Homelessness in America

They're the invisible people of America - existing just beyond the vision of society, blending in with the shadows and comfortably out of people's minds. Many folks have a hard time believing they exist in one of the richest countries of the world. Maybe you've seen them on the street, at the library, or working at your local bookstore. Maybe you've subconsciously diverted your gaze, even if you felt guilty about it later. It's just difficult to imagine that homelessness exists here just as in any other country, but I'm here to tell you homeless Americans not only exist, but know all too well about their situation. After all, I used to be homeless myself.

The first thing that usually crosses a person's mind is "How can such a thing happen in America?" The answer is simple. It could be the result of some disaster, such as Hurricane Katrina or some other catastrophe. Some people are exchanging one desperate position for another, trying to escape an abusive situation. In fact, all it really takes is for the family breadwinner to lose or otherwise be forced out of their job. Even if they've saved enough to coast for a few months, most working-class families don't have many appreciable assets to their name and very quickly find themselves on the receiving end of an eviction notice.

In some cases the government is able to help, but all too often the strict requirements prevent otherwise well-qualified applicants from receiving the help they desperately need. The situation in New Jersey is particularly dire, as the 30-year contracts for affordable housing units are rapidly expiring and no new units are being built. Shelters are an option for some, but too often there's a waiting list, leaving many homeless people quite literally out in the cold. Families are split up, the men usually separated from their wives and children every night. Even federal funded home ownership programs have prerequisites that many people are simply unable to meet.

Some churches and other private organizations have stepped up to fill this bureaucratic gap, providing temporary shelter to families and individuals, and aiding them in finding a more permanent solution. Other groups like Habitat For Humanity assist by actually creating a new residence; in Habitat's case, the new owner(s) will be a physical part of this building process, investing in their new home via the "sweat equity" program. Unfortunately, the long waiting list and minimum annual income requirement make this option unavailable to many.

Do you want to help fight homelessness in America? Get involved in your local church's or organization's efforts. If there are no programs in your area, consider starting one of your own. You can also lobby your local congressman to do more for the homeless people in your state, such as creating more and readily available affordable housing. Don't be afraid to make your voice be heard; only by speaking out will the plight of homeless Americans be brought into the public eye and dealt with in a satisfactory manner.