poor people commonly are unable to pay for housing, food, child care, health care, and education. Choices must be mad when only their income covers some of these necessities. Poor employment opportunities for a large number of the work force increases poverty. Falling incomes and less secure jobs which offer fewer benefits leads to additional financial strain on already financially burdened people.
The connection between impoverished workers and homelessness can be seen in homeless shelters, many of which house significant numbers of full time wage earners. A survey of 30 U. S cities found that almost one in five homeless people are employed (U. S Conference of Mayors 1998). Thus, for many Americans, work provides no escape from poverty and homelessness. Fewer public assistance is another reason of increasing poverty and homelessness.
Until it’s repeal in August 1996 the largest cash assistance program for poor families with children was the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program. The elimination and cut backs of public mental hospitals resulted in the building of Community Mental Health Centers. The serious mentally ill who were supposed to benefit by these developments were replaced by people who were well off and thought they were sick. Making the problem worse the serious mentally ill were unable to re-enter hospitals because of tighter admissions standards ( Contemporary World Issues 1990).
Without hospitalization or the ability to support themselves they were forced to the streets. Declining wages have put housing out of reach for many workers. In every state, more than minimum wage is needed to afford a one- or two-bedroom apartment. A minimum-wage worker would have to work 87 hours a week to afford a two-bedroom apartment (U. S Conference of Mayors 1998). Thus insufficient income leaves many people homeless.
For families and individuals struggling to pay rent, a serious illness or disability can push them over the edge into homelessness. This might begin with a lost job, reduction of savings to pay for care, and eventual eviction. I feel in writing this essay we should all help the homeless to get back on their feet. They are in desperate need of a helping hand, to get through this.
Other reasons for helping the homeless are, they are human beings as well as you and I, it reduces our taxes if there were no homeless, and some crime will be eliminated on the streets. Homeless people are humans just searching for a way out. They need our help because they can’t do it alone. Sometimes they are forced to sleep in freezing cold weather with just a newspaper to keep them somewhat warm.
They don’t have food to barely feed themselves, never mind if they have children. Also they don’t have enough money to pay for medical insurance in case they or a family member gets sick. Without our help these people could die, leaving a lot of guilt. If we help eliminate homelessness we will also benefit.
As mentioned earlier when they dont have enough money to pay for medical insurance who’s pocket do you think it comes out of? Yours and mine. Taxes are taken out every paycheck that is made to help pay for medical insurance for the poor and homeless. .
