The Effects of Homelessness on Children

2106 Words5 Pages

Imagine a young child growing up, learning, and trying to further his or her life to obtain success in the future. For an “everyday” child this can be challenging, however “everyday” obstacles can be overcome. For thousands of children in the United States, this dream is almost impossible to achieve. These children are a part of the homeless population that is spread throughout the United States. Many times these individuals try to hide this major secret from the rest of the world, but homelessness is very prevalent among these youths today. Various problems occur in these peoples’ lives that others could not even begin to understand. Homelessness affects children in every stage of life physically, mentally, and emotionally. Homelessness is a negatively stereotyped problem that the housed population cannot fully comprehend. This term is many times overlooked within children in the United States (Jewel 1). It is a far more frightening issue than many realize. Our streets today are filled with children and teenagers who are left to fend for themselves due to situations they are placed in (1). Many of these youths take “refugee” in places such as schools, shelters, and abandoned buildings. These places serve as places of safety for these children (1). Along with other children in the United States the “American dream” is what they are trying to achieve (Bender 16). To make these goals a reality these young adults and children will do whatever it takes. While in this process many homeless children resort to drugs, and violence (16). These activities along with other activities come to be important to these individuals because they feel as if there is nothing or nobody else to comfort them.

Statistically, homelessness ranks very hi...

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...ct 2009. .

Haugen, David M., and Box, Matthew J. Poverty. Farmington Hills, MI, AL: Greenhaven, 2006.

“Homeless Children (Brief Article)”. America. 181.15 (1999): 3. Student Edition. NC Wise Owl. Mallard Creek Media Center. 12 Oct 2009. .

Jewel. “Street Life is No Life for Children (homeless children).” USA Today. 136.2750 (2007): 56(3). Student Edition. NC Wise Owl. Mallard Creek Media Center. 12 Oct 2009. .

This is a primary source because Jewel tells of her personal experience dealing with these same issues. She presents information on how homelessness affected her and how it is known to affect other children.

Kingsbury, Kathleen. “Keeping Homeless Kids in school.” Time Magazine. (12 Mar 2009). 1-2.

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