Summary: The Social Problem Of Homelessness

Abstract

Homelessness is one of our nation’s most misunderstood social problems. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness in January 2017, there were 553.742 homeless on any given night in the United States. It affects all walks of life to include families with children, single individuals, which includes teenagers, and veterans. People that have mental illness, drug or alcohol problems or have left a life of violence within the home, housing shortages, and housing prices higher than one can afford. Homelessness does not discriminate. It happens to all whether they are black, white, or Hispanic. We will look deeper into how drugs, alcohol, and lack of finances affect homelessness. How has society including the government played a part in the increase in homelessness over the last 30 plus years? Is there a

The typical homeless person is often viewed as an individual with severe emotional problems, however, this is not true for the majority of people that are without a home. Homelessness has risen among populations that include veterans, families with young children and young teens. More families experience homelessness in the United States than in any other industrialized nation (The Bassuk Center on Homeless and Vulnerable Children & Youth). People living in poverty do not have the resources and support to become educated and move up and out of poverty. Racial divides occur in areas of healthcare, education, and access to equal paying jobs. The 1850’s show the first documented homelessness amongst youth when many were forced to leave their homes by their providers as they could no longer care for them. Since the 1970’s affordable housing has become scarce and for many in poverty financially