Invisible People
By: Mariah Harter
Here an old lady sits alone on the streets.
A homeless mother and daughter sitting on the street with no where to go.
A kind person gives supplies to a homeless man.
What causes Homelessness?
- Loss of loved one
- Job loss
- Domestic violence
- Divorce and family disputes
- Untreated mental illness
Government action
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) of the U.S. job is to make sure every American has their essential needs, especially those who are homeless. It creates programs that houses and gives care to those who need it.
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Community Action
Many communities are willing to give to the homeless. They set up food drives and collect any unwanted clothing and toys. Also many schools help by asking that people bring a none parishible food item to get into a sports game or play. Local businesses also contribute by donating what they usually sell. Churches also contribute by collecting money in church and having part of it go to those who need it. A very important organization called the Salvation Army is probably the most recognized and prosperous organization to help the homeless. It's run by multiple churches and organizations. Many communities help distribute to this organization so it has become very prosperous.
Lives of the Homeless
Many homeless people have different or similar stories. Some lose their jobs and then can no longer pay for their homes and become homeless, others have family issues that cause them to become homeless. Some homeless people have some very tragic stories such as Michael. Michael was a veteran that fought in Iraq and afhganistan. When he returned to the U.S. he used drugs and drank a lot of alcohol and lost his job and home. Another story that is tragic in the begining but happy in the end is Jonalisa's story.
Jonahlisa was in foster care and moved from foster home to foster home. When she was 9 years old she found herself homeless. Things are starting to look up for Jonahlisa now because lives in a Covenant House and has a job. Very soon she will get her own apartment and go to school.
What can I do?
- food drive
- clothing drive
- get money donations
- give items that I no longer need or use
- speak up and make people aware that homelessness needs to end.