Homeless Is A Feeling Like No Other

“One diverse population that has continued to increase over the quarter of a century is composed of people who are homeless” (Baggerly & Zalaquett, 2006, p.155). Homelessness has become a growing problem in society because more and more people are finding themselves to be homeless and not knowing where to turn. Many people do not

The homeless are the epitome of vulnerable. Alone, defenseless, and exposed. A person being alone and on the streets can begin to develop mental issues. They have no friends/family to talk to and confide in. A person who is already weak from the homeless lifestyle can be attacked by anyone; other homeless people fighting for their life or the unjust people of this world. This could leave them injured without aid. The world can be a harsh place, and being exposed to the weather can be the worst factor. The summers can be boiling hot and the winters cold as

1. This informative speech on “The Cause of Homelessness “is very Inform able and worth listening to, because in today’s economy it could be you or me. Some seem to think homelessness is choice. I find this speech relevant to the world I live in today, due to the high unemployment rate, declining job market, and the economic hardships that families are enduring. This topic is not a broad one, but yet can be spoke of in depth due to the fact I see many homeless people but never thought it would be me until I seen a family friend who has lost everything, this is what made me more aware that it is not just a choice and any day it could be me. So when you see

Homelessness is often accompanied by many other problems such as mental disorders, substance abuse issues, isolation from family and friends, and poor general health. Often time’s people that suffer from homelessness experience a lower quality of life than those who have a place to call home.

Homelessness is basically another form of poverty except more extreme, yet society treats it as if it was on another spectrum of problems. Some in society stigmatize this population by saying things like: they’re homeless because they are drug addicts, alcoholics, they don’t want to work and just live off the government for free. What many forget to think about are the factors that have these people on the street, or the fact that they are not only experiencing personal hardship by being without a permanent residence but emotional ones as well. Add the fact they are sometimes discriminated against and excluded by society, and you will realize you are looking at one of the most vulnerable populations.

First, what is homelessness? This question has been up for debate for some time now. There is one general accepted definition of homelessness, due to the different types of homelessness the definition can vary. According to the government of this country homelessness, “is the condition of people without a permanent dwelling, such as a house or apartment” (The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services). When people who are not homeless see the less fortunate living outside in public areas they automatically know that the person does not have a “permanent dwelling”.

Homelessness tends to be associated with images of people who sleep in the streets, parks, subways, and sidewalks; who lack shelter of any kind, and are transient throughout the year, moving from place to place. The homeless are sometimes considered as undeserving of support; they are frequently stigmatized as being mentally ill, out of control, and are viewed by some as personally responsible for their situation (Phelan, Link, Moore & Stueve, 1997).

Ever noticed the people outside, asking you for money on the train or in the streets? Most have a funny smell, or are barely dressed when it is freezing outside? Those people are more than likely homeless. Being homeless is the state of a person living on the streets, if they have no home. Homelessness occurs because many people cannot afford housing, do not have a job, receive low income, are mentally ill or have a drug addiction (Coalition for the Homeless). Homelessness affects society in a variety of ways making it a social issue. It causes economic downturn, increases poverty, and also causes family dysfunction.

Homelessness can affect anyone you know - your neighbour, your friends even your family. There is a wide diversity of people turning to us for help for many different reasons. Broken marriages, disabilities, domestic violence, mental illness or breakdown may all contribute.

Homelessness has different meanings to different people; someone who has never been homeless might think homelessness is a person who lives on the street, in a tent or in a box. Many people don’t realize that there are a number of

As I said, homelessness can happen to anyone. My parents exemplify this as they were homeless at one point in their life. They had just moved to Oregon from California, looking for a new start for their soon to be born son. Life wasn’t as they had expected. My mother’s family, whom they were staying with, without a warning decided to move out of state. They now had nowhere to live and no one to ask for help. With no choice left, they were forced to live in a shelter in terrible conditions as most homeless do. The shelter was not a safe place, property was often stolen and although it was not allowed there were drugs and alcohol. My parents did not choose to be homeless, they were more than willing to work, they searched for employment and tried very hard to find housing but it wasn’t an easy process, it took time.

Imagine what it would be like not knowing what to do or not knowing where to sleep for the night. There is no where to go and once again sleeping outside on the cold, hard ground is the only choice. This ground becomes a bed and some nights it may be located under a bridge or even on a park bench. The smells that linger from other homeless people sleeping close by is nauseating but soon goes away because it becomes a way of life. Hunger has set in and begging people for food is the only option. People in society tend to label the homeless as alcoholics or drug abusers. The homeless people who choose to do such things set a bad example for homeless individuals

When you first hear the word homelessness what are your feelings or thoughts? Are they positive or negative? When some people hear that word they instantly feel pity or sadness. Some people even feel fear, shame, and disgust. What are the right feelings to have towards someone who is homeless? Are there any right or wrong feeling or thoughts to have? “Around the world, homeless people are referred to in derogatory terms – vermin, cockroaches, pigeons – things to be exterminated”(2). “They are seen as dirty, lacking morals, and burdens on society”(2). “The current outbreak of homelessness has been a major social issue for well over three decades” (Burt et al, 2001; Donley & Wright, 2008;

Theories of homelessness can extend from many things like natural disasters, domestic violence, loss of a job, loss of a loved one, mental illness, and sometimes even depression. There

The result of being homeless can result in loss of your possessions, privacy along with your security just to name a few. You have to reestablish your entire life and adjust to the vulnerability of trauma such as physical and sexual assault,