The Epidemic And The Problem Of Homelessness

Homelessness has been an epidemic for many years and the problem is only getting worse. We are beginning to see more and more people living on the streets. Homelessness is a serious issue because there are people living on the streets, under freeways, in tents and they are not safe. There is a major stereotype that states “homeless choose to be homeless”. The fact of the matter is that people do not choose to be homeless, it can happen to anyone any day.

We talk about homeless people as if they are stray cats and dogs, the sad truth is that no one cares unless it is affecting them personally, we turn a blind eye as if we don’t see their struggle. In addition, instead of helping them, laws are made to prevent the homeless from sleeping on public benches, Businesses are laying metal studs in front of their properties to insure the homeless don’t sleep there. “Homelessness is, in fact, caused by tragic life occurrences like the loss of loved ones, job loss, domestic violence, divorce and family disputes.

Other impairments such as depression, untreated mental illness, post-traumatic stress disorder, and physical disabilities are also responsible for a large portion of the homeless.”(Tangerine) Everyone has their own story as to how they became homeless, but being homeless shouldn’t define what kind of person you are or how you get treated, we all deserve to live safe, healthy lives. Furthermore, Gentrification (the process of renovating and improving a house or district so that it conforms to middle-class taste) plays a major toll as to why people become homeless because complexes and homes, that have low income families who have been living there for years are being bought out to build trendy shops like a new hipster coffee shop.

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“But the gentrification that is taking place along the coast has made it far more difficult for local governments to afford housing options for those without homes.”

California is one of the top expensive places to live, due to the rise in minimum wage. It goes without saying that the price of living increases as well. For instance, you’re typical two-bedroom, two- bath apartment is 1500$ and up per month, not to mention the price of buying a home in 2018 is absurd. “We have to ask ourselves, “Why are so many people in the U.S homeless when our country is considered to be more prosperous now more than ever?” Rehabilitation centers are makes it impossible to get treatment due to high costs. Homeless people often feel isolated and depressed causing them to turn to drugs and alcohol because is definitely cheaper than going to rehab. Many factors push people into living on the street, we should try and help them return to their normal lives.

Failing to solve the homeless problem will only increase its percentage. Homelessness destroys communities, undermines moral, contributes to crime, and creates a drag on the economy. It can lead an individual to become angry, depressed and in desperation might commit crimes such as stealing and robbing. According to Maslow hierocracy an individual need to have basic needs such as food, water, shelter to be able to reach one’s full potential. There needs to be more organizations to help people find affordable housing. Having soup kitchen and temporary housing is helpful for homeless but it’s just temporary and by not giving them the proper tools to get back on their feet, we are just enabling them. That being stated, a more permanent solution should be made. The title of the Policy, is H.F.H which abbreviates to Help for Homeless

The proposed policy will help our homeless by creating a program to find our homeless community affordable housing and assisted living to help them get back on their feet and begin to live their normal lives. In addition, we will set up workshops to help homeless people by building resumes or finding decent jobs and supporting them by sober living. Acknowledging that there is a problem is the first step, determining what the cause is can help facilitate the end of homelessness. We need to spread awareness on the effects of gentrification. Spread awareness in schools, television, posters, social media, any way to let both non-homeless and homeless community become aware of the options available. We need to create more support groups for the community, as well as homeless shelters, drop in center, and free clinics. Everyone should support this policy because it is the right thing to do. Put yourselves in a situation where you become homeless. Being realistic, we know that the homeless problem will not be solved overnight but we have to start somewhere. Homeless people are human beings, and deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.

Work Cited

1. Solutions, Blue Tangerine. HomeAid, www.homeaid.org/homeaid-stories/69/top-causes-of-homelessness.
2. “As Gentrification Escalates in Calif., People Wonder: Where Can the Homeless Go?” The Washington Post, WP Company, 6 May 2018, www.washingtonpost.com/national/as-gentrification-escalates-in-calif-people-wonder-where-can-the-homeless-go/2018/05/06/d2b1018a-4a43-11e8-9072-f6d4bc32f223_story.html?utm_term=.f0605556de13.