Homeless in the United States

This report will be divided into three primary sections. First, an overview of the homeless situation within the United States will be given. This overview will provide a perspective for the later sections.

Second, solutions to this widespread and growing problem will be offered. Here, the solutions are based upon methods/solutions that are and are not working in metropolitan areas to reduce the numbers of homeless.

Third, a conclusion and synthesis section will present global implications of the problem and solutions to the problem. A framework for understanding the dichotomy between the ôhavesö and the ôhave notsö will be explored.

Why does the United states, one of the richest countries in the world, allow millions of its citizens to exist without even the basic necessities of life û food, shelter, and clothing? Perhaps the development, growth and expansion of a permanent underclass serves to assist in the maintenance of the status quo.

THE HOMELESS IN THE UNITED STATES: A SURVEY OF THE ISSUE

The homeless in the United states are becoming a pervasive and stationary element in our society. The problem of finding basic necessitiesû-shelter, clothing, and food for the millions of homeless has extended beyond the scope of city officials, social service agencies, civic groups, and even the Federal Government.

Former President Reagan gives us an example of inattention, at the Federal le

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ices, transportation, health care, transitional housing, emergency shelters, more adequate levels of public assistance, faster certification procedures, and mental health services. In addition, there appears to be a lack of agreement about the most effective methods of assisting the homeless. For example, the former President suggested that street people are homeless ôby choice.ö However, the homeless do not choose to be homeless, but circumstances, beyond their control, prohibit seeking and paying for shelter. For example, in New York City, officials estimate that the costs of providing each bedroom in a renovated single-occupancy hotel costs $35,000; in a shelter, the same bed costs $10,000. However, officials attempt to avoid a dependence on shelters and encourage the homeless towards self-sufficiency. The failure of programs to provide remedies will be discussed below (Whitman, 1988). Are the Current Programs Sufficient? Assistance in helping the homeless obtain permanent housing is available in limited forms in most American cities. Most often this assistance includes: emergency food assistance, health care, supportive services, job training and placement, counseling, and day care. There is general agreement th
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Approximate Word count = 1761
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page)

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