HOMELESS

By: Shasta Blackman Junior research paperMrs.Rogers

Homeless population

Thesis Statement: Homelessness is a growing problem in America as seen in major cities, towns and countries.

the population of homeless people in the United States is estimated to range from five hundred thousand to more than two million.

Evidence: throughout the country’s history, the conditions of larger society, such as frequently depressed industrial economy that struggled with overproduction and labor surpluses, resulted in family upheaval.

Evidence: a large percentage of Americans in the twentieth century recognized that the poor homeless were victims of individual circumstances, and industrial and structural arrangements.

Homeless families

homeless families are either those that either lack shelter or have shelter that is so inadequate, temporary, or insecure that the situation threatens the physical health of the family.

Evidence: homeless families may not want to be found for fear of involvement of child welfare authorities.

Evidence: a major cause of family homelessness in the urban centers of North America and western Europe is the shortage of affordable housing.

Why?

over the past 20-25 years, two trends are largely responsible for the rise in homelessness: a shortage of affordable rental housing and an increase in poverty.

Evidence: declining wages and less benefits being offered have made life difficult for those trying to make ends meet.

Evidence: some homeless claim to be veterans who were wounded and therefore cannot get jobs.

In new york?

more than 40,000 homeless people now spend the night in new york city shelters.

Evidence: the city announced that it will immediately and what was once a $140 million rent subsidy program that has helped keep more than 10,000 households in apartments and out of shelters.

Evidence: in 2004, mayor Bloomberg vowed to cut the city’s homelessness by two-thirds within five years.

conclusion

throughout most of history, those who had homes saw most homeless people as deserving of they’re fate.

Evidence: the homeless, however, are poor, and those living at or below the poverty level are often teetering on the edge of homelessness.

Evidence: for many people, homelessness is just a month’s rent away.