Summary: The Problem Of Homelessness

Homelessness is a serious problem in America. According to the Washington Post, it directly affected one in ten people aged 18-25 in 2017. Homelessness can put pressure on kids, which can have negative long-term effects, and can cost taxpayers thousands. Also, the negative connotations associated with homelessness in America from as early as the mid-1600’s can make it difficult for a homeless person to help themselves and get a job. Homeless people have seen an increase in their population within the past few years, and if left unchecked, could spiral out of control.

So what is homelessness? If you look up the definition on the National Healthcare for the Homeless Council website, you would see that it categorizes someone as homeless if they “A homeless individual is... an individual who lacks housing… who may live on the streets; stay in a …show more content…
It affects taxpayers everywhere. According to semi-recent studies, “care for a homeless person in the U.S. could cost... between $35,000 and $150,000 dollars annually.” (Braiterman, Jacobs and Murray 2). This number has only risen in recent years, and with inflation and higher costs of living, this price tag on each homeless person becomes a severe burden on taxpayers, especially lower-middle-class people who could just be a paycheck or two away from being homeless themselves. It is extremely difficult to lift yourself out of such poverty, especially with the social stigma of being homeless. This is not a modern issue. The shame of homelessness in America comes from as early as the 1640’s when it was seen as a character flaw to be homeless. This makes it difficult for them to get a job, as many Americans believe that “they deserve to be destitute for they bring no ‘added value’ to society.”(Fischer). This kind of thinking can be dangerous, as it can lower their self-esteem and push the thought of living a normal life even farther out of their

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