Homelessness
Causes of Homelessness
Michael
Michael became homeless after he returned from Iraq and Afghanistan tours. He became addicted to drugs and alcohol shortly after. He then lost his job and was homeless. After a newsman saw Michael on the streets "flying a sign" in -15* weather, he interviewed him. The Catholic Charities provided him with shelter for that night. The newsman who interviewed Michael had given him socks and gloves, because he knew he was sleeping outside in this kind of weather.
Miguel
Miguel was taken from his mother at the age of 8. He had been in ten foster homes after that. He then tried to return to his mother, but the living situation was volatile so he ran away. He also tried living with some of his relatives, but ended up in New York. Miguel's mother had him locked up in a Juvenile Correctional Facility. He was then 18 and homeless. He was later connected with the Covenant House, which is a youth program, and was sent from jail to a new family.
Jonahlisa
Jonahlisa has been homeless her whole life. She was placed into foster care at age 2 by her mother. She then bounced from placement to placement. At age 9, she experienced her very first night of being homeless on the streets. Jonahlisa was later recieved into the Covenent House and she now has a job. She is working her way into her own appartment and will soon be attending school.
What can be done about Homelessness?
What can the Government do?
Many agencies have tried to help find employment for those who are homeless. They have also tried to find health care and a stable place to live. The was a proposal that was announced Tuesday, January 7, called "Opening Doors". This program is to help open the doors to the homeless and finding them what they need.
What can the Homeless do?
The homeless could go out and look for good paying jobs. Most of them get money from strangers, but spend it on drugs and alcohol instead of something they actually need. Some other them don't even try to better themselves. After being on the streets for so long, it's the only home they know, and they don't want to leave.
What can the Community do?
We, the community, could go out and help the homeless find good jobs. We could give them a chance as a people. We could pay more attention to them instead of passing them by on the streets and giving them wierd looks. We only see them as poor and dirty people, but in reality, they use to be just like you and me. We could start a big movement to help out as much as we can.