Homelessness does not mean only that a person does not have a place to sleep. The Department of Housing defines a homeless as someone who is “living in a place not meant for human habitation, in emergency shelter, in transitional housing, or are exiting an institution where they temporarily resided” (“Changes in the HUD Definition”). Therefore, this problem concerns very broad layer of society, and it is high time for everyone to pay attention to homelessness and start developing ways of combating it.
Importantly, people should not forget that numerous circumstances may deprive them of proper living places in the future, though even temporarily. The most common causes of homelessness include poverty, rise in prices on the dwelling, and health care reforms leading to a number of patients losing their places in hospitals. Moreover, homelessness can also be caused by natural disasters, complicated house legislation, and problems of the youth (Piasecki). About one half of all children living in foster families become homeless after they become 18 years old and they're keeping is over. Thousands of such children “leave county care for a dangerous and desperate life on the streets” (Piasecki). As a result, they may become addicted to drugs or alcohol.
Nevertheless, there are a number of ways of minimizing homelessness. First, the employers could increase the minimum wage. Moreover, it is necessary to stabilize poor people through shelter, move them into permanent housing, and implement assistance programs in order to keep them in their housing. An essential role should be played by the government. According to the Coalition for the Homeless, “State and City governments must significantly increase investments in affordable rental housing, with a significant portion targeted to homeless families and individuals” (“We Can End the Homelessness”).
All in all, homelessness has become a very widespread phenomenon that can reach any member of the society due to unexpected natural disaster, changes in law, or increased process. However, if we start taking measures to eliminate this problem, we may stop it before it effects us.
Works Cited
“Changes in the HUD Definition of ‘Homeless’.” National Alliance to End Homelessness, 18 Jan. 2012. Web. 22 Mar. 2016.
Piasecki, Joe. “Throwaway Kids.” Southland Publishing, 22 June 2006. Web. 22 Mar. 2016.
“We Can End the Homelessness Crisis.” Coalition for the Homeless, n.d. Web. 22 Mar. 2016.
