Homelessness in the US: Poverty, Mental Deficiencies and the Trigger Factors
Statistics show that the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population is comprised by young single mothers, who are often receive little or no child support from the child's father (Nunez 122). To further challenge stereotypes, studies have shown that up to 15 percent of the homeless population is employed. This population is referred to as the "working homeless," people who work but could not afford to scrape together the deposits required for apartments, much less the down payment on a house.Forty percent of those who are on welfare have been on the rolls for less than a year (Fraenkel 241). This figure shows that a significant segment of the homeless population do not get long-term public assistance. This tends to suggest that they moved from a stable existence to welfare assistance and homelessness in a relatively short time.A significant segment of the homeless population is incapacitated by physical and mental illnesses. Crane et al (2005) argue that a large segment of those who are homeless and aged 50-59 years old have chronic health problems and disabilities that made them unlikely to return to work. These problems are often associated with old age, yet, they do
Rather, it is often a confluence of factors. Even if a person recovers fully, many could be plunged into debt as a result of their treatment. not have access to welfare programs and public assistance. These programs may take resources to develop, but the end goal goes towards reducing homelessness in society. The government should also look into restoring funding to state-run psychiatric facilities. Those who do not recover fully are even more compromised, both in trying to find a place to live and in trying to secure employment (Pannell and Palmer, 29). Vulnerable populations, such as natural disaster victims and returning war veterans, could be invited to join social support groups. Trigger factorsIn her landmark study on minimum wage jobs, Barbara Ehrenreich (2002) found that many minimum-wage or near-minimum wage workers were only "one paycheck away from poverty and homelessness" (4). There should also be a reconsideration of the minimum wage, to reflect the real cost of living today, with healthcare costs for children factored in. To eradicate this problem in America, the country should stop applying the piecemeal approach and should instead be prepared to address all the factors that combine to cause poverty and the resultant homelessness. Related reasons for homelessness include the death of a parent and the dissolution of a marriage (Schroeder-Butterfill and Marianti, 10). Many homeless people, especially the elderly, become homeless after the death of a spouse. Conclusion - The Road to StabilityPrograms which only address a small part of the problem will not succeed in eradicating homelessness as a whole. Unfortunately, not enough attention has bee turned to this segment of the homeless population. Indeed, a host of "trigger" factors can usher in one's freefall from a secure and stable existence to homelessness.
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Acceptance Essays
