Homeless Man Research Paper

“The National Center on Family Homelessness currently estimates that as many as fifty U. S. children (1.5 million) are homeless or “precariously housed” in temporary quarters such as motels and shelters” (Cohen, 2009). Today’s economic crisis is not helping this growing number of families that are being relocated as home foreclosures and loss of jobs add to the overwhelming number of homeless

A place of safety and security is something that many of us take for granted, until we are confronted in our own neighborhood by someone holding up a sign pleading for help. Homelessness is a problem that has been afflicting hundreds of thousands of people around the world for ages. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, on a single night in 2016, 549,928 people were experiencing homelessness in the United States. That means that there were at least 500,000 individuals suffering without a place to lay their heads at night. In this report I will be discussing the causes of homelessness, who is affected, how it affects people, and homeless mistreatment.

In the United States, almost 2 people out of every 1000 people experience homelessness (National Alliance to End Homelessness). In 2014, statistics have revealed that on any given night, almost half a million people experienced homelessness. Many people have a misconception that homelessness simply means living on the street. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development suggests homelessness is a whole spectrum. According to the HUD, people experiencing homelessness are people who don’t have a fixed and regular residence (shelter, house, hotel, etc…), people running away from all sorts of domestic violence and sexual abuse, and/or people living in places not intended for residence, such as streets, cars, etc...(U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development). Regardless of what definition society uses, homelessness is, and will always be, unjust.

There are an estimated 2,981 homeless people in San Antonio each day. Out of these, 1,243 were unsheltered and a staggering 31% of those are people with families. In addition, the average age of a homeless child in San Antonio is 6 years old. An overall picture shows that homelessness has dropped nearly four percent from 2012 to 2013. Further, an average of 610,042 people are homeless across the United States on any given night. “Of that number, 36 percent – 222,197 people – were in families, representing a drop of 7 percent for that group” (Chappell, 2013, p. #). More than a third of these people were not found in shelters, abandoned buildings, cars, or under bridges. Although, there has been a small decline in homelessness,

My capstone project is on homelessness and preventative methods. Research on the various factors that are associated with homelessness and how to best reduce or end the homeless situation. Research shows that there are many suggestions on methods to reduce homelessness (the Homeless First Program) which have proven to reduce the numbers in various states across America (Tsemberis, Gulcur & Nakae, 2004). The homelessness problems are multifaceted with overlapping of other factors such as mental illness and risks, which include substance abuse, health disparities, and victimization, all of which have a role in the homelessness (Canton, Dominguez, Schanzer, Hasin, Shrout, Felix, McQuistion, Opler & Hsu, 2005).

“Homeless is more than being without a home. It is tied into education needs, food, security; health issues both mental and physical, employment issues, etc. Don’t forget the whole picture.” (“Boxed In” 2005 pg. 108)

There are 50 million people who live in poverty in the U.S, today. There are more than 30 million children growing up in bad conditions. Due to lack of money some people are unable to afford food and shelter which result in homelessness. On a night in January 2014, 578,424 people were experiencing homelessness. These people were sleeping outside or in an emergency shelter because they couldn’t afford to pay for a place to stay and had no family that would let them stay over. Included in the 578,424 homeless people were war veterans, people with mental health issues, people whose families have thrown them out, and more. During the winter, many homeless people freeze to death because they don’t have the appropriate clothing for the low temperature. Today there are about 795 million people out of the 7.3 billion people in the world, suffering from chronic malnourishment. Over a thousand people go through their day without eating including men, women, and children. These people are too poor to afford food for themselves or their families; although there are food stamps and other services to provide to help these families, some don’t want to accept this help because they believe it is their job to provide for their

