Homelessness Is The Most Vital Social Problem - 1668 Words

Out of all of the social problems that are prevalent across America, homelessness is the one that should be grabbing the nation’s attention. As of April 20th of 2015, according to the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, 1,750,000 individuals in the United States were reported as being homeless (Homelessness/Poverty). Homelessness in America is a major problem, which needs to be addressed in a much more effective manner than it currently is. It should be at the forefront of every citizen’s mind. This is not simply a problem of people’s skewed opinions or attitudes, but is rather a matter of the survival of millions of people. American citizens are living, day by day, in deplorable conditions. Some are trying to survive in†¦show more content†¦The second category includes people who are living in temporary, and often government provided, shelters. The third group that they include are people living in unstable or insufficient residences, such as people â€Å"couch hopping†, or living with friends or family members day by day (Study: New Framework). Another key aspect to fully comprehending the range of homelessness is knowing who, exactly, is affected by this misfortune. According to the National Alliance to end Homelessness, approximately 633,782 individuals are homeless on any given night, but who are these people? (FRONTSTEPS). In an article verified by the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, it is stated that a shocking forty percent of all homeless individuals are veterans. Twenty two percent live with a severe mental illness. Another thirty six percent are families with children, and thirty percent have reported being homeless for more than two years. One widespread stereotype of the homeless is that they do not try and find work, but would rather live off of the â€Å"working man†. This stereotype is not only degrading and offensive, it is also entirely inaccurate. Forty four percent of homeless people report doing paid work in the last month. (Homelessness/Poverty). This reveals that homelessne ss is truly not a question of