Homelessness in America
by Avery H.
In America, over 3.5 million people are faced with homelessness each year. This is due to rising prices of homes, and recent economic struggles. Federal assistance with homelessness decreased in the mid 1900's, which also brought a rise in homelessness. Some people tend to forget what kinds of people sleep with no roofs over their heads. 25% are under 18, 30% have experienced domestic abuse, and 25% suffer from a mental illness. Homelessness is not a financial hole that is easy to get out of, and most homeless people are homeless for long periods of time, or have been homeless multiple times. On any given night, 610,000 people will be left without a home.
Minimum wage
Some people are concerned that raising minimum wage reduces the amount of jobs available to the public. This is true, however, raising minimum wage by as little as a dollar goes a long way. If it were to increase by a dollar, then 500,000 jobs would be lost, which may sound like a lot, but it makes up only 10% of the America. 85% of people would be effected in a positive way, and overall income could rise by $2 billion.
Housing costs
In America, over 3.5 million people are faced with homelessness each year. This is due to rising prices of homes, and recent economic struggles. It is estimated that people would need to earn $15.37 per hour to afford a two-bedroom apartment. $15.37 is nearly 3 times the minimum wage, so having a job doesn't necessarily promise a home.
As a society, we tend to ignore those who need help. Sometimes we think that someone else will help them, when in reality, it is a never-ending cycle of people hoping that others will help.
These are spikes designed to prevent homeless people from sleeping on them. It is there for safety reasons, although there were no previous incidents that would validate the use of these spikes.
Subways are begining to outlaw loitering. This compromises the homeless' ability to take shelter there. It is used so people don't have to feel un-comfotable around homeless people.