A homeless person is an individual without a permanent, stable housing situation who either spends his or her nights on the streets or in temporary facilities, such as shelters and abandoned buildings. Throughout history, society has been “holding the poor, rape or incest victims, minorities, or the handicapped responsible for their misfortunes” (Zur). Society has been blaming the homeless for being in the position they are in. However, upon closer inspection, it must be noted that “children under the age of 18 accounts for 39% of the homeless population…battered women who live in poverty are often forced to choose between abusive relationships and homelessness…[and] 40% of homeless men have served in the armed forces” (Who Is Homeless?). It is clear that those who are homeless are not

“In January 2015, 358,422 people experienced homelessness as individuals (64 percent of all homeless people). There were 206,286 homeless people in families with children on a single night in January 2015, accounting for 36 percent of all homeless people. Homelessness among individuals declined by less than 1 percent (or 1,767) between 2014 and 2015, and by 13 percent (or 54,278) between 2007 and 2015. Homelessness among people in families with children declined by 5 percent (or 9,975) between 2014 and 2015, and by 12 percent (or 28,272) between 2007 and 2015” (Authors et al, 2016).

An assessment of human history will portray the fact that a significant portion of the human population has always lived in unbearable conditions. In particular, it would seem that in first world countries that those that live in such conditions would have the appropriate means to secure an alternative to their plight. Regrettably, there are millions of people that have little choice but to sleep on the streets of cities, under bridges, and in subways. These citizens are homeless. Homelessness is a stark contrast to situations that many privileged American citizens find themselves in. Indeed, those who endure this plight on a daily basis appall many Americans. Homelessness in American society is often portrayed by the media as an individual

Homelessness in United States is a dangerous problem that requires everyone’s contemplation and co-operation. Thousands of people are forced to live in the streets, parks, and in shelters since they lack a place of their own to live. For a long period, in United States homelessness has been a serious and an unsolved problem. National Law Center of Homelessness and Poverty reports that homeless population in United States is estimated around 3.5 million, but on the other hand there are nearly 18.6 million vacant houses. Hypothetically, it means that each and every homeless person can be provided with 6 homes. Homelessness is defined as a person who is deprived of basic needs like proper shelter, food, and family and social bonds. They lack necessary basic provisions and they are subjected to continuous threat of danger. Most homeless people spend high number of times in jails and prisons when compared to other people. In United States, homelessness is being widely discussed in mass media, by scholars, policy makers and the public in general. Homelessness affects men, women and children, emotionally, physically, mentally and socially and they undergo many physical and emotional turmoil.

No woman wants to have her period. Periods can be messy, painful, frustrating, and feminine supplies can be expensive and embarrassing to buy. Now imagine being homeless while experiencing a period. Unable to buy the proper supplies for a period and having a risk of staining clothes you own. Without access to a regular shower, you are unable to clean yourself. Tampons used in a long amount of time than recommended has a high chance of getting Toxic Shock Syndrome and also more prone to infections and UTIs because of your hygiene. Women who are homeless do not have access to feminine hygiene products. Is it fair that these women don’t have pads and tampons available to them?

As many as 3.5 million Americans are considered homeless each year. Often, people believe that homelessness is a complication only caused by the poor choices of a single person when they are typically the result of multiple uncontrollable factors. For some, the line between being homeless and not can be very thin, with several obstacles preventing stability. These individuals and families commonly come from more deprived areas. Those who are homeless can be very different to each other in how and why they came to be in their situation, but they all have in common their desire to find a way back to a normal and healthy lifestyle. Homelessness is an issue created by poor physical and mental health, a lack of money, and relationship complications.

In today’s society children becoming homeless and having to fend for themselves is wide-spread but homelessness in families also tends to be common (Jewel 2). This issue affects the human population in a very grave way which leaves one out of every fifty children experiencing this immense epidemic (Crary 1). The current recession, has caused sixteen percent of homeless children to be present in our country today and with the economy worsening this statistic will increase (Kingsbury 1).

I hear them get closer and closer as the porch creaks every step to the door. My heart feels like its pounding through my chest, and sweat is pouring off my face as I sprint in a panic. I hear the key turning and the door opening just as I jump out the window.