Homelessness Discussion Paper

Words: 1851
Pages: 8

Coming from a family who loves to travel, I have noticed that homelessness is a huge issue. There is no simple solution to it, as it is a century-long issue, but we can answer the never-ending question: Who or what should be blamed? In the United States alone, approximately one point eight percent of the population is homeless. Which translates to roughly four million people. There are many causes of homelessness, including capitalism, the healthcare system, and the housing shortage. DEFINITION PAPER INFO To proceed, it's vital to understand some of the definitions. This will clear up conclusions and help with the thinking process. As this paper discusses the topic of homelessness, the definition needs to be made crystal clear. The definition …show more content…
Domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness for children across the nation. The American Bar Association states, “According to a 2013 study, 70 percent of mothers in families experiencing homelessness reported being physically assaulted by a family member or someone they knew.” On average, it takes families homeless due to domestic violence six to ten months to secure housing after they flee (American Bar Association,.org). ANTITHESIS The main argument I hear over this topic is that people deserve to be homeless because of addictions. However, this is not the case. In many cases, substance abuse is caused by the stress of homelessness, not the other way around. Many people begin using abusing substances as a coping mechanism to help with the pressures of homelessness (Mosel,.org). Other people might say, “Well, it is their fault for not paying off their debts.” In the United States, it can be very hard to get benefits. Some homeless people can get Social Security Disability Income, but it is very difficult. Also, it is very hard for homeless people to apply for benefits to start paying off their debts