Homelessness Is An Unfortunate Epidemic - 3425 Words

Homelessness is an unfortunate epidemic that has plagued communities across the United States for decades. Although a homeless population has existed in our society throughout history, this social issue came to a head only a few decades ago in the early 1980’s. What defines homelessness varies from source to source, however a concise definition, stated by the McKinney-Vento Act, specifies that a homeless individual is typically one that lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate night time residence (McKinney-Vento Act, 2001). Approximately 3.5 million people experience homelessness at some point each year in the United States. The homeless population is presently declining across the country. The National Alliance to End Homelessness reported a seventeen percent decrease in the homeless population between the years 2005 and 2012. However this trend is really only a mirage, that is certain to end and revert itself in the opposite direction. The increasing population, scarce r esources and the surging number of individuals living at or below the poverty line indicate that the number of people without adequate shelter will eventually increase. Homelessness in North Carolina North Carolina is presently experiencing a population influx. Per the 2010 United States Census count, North Carolina saw a nineteen percent population increase from the year 2000 to 2010 (United States Census Bureau, 2010). This increase in population will undoubtedly result inShow MoreRelatedThe Causes Of Homelessness1656 Words   |  7 PagesHomelessness is defined as the situation of an individual or family without stable, permanent, appropriate housing, or the immediate prospect, means, and ability of acquiring it. It is the result of systemic or societal barriers, a lack of affordable and appropriate housing, the individual/household’s financial, mental, cognitive, behavioral or physical challenges, and/or racism and discrimination. Most people do not choose to be homeless, and the experience is generally negative, unpleasant, stressfulRead MoreThe City Of Vancouver Is World Renowned For Being A Beautiful1740 Words   |  7 PagesDespite ranking as the third least af fordable housing market in the world, Vancouver is home to Canada’s poorest neighbourhood, the Downtown Eastside (DTES). Due to the high costs of living, the city of Vancouver has a large amount of poverty and homelessness. The DTES has high rates of â€Å"drug use, poverty, crime, infectious disease, and mental illness† (Linden, Mar, Werker, Jang, Krausz, 2013, p. 559). There is a large amount of socially neglected and undesirable people living in the marginalizedRead MoreThe Problem Of The Relief Program Essay1418 Words   |  6 Pageshomeless. The reasons for their unfortunate situations are undoubtedly different, but one thing remains true; the resources they need to help themselves are inadequate. It is important to consider the assistance programs that are made available to those who are homeless, as well as the pros and cons of each. Homelessness has many different definitions but generally occurs when individuals are unable to find and/or consistently afford housing (â€Å"What is homelessness?†). This issue can stem from anyRead MoreHomelessness : The Homeless Population843 Words   |  4 Pagesthis vast world and 25 percent are homeless. Homelessness does not just transpire overnight, in poor countries, and to adults. This dire circumstance can develop anywhere: from poverty stricken countries to the wealthiest in the world and to people of any generation. Tragically, 30 percent of the homeless population is comprised of children (HomeAid.). Government and communities need to work together to develop more solutions to elevate homelessness. Simply stated an individual should not be requiredRead MoreThe Problem Of Living Without A Home972 Words   |  4 PagesLiving without a home is the result of many unfortunate circumstances coming together at one time. In other words, home is not only a physical sp ace but a place that sometimes defines a person s identity. The lack of housing is sometimes an identity crisis for the homeless, which leads to more unnecessary misery. Homeless by definition is an individual that survives without a permanent shelter. They might be provided with temporary living like homeless shelters. However, these shelters are usuallyRead MoreIndian Joe, Lightfoot Gonzales, And Narisco Allalha1563 Words   |  7 Pagesnative dances. This cultural resurgence does not negate the tragedy of the past; however, it demonstrates the resilience of the Choctaw people and their will to survive in the ever-changing landscape of America. Homelessness: The Unnoticed Epidemic Homelessness is an ongoing epidemic in the United States that affects all races, genders and ages. According to the 2014 Annual Homeless Assessment Report that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development presented to Congress, there were 578Read MoreEnding Homelessness Essay1872 Words   |  8 PagesHomelessness is a growing epidemic across the country. This terrible misfortune has led to many unsuspecting people leading impoverished lifestyles, and facing the horrific and heart-wrenching tragedy of abandonment. The purpose of this essay is to not only persuade the readers to get involved in ending homelessness on local and national efforts, but to embrace new and creative ways of helping to end this rapidly growing problem, by taking action to end this catastrophic situation. Also, I will demonstrateRead MoreHomelessness Is A Social Problem1459 Words   |  6 Pagesindividuals experiencing homelessness across America (State of Homelessness, 2014). Some may be in transiti onal housing, others in shelters. Some may be completely on their own or with a companion of sorts, others are entire families lacking shelter, food, and basic everyday essentials more fortunate people take for granted. It is hard for anyone to believe that living on the streets could be a reality. The majority of homeless people have been driven into their unfortunate situation by sudden, unplannedRead MoreWhy Homeless Resort to Violence Essay2194 Words   |  9 Pages Homelessness is a growing epidemic across the country. Over 2 million people are homeless in America, and that number is increasing. 40% are families with kids, 30% are drug and/or alcohol addicts, 23% are mentally ill and 10% are veterans. This terrible misfortune has led to many unsuspecting people leading impoverished lifestyles, and facing the horrific and heart-wrenching tragedy of abandonment. The purpose of this essay is to not only persuade the readers to get involved in ending homelessnessRead MoreSocial Aspects of American Children Being Born in Poverty Essay1520 Words   |  7 Pageswhole. In the model all of the layers surrounding the child interact both with each other and with the child. Bronfenbrenners ecological model of child development can serve as an effective framework for understanding the impact of health care, homelessness, and violence on children living in poverty, and it can guide for our attempts to improve conditions for children and youth in America. At the level of the microsystem, quality health care is seen as essential to a childs physical and mental