The following passage introduces and explains the problem of homelessness in the United States, highlighting the significance of fundamental needs like shelter, clothing, food, education, and family. These essentials are frequently neglected but are crucial for every individual. The passage urges readers to envision a day devoid of these necessities and underscores that they should be granted to everyone.
Regrettably, there is a segment of the population in this country who lack certain necessities. A considerable number of individuals find themselves without a permanent residence and possess only the clothes on their backs. They live with uncertainty regarding their next meal and lack the support of loved ones. B. Transition C. Background Knowledge: Homelessness has become increasingly common in our nation over the last ten years. The McKinney Homeless Assistance Act was enacted in 1987 to tackle this issue (Burger, 68-83). However, our government has since shifted its focus away from addressing the underlying causes of homelessness.
Instead of addressing the root causes of homelessness, our government has opted to point fingers at individuals and hold them responsible for their own misfortune (Baum, 5-9). This misguided viewpoint has greatly contributed to the worsening homelessness crisis in our nation.
D. Transition
E. Thesis Statement: Multiple factors can contribute to homelessness, including job loss due to government cutbacks and economic fluctuations, the release of mentally ill patients from institutions, and health issues.
The lack of social supports has contributed to homelessness, with government and economic changes leading to an increase in homeless individuals due to economic stresses and a decrease in affordable housing options. This is evident in the 38% increase in homelessness during certain time periods.
City officials, community leaders, and service providers are concerned about the high cost of placing homeless individuals in shelters but there are cost-effective solutions available that are socially responsible.
The government has made efforts to address homelessness prevention through initiatives such as the American Recovery Reinvestment Act of 2009, prompting major cities in the United States to develop ten-year plans to end homelessness resulting in solutions like “housing first.” Funding has also been allocated by Congress with $25 million provided through the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants.
Furthermore, urban areas experienced significant migration from rural areas during the industrial revolution which led to denser populations and more complex building codes exacerbating the affordability issue for housing in these urban areas.
In addition, homelessness has the potential to cause or worsen mental health problems like depression and anxiety (Detail B).
To sum up, the lack of government intervention in addressing homelessness not only negatively impacts individuals’ general well-being but also fails to address the root causes of this issue.
Support #2: Homeless individuals are at a higher risk of injuries and medical issues due to their lifestyle on the streets, including poor nutrition, exposure to severe weather conditions, and violence.
Support #3: More than half of the homeless population experiences anxiety and depression. Substance abuse often leads to homelessness as addictive behavior patterns isolate individuals from loved ones. Additionally, approximately 25% of the homeless population suffers from mental illness.
Support #3: Providing healthcare for homeless people presents challenges for public health. Treating homeless individuals with psychiatric disorders can be difficult since they may not consistently attend clinical appointments, have unknown whereabouts, or adhere to prescribed medications. It is important to note that many homeless people have mental illness.
B. Conclusion Sentence: Research indicates that about one in four homeless individuals are substance abusers.
Approximately 25% of the population, who have mental illness, face barriers in accessing mental health services and are unable to seek shelter due to their condition. However, community organizations such as non-governmental organizations, religious organizations, or homeless ministries offer social supports like food, shelter, and clothing. Goodwill Industries is an example of such an organization that focuses on skill development and employment opportunities for homeless individuals. Despite the availability of these assistance programs, many homeless people do not participate in them. Some homeless individuals have even established newspapers like “Street News” in New York City and “Street Sense” in Washington D.C., providing job opportunities and aiding transition out of homelessness. Additionally, lack of family support often leads children into homelessness as they are unable to stay in their current situations or access necessary help. Consequently, they end up living on the streets with hopes for a better life. Furthermore, there are multiple options for homeless individuals including participating in various programs, selling street newspapers for income generation, finding accommodation in hostels, and receiving assistance for their young children.
Conclusion Sentence: Planning and policy activities to support these people remain limited. In society, the rich continue to grow wealthier while the poor become even more impoverished. Today, individuals are overly focused on work and money, causing them to overlook the issue of homelessness that surrounds them.
V. Conclusion
A. Restate Thesis: Homelessness is a significant problem in our society.
Each night, thousands of people are left without shelter in our nation.
Many of these individuals suffer from severe mental disorders and physical health issues.
Others are victims of an economic system and are in desperate need of our assistance and support.
B. Summary Body #1(government and economic changes): Many individuals who live on the streets are not there by choice but because of circumstances beyond their control, like losing their jobs, being evicted, or being abandoned by their families. Regrettably, the government’s attempts to assist the homeless are inadequate.
C. Summary Body #2(health): Homelessness significantly affects people’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
It is important to recognize that homeless individuals face significant challenges in terms of their mental health and lack of proper support. Moreover, a notable proportion of them struggle with depression and substance abuse issues. Nonetheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that the homeless are human beings who should be granted the same rights and privileges as any other member of society. As fellow humans, we have a responsibility to assist those in need, including those experiencing homelessness. They require not only financial aid but also our compassion and support. Therefore, as a community, we must come together to address homelessness comprehensively and eradicate it completely.
The final statement serves as a clincher for the issue of homelessness in today’s society, highlighting how it is often disregarded. Many individuals either overlook or barely acknowledge the existence of homelessness. When they do come across homeless individuals, it is typically in the form of beggars who are expected to improve their situation independently or mentally ill people deemed incapable of helping themselves. The key argument remains the same in both scenarios – that homelessness persists because those experiencing it are seen as either unable or unwilling to help themselves. The implication being that if they simply made an effort, they would no longer be homeless.
Many people in today’s society prioritize addressing the issue of homelessness over helping those who are already homeless. This highlights a disturbing truth about our society. The millions of individuals living below the poverty line constantly live in fear that any unexpected event could push them further into poverty, rendering them invisible to society. Consequently, homelessness creates a barrier that traps people in poverty as they fear losing their few belongings.
