How does one become homeless? Homelessness is a global problem that affects many. As statistics show there is a huge population that are homeless and those individuals are exposed to a lot of negative environmental factors. It takes a toll on an individual’s well-being. Homelessness could happen to anyone. Homeless are unstable in housing and need help. Research shows that there are many different causes as to how people get here but we need to shine more light and attention on this problem. There are many different ways to help out. It’s unfair to see people living this way but the choice of recovery is the first way for the homeless to make a change in their life.
Many individuals are or have experienced homelessness and it is a real issue today. There are various types of homelessness, and each one has different circumstances. It has a huge impact on someone and we can gradually change that by making a difference in someone’s life, it is not too late to start now.
According to “Family Care Curriculum: A Parenting Support Program for Families Experiencing Homelessness” statistics show that there is widespread homelessness in children, “In the United States, families with children comprise the fastest-growing portion of the homeless population” (Bassuk et al. 2014). “In 2016, families represented more than a third of the overall homeless population, sheltered and unsheltered” (Henry et al. 2016). “National experts approximate that 2.5 million, or 1 in 30, children experience a period of homelessness in the United States each year.” (Bassuk et al. [2] ). These statistics are very eye-opening and it is alarming to know that these many people are struggling out in our world.
Demographic characteristics such as ethnicity, and gender, are also associated, In, “Family Care Curriculum: A Parenting Support Program for Families Experiencing Homelessness” it discusses how homelessness varies by characteristics. “Racial/ethnic minorities and households headed by single women aging out of child welfare are disproportionately affected by homelessness as a result of social marginalization, institutional racism, and gender-based discrimination.”
There are many causes as to why people are homeless today. In “Understanding pathways between PTSD homelessness, and substance use among adolescents” they explain several crucial causes “Youth who experience homelessness are a highly vulnerable population with high rates of abuse, trauma, violence, and substance use.” Having strong relationships is the key to this happening, a support system is essential. Therapy is also a positive reinforcement that will help one heal.
There are many ways to solve the issue of homelessness. It first starts by noticing that there is a problem in our world. “In Resisting Homelessness: Global, National, and Local Solutions” by Talmadge Wright explains how to solve this controversy “Homelessness will end only with the widespread cognition that all societies have a responsibility to provide their citizens with decent and affordable housing, excellent healthcare, stable, meaningful, and well-paid employment, and freedom from arbitrary exercise of state and private authority.” These things will have a huge effect and it will help one live easier.
There are a lot of health problems that homeless people develop today. According to, “Family Care Curriculum: A Parenting Support Program for Families Experiencing Homelessness” it states that environmental surroundings can influence these things. “Families are more at risk to be “exposed to a myriad of interpersonal and contextual stressors, i.e., interpersonal and community violence; economic and housing distress; maternal depression and other psychiatric disorders; parental substance use; inadequate educational, social, and health resources that heighten the risk of parents engaging in suboptimal parenting approaches (e.g., reactive and harsh, inconsistent, and/or neglectful discipline); and engaging in parentification of children (i.e., the process of parent–child role reversal whereby children are expected to perform adult responsibilities or serve in a parental role to themselves, other siblings, or even their parent)” (Bassuk et al. 1996; Howard et al. 2009). These issues will harm and be a huge danger to someone’s physical and mental health. These stressors are not necessary for one’s life and they should be treated well.
We all have a way of making a difference in the world. We can all help support the homeless by donating things that we don’t need or use anymore. In my personal experience, I work at the Philly Pretzel factory, and when we close we have leftover pretzels. We do not throw the leftovers away and we give them out to homeless shelters. Also, I donate my clothes that I don’t wear anymore to a clothing donation bin for those in need. Just doing something little leads to something huge for others. Making one’s day and putting a smile on someone’s face is what matters.
In conclusion, homelessness is an important topic to talk about. The recovery might be a long journey but there’s a path to a bright future. In “Recovery in Homelessness: The Influence of Choice and Mastery on Physical Health, Psychiatric Symptoms, Alcohol, and Drug Use, and Community Integration” by Manning and Greenwood they discuss how the Housing First program helps the homeless recover. “Housing First is an innovative approach to homeless service provision that provides individuals with scatter-site accommodation and supports them to make choices about their futures and recovery trajectories with no prerequisites for sobriety or treatment adherence.” Determination and motivation are the only ways to make a change in life, and it’s their choice to seek assistance. There is a difference between being housed poor and homeless. Many hope that the feeling of isolation goes away. To make this all go away we need to raise the minimum wage and adjust housing for low income. Homelessness will continue to expand if we don’t change and millions will be trapped in this state of segregation. It’s a fight to survive but they have the strength to push through these challenges.