Homelessness an Epidemic
Brody Hackbarth
Homelessness
Homelessness is a tragedy that can happen to anyone. There are many reasons someone, a group of people, or even a family can become homeless. Some of these include injuries or other health issues, neglect, and unfortunately sometimes the abuse of drugs and alcohol. One thing that is the same with all homeless is that they all wish for better lives. There is a handful of homeless people who were interviewed with "Invisible People," here is some information about them.
Jonahlisa
Jonahlisa is homeless in New York City. She has been moving from foster home to foster home since her mom first put her in one when she was two. At 9 years old she had her first night of homelessness. Fortunately she is now a part of the youth program "Covenant House." She is also going to be getting an apartment and going to school.
Robyn and Mickey
These two are both 17 years old. Mickey had a job in construction but due to his boss not paying him he could not pay rent causing him, his girlfriend Robyn, and their dog to become homeless. They don't go to shelters because they don't except couples or dogs. They have a tent right now and have high hopes of someday getting a house of their own.
DeShay
DeShay was an average college student studying to be a Bio-medical Engineer, but when all his stuff got stolen he was forced to move back with his mom which had 15 people in a one bedroom apartment. This caused him to couch surf with friends and family until he found a home with RE generation, a house for homeless youth to stay. He now has dreams to save up money and one day return to college.
What can the government do?
I think the government can put a little more effort towards creating programs where the homeless can work small jobs around cities. They could do things like pick up trash, wash graffiti, or just clean things. I know if I were homeless I would probably do lots of things to earn money and get my life back on track.
What can the homeless do?
Unfortunately I believe the bulk of homelessness is caused by the abuse of drugs and alcohol. I think one thing that they can do is get help from someone and quit that nasty stuff. For the ones who had no control over their homelessness, they should try and find a shelter or a program where they can take showers and get a job.
What can we the communities do?
I think the best thing we can do is just give them our support. Weather that's tossing some money in their hat on the street, or creating or donating to a program where the homeless are given a place to stay. Just let them know they are cared about and everything will be ok.