1. Homeless in America

2. Prompt: Is homelessness a problem that should concern the American public? If so, what should be done to remedy the issue of homelessness?

3. Yes, the government needs to afford all of its citizens an equal chance at contributing their potential to society. This equal opportunity often needs an initial assistance to be functional. Yes, we should never abandon or turn our backs on those most in need. Those who “have” think they have worked hard for what they have and think they poor are just lazy; however, the poor have worked just as hard, they just aren’t given the same opportunities Student Responses…YES!

4. Yes, it should concern the public. A nation can best be seen at how it treats its worst of citizens. Much more than what is being done, via welfare programs and outreach projects to actually help those in need get back on their feet Yes, homelessness degrades the quality of life for all around Yes, I don’t think it should be an obligation that people help the homeless, but I still wish more people would care to help Student Responses…YES!

5. Yes, I think that many people have the misconception that homeless individuals are the people who made poor decisions or didn’t follow the “right” track in life. Though this may be true for some, most are stuck in an unfortunate situation Student Responses…YES!

6. Student Responses…UMM… It is a debatable topic. There are two types of homeless: 1) People who don’t want to work and want to be given things; 2) People who have suffered and actually cannot find a job It is a problem to a certain degree because it’s not good that so many people are homeless but they don’t do much either

7. Student Responses…UMM… To a certain extent, yes homelessness is a bad thing and we should try to help in any way, but there will always be homeless people so it should not be our main focus. To an extent. There isn’t much that can be done if they aren’t willing to work for it. To an extent. Charity work is great and should be encouraged; however, it should not turn into the burden for others to bear

8. Student Responses…UMM… Homelessness is a problem, but I think we should look at it on a person level. I believe we should ask the questions: Are they truly trying hard to get a job? Are they drug-free? Homelessness is a problem that should be sympathized by the American public, but not one that should concern them because all societies have homeless people. We should just continue trying to create jobs and collecting food for charities.

9. Student Responses…NO! Government should not favor lower class over anybody. Everybody is a citizen.

10. Student Responses…NO! I don’t think that homelessness is that much of a problem today because of all of the welfare bills or acts that allow people to live off of the government. The government is allowing people to not have to work and still receive money.

11. Student Responses…NO! No, homelessness is not an American problem, it is the homeless person’s problem. Homelessness is not a concern America should be worried about because it’s an individual’s problem. No. Most of the time it’s their fault.

12. WHO are the Homeless?

13. Who is Homeless in America? In January 2014, there were 578,424 people experiencing homelessness on any given night in the United States Of that number, 216,197 are people in families, and 362,163 are individuals About 15 percent of the homeless population – 84,291 - are considered "chronically homeless” individuals About 9 percent of homeless people- 49,933 - are veterans

15. Who is Homeless in America? Homeless families are similar to other poor families Typically, families become homeless as a result of some unforeseen financial crisis - a medical emergency, a car accident, a death in the family - that prevents them from being able to hold on to housing Most homeless families are able to bounce back from homelessness quickly, with relatively little public assistance. Usually, homeless families require rent assistance, housing placement services, job assistance, and other short-term, one- time services before being able to return to independence and stability

16. Who is Homeless in America? YOUTH Based on the data that is available, there are approximately 550,000 unaccompanied, single youth and young adults up to age 24 who experience a homelessness episode of longer than one week in a year. Approximately 380,000 of those youth are under the age of 18 Young people often become homeless due to family conflict, including divorce, neglect, or abuse. A large majority of young people experience short-term homelessness, returning back home or to family/friends.

17. Homelessness By the Numbers

18. Who is Homeless in America? VETERANS Veterans often become homeless due to war-related disabilities. For a variety of reasons – physical disability, mental anguish, post-traumatic stress, etc. – many veterans find readjusting to civilian life difficult. Difficulties readjusting can give rise to dangerous behaviors, including addiction, abuse, and violence, which, coupled with the difficulties, can lead to homelessness.

21. WHERE are People Homeless?

24. WHY are People Homeless?

25. Why Are People Homeless? Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness among women Many people are homeless because they cannot afford rent HUD has seen its budget slashed by over 50 percent in recent decades, resulting in the loss of 10,000 units of subsidized low- income housing each and every year There are fewer places for poor people to rent than before In the last few years millions have lost their homes One in five homeless people suffers from untreated severe mental illness

26. HOW Do We Respond to the Homeless?

28. Cities are increasingly making homelessness a crime; A 2014 survey of 187 cities by the NLCHP found that… 24 percent of cities make it a city-wide crime to beg in public 33 percent make it illegal to stand around or loiter anyplace in the city 18 percent make it a crime to sleep anywhere in public 43 percent make it illegal to sleep in your car 53 percent make it illegal to sit or lie down in particular public places

29. How Do We Respond to the Homeless? What message does this architecture send?

30. How Do We Respond to the Homeless? What message does this architecture send?

31. When Do Shelters Open?

32. Why Are People Homeless?