What Can You Do to Help the Homeless?
Are you one of the millions of people who have no home? If so, you may be interested in finding out what you can do to help. The state of homelessness, also known as being unhoused or unsheltered, is a problem that affects millions of people around the world. In most cases, the condition can be prevented by taking action to help the Homeless. Homeless individuals and families are often vulnerable to other types of abuse, such as domestic violence and mental health problems.
There are several causes of homelessness, including lack of affordable housing. Approximately one-third of homeless men in the United States have serious psychiatric problems. In addition, schizophrenia and other personality disorders are extremely common among the homeless. Substance abuse and mental health problems may lead to homelessness, alienating friends and family. The homeless are especially vulnerable to natural disasters and the impact of gentrification. Although there are numerous causes of homelessness, one major factor is mental health problems.
The survey, entitled View From the Street, was conducted by the Coalition and was followed up in January and February of this year. The Coalition’s senior director of crisis services, Lindsey Davis, wrote the report. She found that 73 percent of respondents were homeless for a year or more. Some had been doubled up with friends and relatives and slept in welfare hotels. A significant number of these individuals are victims of domestic violence and are suffering from PTSD.
While there are other causes of homelessness, lack of affordable housing is the most common. Many people become homeless because they are unemployed and cannot afford rent or mortgage payments. Their unemployment status can be the result of recession, physical illness, or mental illness. Losing a job can result in temporary homelessness or a lengthy period of time until they can find another one. Other causes of homelessness may include discrimination, lack of healthcare, or poverty.
The impacts on youth experiencing homelessness are profound and require the coordination of many different systems. Youth experiencing homelessness are vulnerable to multiple threats, including unmet needs, mental health issues, substance abuse, and sexual exploitation. Youth experiencing homelessness are also twice as likely to attempt suicide than the population as a whole. For these reasons, youth must receive comprehensive care and services. While the effects of homelessness on a child are many, the most important one is prevention.
Statistics on the number of homeless people in the United States vary greatly, with some estimates ranging from two to three million. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the number of homeless people has been steadily increasing in recent years. A recent survey conducted by the U.S. Conference of Mayors found that no major city had a falling number of homeless individuals; most cities reported increases of fifteen to 50 percent or more each year.
The failure to provide basic housing for the homeless is a sign of the state’s failure to protect the rights of its citizens. While the right to life is not confined to survival, it includes the right to enjoy life in dignity. Sadly, the state’s response to homelessness often includes criminalization, violence, and aggressive policies that violate the rights of homeless people. While this response is quick and convenient, it is ineffective and fails to respond to the needs of those who are homeless.
