Homelessness has been one of the main challenges of governments all over the world. Right from Asia, United Kingdom, Africa, china, and USA have varying levels of homelessness in their countries. The cause of homelessness may vary from one region to another. The same applies to the solutions. This paper articulates some of the pertinent issues surrounding homelessness in general with a critical focus in the United States of America.
I tend to belief that the problem of homeless is caused by some aspects inherent in the current USA economic systems. According to Robert G. Valletta, (May 2005) the rising unemployment rate is causing the number of homeless people to rise. While I agree with this fact, I would question the cause of unemployment. The economic crisis associated to the great depression that is tied on property ownership that involve real estate leaves one wondering why there are homeless propel. It is imperative that during this time many house where built for sale. Since the people did not have enough money to buy them, they ended-up homeless. The cost of houses is the main hindrance to owning a home than poverty itself.
The state of poverty does not necessarily mean one cannot afford to save some money. It is the perpetuating poverty and the high coast that makes many homeless. Someone living below $1.25 in a day may not save enough to purchase a house, especially if the house is over-priced. The same applies to land, and, therefore, the person remain homeless and at the mercies of the government. In addition, there are other peculiar contributing factors to homelessness. In fact, not all the people in the streets completely lack a place to call home. The increased family conflicts have caused many people to join the streets after divorce if one of the couples cannot afford an alternative home. On the same note, children-parent conflict has significantly contributed to homelessness. Mistreated children join the street families for lack of alternate refuge places. Drug use also leads one to join the streets. Sexuality issues and non-acceptance form parents and siblings lead the LBGT becoming homeless.
Form the above premises, it is evidently clear that the solution to homelessness is not tied to just building enough house. There are social cultural aspects that must be addressed if the problem shall reduce significantly. Instead of the government providing the street families food only, the government may find them employment that liberates them from poverty (Martha R. Burt, 2001). When one is liberated from poverty, I belief they shall be able to afford homes. In addition, family conflict leading to divorce needs to be addressed. This is one of the main contributors that are ignored. The same applies to the LGBT issues. There are laws governing the child-parent conflict. However, it seems by the time one reports, irreparable damages may have occur leading to some children joining the streets. Tolerance on sexuality is important in ending homelessness. Such is one of the most controversial issues that need to be given attention it deserves. In this case, many do not see the economic implications of the segregation, hate, and oppression associated with the LBGT. A spirited campaigning is required to make the opinions change.
In conclusion, the issues of homelessness need to be approached from a multi-faceted approach that cut across all aspects of the society. Without such, it shall remain a perpetual problem. The government needs to address the fundamental problems that are intertwined leading to extreme poverty and homelessness.
References
Martha R. Burt (2001). WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO END HOMELESSNESS? Accessed on October 27, 2014 from http://www.urban.org/uploadedpdf/end_homelessness.pdf
Robert G. Valletta (2005, May). Rising Unemployment Duration in the United States: Causes and Consequences. Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. San Francisco. Accessed on October 27, 2014 from http://www.frbsf.org/economic-research/files/RV_duration_5- 05_new.pdf
