The Homeless
Even though many feel the plight of the homeless is solely a result of choices and behavior, all across America, many people are living without shelter and sleep on our streets, alleyways, under freeways and even more detrimental, these individuals often live without hope. Not only are homeless people visibly evident to all of us, there is a great deal of statistical data to support this growing epidemic in our country.The definition of a homeless person was outlined by the Stewart B. McKinney Act, 42 U.S.C. S 11301, et seq. (1994) as "...a person is considered homeless who "lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence and; and...has a primary night time residency that is: (A) a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter designed to provide temporary living accommodations... (B) an institution that provides a temporary residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized, or (C) a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings." 42 U.S.C. S 11302(a) The term "'homeless individual' does not include any individual imprisoned or otherwise detained pursuant to an Act of Congress or a state law." 42 U.S.C. S11302(c)" (National Coalition for
The debates still continue today, politicians use it to get elected, some cities enact laws to protect the homeless while others pass laws against them. Subsequently, we need to find solutions to substance abuse problems that are so catastrophic to an individual's life that it can force someone onto the streets to live without shelter. Newcomers could petition the town for settlement rights and those that had the best chance of supporting themselves were voted into the town. We also need to find ways to keep future members of society from becoming homeless by breaking the cycle. Although 21 percent of homeless persons in mental health facilities are self-referrals, the majority come in via hospitals, emergency shelters, and by the police. All too often, people in this great nation of ours and all over the world strive to make ends meet, but when someone is unable to continue to support themselves the issue of homelessness has to be addressed. Studies have shown that 1/3 of the homeless population suffers from chronic alcoholism and 1/10th abuse drugs other than alcohol. " (United States Conference of Mayors) The two main reasons for homelessness have more to do with a lack of affordable housing and a rise in poverty. Currently the laws we have in place will not force an individual to take their medication. (Hurley, 2002) The average median age of the homeless person has dropped into the mid thirties. Those landlords that have to lower rent costs considerably, could be subsidized by the government. The 1970's and 80's recognized the issue of homelessness and it was brought out into the light for all to see. The challenges we face to end the Homeless epidemic are two fold. The height of the skid row populations was reached in the early decades of the twentieth century. Through communicating with one another and recognizing the common bonds that we share, we can strengthen our nation.
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Acceptance Essays
