The Homeless Research Paper

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Student’s Name Instructor Joslin Communications 1101 Date of the Essay Neglect of the Unfortunate The United States of America is one of the wealthiest nations in the world, yet we as citizens are plagued with senseless social issues such as homelessness and insufficient facilities for the mentally challenged. In the article “Facts and Figures: The Homeless,” the author states that “one approximation of the annual number of homeless in America estimates between 2.3 and 3.5 million people experience homelessness with some 58 percent of them living in shelters and 42 percent unsheltered.” The government, aware of the situation, does not take sufficient action to resolve these…show more content…
The rates of the homeless within the last several years have declined, but the statistics are still staggering. One article claims, “There were 744,000 homeless people in the United States in 2005, according to the first national estimate in a decade” (“Study”). The people we elect into office are aware of these statistics and seem to be content with the fact that the number of homeless persons is declining, yet no real solution has been proposed to completely resolve the problem. HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson said , "Having this data brings all of us another step closer to understanding the scope and nature of homelessness in America, and establishing this baseline is an extremely challenging task….understanding homelessness is a necessary step to addressing it successfully” (“Study”). Assistance is provided for certain individuals, but nearly impossible criteria needs to be met before these ill-fated persons are provided with the proper help. Two scholars, Goetz and Schmiege, believe that “the lack of a personal residence sets the homeless apart, isolates them from the rest of society, and makes it difficult or impossible for them to reenter the mainstream. Access to needed social services becomes problematic because some social service agencies refuse to serve anyone who does not have a permanent address” (375). I understand that certain…show more content…
Some of these laws regarding mentally challenged criminals are incredibly harsh. Although these individuals are required to pay their debt to society, they should be required to go through rigorous therapy as well. If extensive therapy, in a properly staffed and trained facility were given, the problem of overcrowded prisons may begin to resolve itself. “ Although deinstitutionalization possibly plays an important role in the criminalization of the mentally ill, this is not a simple relation and very much depends on how the process is being implemented”(Sestoft). The government, run by the people and for the people, should provide better for its people. With countless money able to be given to others around the world, why then should there be any issue with our own citizens concerning homelessness or lack of facilities for the mentally handicapped? Is it the lack of resources that our government provides for these social issues that makes us one of the wealthiest nations in the world? Would we be less wealthy, if we provided housing for each American citizen? It is time for our government to take care of our
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