Cost Of Homelessness

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Costs of the Problem to Society
Youth homelessness is a problem in society because of its impact on the economy. Homelessness affects our economy by consuming large amounts of public resources and not providing any income to communities (Homewardbound, 2012). Homelessness is an issue that affects us all. Without their income, our cities do not receive large revenue. Homeless youth also uses public services like hospital emergency rooms and law enforcement agencies (Lavonna, N.D). Health problems homeless people usually seek help for are mental disorders, substance abuse, drug abuse, diabetes, and sexually transmitted diseases. Homeless people do not have the resources to seek help when they first fall ill, leading them to only seek services …show more content…
Throughout major cities, there are homeless people seeking shelter on the streets, parks, abandoned lots, and store parking lots. They tend to group together and make a shelter with their few possessions. Police enforcement is adamant about lowering the number of homeless people in public areas, leading them to find shelter near abandoned areas like railroad tracks and areas near city rivers. Homeless people are building their living spaces near these rivers and polluting the waters with their trash and possessions (White, 2013). Homeless people contribute to minor pollution in their communities by loitering, urinating, and defecating in public. In the major urban city of San Francisco, there is a major problem of homeless people urinating and defecating on public streets. From 2006- 2010 the percentage has risen from 34.1 to 55.4 (Smith, 2011). This problem has led to many complaints of smell and health concerns from citizens. There are laws against public urination and defecation, but without public restrooms there is no other place for homeless people to relieve …show more content…
A numerous amount of homeless youth has had traumatic experience prior to leaving home (Edidin, 2012). The traumatic events lead to the decision of leaving their home to avoid further trauma. A numerous amount of homeless youth report high levels of anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, substance abuse, stress disorders, and PTSD. The prevalence of these disorders is twice as high for homeless youth compared to other children (Edidin, 2012). Homeless youth also suffer with feelings of hopelessness and helplessness towards the future. Anxiety and depressive disorders lead to high rates of suicidal ideations, attempts, and completed suicides in the homeless youth population (Edidin, 2012). LGBTQ homeless youth are at the highest risk of completing suicide. 48% of homeless girls and 27% of boys have attempted suicide (Martijn, 2006). To help cope with their unfortunate, situations many youth start using alcohol and drugs. An estimation of 50% of homeless youth has drug and alcohol problems (Martijn, 2006). These substance abuse problems lead to more issues in homeless youth that can lead to permanent homelessness. Other issues that can lead to permanent homelessness in youth are
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