A Lost Generation: Homeless in America

A quote by Emma Lazarus once stated the desire of America and our founding fathers. This quote is the very essence of how our country became what it is today. Have we lost these words of compassion in our hearts, or are we just growing accustomed to turning our heads at the less fortunate?

"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free." This quote reminds me of the Statue of Liberty welcoming thousands of immigrants from distant lands in hope of opportunity, and a better life. But it also reminds me of another group of people who are tired and poor, and are also huddled in masses yearning to breathe free: the homeless in America.

A recent study by the National Law Center on Homeless and Poverty estimate that an average of 2.3 - 3.5 million people are homeless in America. PBS stated that in the next three years 1.5 million more people will become homeless. In the United States alone a 12% increase of the homeless has been reported since 2007.

Early Beginnings of the American Homeless

Homelessness is normally an urban situation. 71% of the homeless in America live in central cities, while 21% live in the suburbs, and 9% of the homeless live in rural areas. It's from these very cities and hospitals that many individuals became homeless.

In the 1950's a "deinstitutionalization" movement by the State Mental Health Institution put many people on the street for what was called: "Community Based Treatment" of the mentally ill.

Numerous patients lost their rooms, and also their identities. These individuals failed to get community health support, and ended up living on the streets. Abandoned by society they sought refuge from the elements, and the people who put them there.

Additional Individuals left Homeless

According to research done by the National Coalition for the Homeless, 40% of the homeless in America are veterans. Is this how we take care of our soldiers? Failure by the Department of Veteran Affairs to provide mental health care from the Vietnam War added thousands of veterans to the homeless population.

Although this organization did help thousands of veterans, some of these individuals were not treated. Some of the latest estimates are now showing that over 200,000 veterans are homeless today.

Another organization which helped to increase the homeless situation was the foster care program. Sources estimate that 50% of these children became homeless when they were released at the age of 18.

According to a study provided by the National Center on Family Homeless 1.5 million children, or 1 out of 50 children living in the United States are homeless today. An estimated 5% of the homeless living in the United States are children living by themselves.

Although males constitute 60% of the homeless in America, families who are "living on the streets" is the fastest rising social statistic in America. The lack of low income housing is also factor that is forcing many American families out of their homes. Then to make this situation even worse, another 1.5 million veterans are also at risk to homelessness due to lack of support, and dismal living conditions.

Profiles of the Homeless

A recent survey showed that 23% of the homeless are "reported as chronically homeless." This statement is defined as an individual with a disabling condition such as: substance abuse, serious mental illness, physical illness, or a developmental disability.

54% of homeless people have been incarcerated at some point in their life, while another 58% report never having enough food. Some of the individuals surveyed stated that they went for several weeks at a time without eating: women, and children alike.

Of the homeless individuals interviewed 70% reported that in order to survive they either panhandled or prostituted their bodies for food, shelter, and also drugs.

41% of the homeless in America are single males. Single females are 14%, and single minors are 5% of the homeless. Families with children are now rated at 40% of the homeless.

In 2006 a study by the United States Conference of Mayors showed that 42% of the homeless were African Americans, 39% were Non Hispanic Whites. The study also stated that 13% of the homeless were Hispanic, 4% were Native American, and 2% of the homeless were of Asian decent.

California estimates between 65,000 - 165,000 homeless people in their state, while New York has reported well over 90,000 homeless people. At this rate in 20 years most everyone but the President will be homeless.

Help for the Homeless

There is hope for "some" of these homeless individuals. Others who are chronically homeless and have lived this lifestyle for over five years are usually out of reach. They have adapted to society the only way they could: by themselves.

Many of these individuals have emotional problems, and are also very territorial of their belongings, and the areas in which they live. But, there is help for the rest of them, if you can find it in your heart to help them out.

Local Help

Charity begins at home, and this is an excellent place to start. Look through all of your: clothes, toys, recyclables, and donate them to a local homeless shelter. Make your neighbors, family members, co-workers, and friends aware of your efforts, and try to recruit them into your endeavors.

Join a support team for the homeless. Many families are homeless today, and their numbers are drastically on the rise. Make others aware of this in your neighborhood and begin a support group for the homeless in your area.

Another way to help the homeless is to donate your skills and join one the many Habitats for Humanity organizations around the country. These organizations are growing rapidly, so check out where the nearest Habitat for Humanity organization is located in your area.

Encourage your school, church, or company to donate their time and money to any of the homeless shelters in your town. Make others around you aware of the desperate situation millions of Americans are struggling with. Awareness is the first step in helping the homeless.

Sponsor a benefit to help the homeless. Organize a group of neighbors or family members to join with you in raising money which can be raised to help benefit the homeless. Any amount you raise is definitely appreciated whether you realize it or not.

Personal Help

If your budget can afford it purchase clothing such as: socks, underwear, coats, and anything needed if you were living on the street. Put back some of your spare change and send it to a homeless shelter. This money will do wonders for a homeless person, and it won't kill you if you don't rent that extra movie at the store. So share the love, and also some of your spare change.

Take some time out of your busy day and volunteer at a homeless shelter. Just an hour a week and a smiling face will brighten the day, and also bring hope to those less fortunate. As you donate your time it shows the homeless that you truly care, and that there is also some humanity left in the world.

Things happen for a reason. You might even make a friend that could use your words of encouragement to help them through the day. Keep in mind that it could be you or a member of your family on the other end of the food line someday.

Maybe the next time you pull up to that particular intersection let your heart guide you to make an important decision. As you stare into the desperate eyes of the homeless person holding that cardboard sign, feel the love inside of you and do whatever you can.

Maybe it was just a smile this time, but it's the thought that counts. So, make the connection and help someone in need; their life just might depend on your quick decision.

Sources of information:

www.solutionsforamerica.org/.../homelessness.html
www.policyalmanac.org/social_welfare/homeless.shtml
www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homelessness_in_the_United_States
www.pbs.org/now/shows/526/homeless-facts.html