By: Shasta Blackman Junior research paper Mrs.Rogers

Homeless population  Thesis Statement: Homelessness is a growing problem in America as seen in major cities, towns and countries.  the population of homeless people in the United States is estimated to range from five hundred thousand to more than two million.  Evidence: throughout the country’s history, the conditions of larger society, such as frequently depressed industrial economy that struggled with overproduction and labor surpluses, resulted in family upheaval.  Evidence: a large percentage of Americans in the twentieth century recognized that the poor homeless were victims of individual circumstances, and industrial and structural arrangements.

Homeless families  homeless families are either those that either lack shelter or have shelter that is so inadequate, temporary, or insecure that the situation threatens the physical health of the family.  Evidence: homeless families may not want to be found for fear of involvement of child welfare authorities.  Evidence: a major cause of family homelessness in the urban centers of North America and western Europe is the shortage of affordable housing.

Why?  over the past years, two trends are largely responsible for the rise in homelessness: a shortage of affordable rental housing and an increase in poverty.  Evidence: declining wages and less benefits being offered have made life difficult for those trying to make ends meet.  Evidence: some homeless claim to be veterans who were wounded and therefore cannot get jobs.

In new york?  more than 40,000 homeless people now spend the night in new york city shelters.  Evidence: the city announced that it will immediately and what was once a $140 million rent subsidy program that has helped keep more than 10,000 households in apartments and out of shelters.  Evidence: in 2004, mayor Bloomberg vowed to cut the city’s homelessness by two-thirds within five years.

conclusion  throughout most of history, those who had homes saw most homeless people as deserving of they’re fate.  Evidence: the homeless, however, are poor, and those living at or below the poverty level are often teetering on the edge of homelessness.  Evidence: for many people, homelessness is just a month’s rent away.