Homelessness: A Rising Problem in Our Cities

Homelessness is a rising problem in our cities. No one should be homeless when just a few blocks away are millionaires. We need to work together to end homelessness.

Why are people homeless? That is a question I often ask myself when I see homeless people. Some people are homeless by choice although a lot are not. Poverty would be the number one reason. Poor people are often unable to pay for housing, food, childcare, healthcare, and education. Hard choices must be made when you have barely enough money to cover some of these necessities. Housing takes a high portion of income. People in poverty are usually a paycheck away from becoming homeless. We have eroding work opportunities and a decline in public assistance. A lack of affordable housing have contributed to homelessness. Within the context of poverty and lack of affordable housing additional factors push people into homelessness which include; mental illness, lack of affordable healthcare, and domestic violence. Addiction disorders can lead to homelessness especially when you live in poverty.

Why do cities spend money on foolishness and still have people living in the streets? We have a number of children and families who are homeless, yet cities would rather make more money off a gambling addiction than to open their eyes to people who need basic necessities.

We are all people, instead of treating homeless as though they do not matter, do something to help! When you have more than enough think about those children and families who have nothing.

Homelessness is sometimes temporary but often times not. By its nature homelessness is impossible to measure. More important than knowing the number of people who experience being homeless is our progress to end it. Homelessness results from a complex set of circumstances that require people to make hard choices to have basic needs. Only a concerted effort to ensure jobs that pay a living wage, adequate support for those who cannot work, affordable housing, and access to healthcare will bring an end to homelessness.