Homelessness In America Argumentative Essay Example

heightened vulnerability to the dangers associated with street life.

According to William, the main cause of this crisis is the poverty faced by homeless women. This category of homelessness experiences different types of physical and sexual abuse. Unfortunately, this trend cannot be reversed and homeless women will continue to make up a larger percentage of the homeless population (13). Moreover, there are multiple situations that drive women to seek shelter in homeless and battered women’s shelters. It takes a considerable amount of time for a woman to finally choose to enter such a shelter; they only make that decision after these causes have accumulated.

William is studying the association between domestic violence and women's homelessness in the United States. Studies have shown a connection between incidents of domestic violence and women becoming homeless. Often, these women seek safety in shelters to escape their abusive partners and hide their location out of fear that revealing where they live could result in more harm.

Case workers recognize that domestic violence encompasses physical, emotional, verbal, and sexual mistreatment. The refusal of battered women to visit or associate with their abusive partners serves as evidence of their need for physical protection. Women have been subjected to abuse from various sources including spouses, boyfriends, parents, and other relatives. Typically, women who seek emergency shelters are victims of battering and often come from impoverished households. It is unfortunate that most studies on homelessness have failed to address the role of domestic violence in causing women's homelessness (20). According to William's analysis of a battered woman, she is characterized as passive, confused, lacking independence, and suffering from emotional disorders (11).

However, in some instances, a homeless

woman may display aggressive and confrontational behavior. This behavior is often seen as a defensive strategy used by these vulnerable women. However, once they enter a shelter and become part of the shelter community, they tend to let go of this behavior and feel supported and secure around others (136). According to William, the creation of the concept of a battered woman is mainly observed in shelter systems that are staffed by professional social workers. In the 1980s, many battered women's shelters underwent professionalization. By the 1990s, most shelters had restructured their programs and staffing to comply with funding requirements, which involved centralizing authority, focusing on employees' formal credentials, and incorporating therapeutic techniques and language into daily interactions with battered women (152).

Domestic violence and homeless shelters offer a range of services and programs tailored to the needs and concerns of their residents. These provisions are shaped by the shelters' understanding of the urgent requirements of their residents. William argues that any woman fulfilling societal roles as a wife and mother, regardless of age, race, social class, or marital status, may find herself trapped in an abusive situation due to economic and emotional dependence (153). These women often feel isolated when friends and social workers refuse to help them, worsening their circumstances. Consequently, they experience negative emotions, leading to unstable mental states and decreased self-esteem.

William explains that the programs for battered women differ significantly from those designed for other homeless women. Battered women shelters primarily focus on providing counseling and emotional support, whereas the focus for homeless women is typically on achieving economic stability. According to William, the identity of a battered woman is shaped by

a unique set of experiences that may not align with the experiences of other women (152). Institutions providing services for battered women often establish criteria for admission. However, this can create difficulties for another group of homeless women - those who have not experienced abuse. These unbattered women struggle to find shelter because staff members believe that each woman should conform to either the battered women category or the category of other homeless women.

This policy does not support the unrestricted flow of information, as many women manipulate their stories of abuse and hardship in order to gain sympathy and admission into the shelter system. William states that this perception of battered and homeless women is not limited to individual staff members or shelters; multiple studies have shown that battered women receive more sympathy and resources compared to other homeless women (152). Interestingly, despite being categorized differently, both groups of women share similar experiences. They are more likely to come from low-income backgrounds and persistently impoverished families.

Research has consistently demonstrated the link between domestic violence and homelessness in women, highlighting their shared experiences. To address the emotional healing needs of abused women, specialized services and programs are available. However, it is important to recognize that deteriorating marriages and family relationships impact not only women but also children in society. Homeless children can be categorized into two groups: those born to homeless parents and those who lack adult supervision while living on the streets.

According to Karabanow, street children often resort to living on the streets as a way to escape difficult situations such as dysfunctional families, negative experiences with child welfare, abuse (physical, sexual, or emotional), and

extreme poverty (4). Despite the challenges they face, these children consider the streets as a safe haven. Among homeless youth, it is easy to identify those whose parents are also homeless. Criswell points out that these children usually come from single-mother households where their mothers are in their twenties and have dropped out of high school. Additionally, they often have a background of growing up in foster care homes (59).

Homeless children are often in a distressing situation of lacking a home. This can happen when their mothers become homeless due to various circumstances or when they escape from abusive partners with their children. It is important to note that not all homeless children come from abusive situations, and not all children who become homeless do so because they are fleeing from abusive parents or guardians. However, homeless children are more likely to experience abuse and neglect compared to children with stable housing. The experience of homelessness can cause these children to feel hopeless. Additionally, there are also unaccompanied youth who roam the streets, depending on themselves for survival and lacking positive adult guidance and supervision.

Criswell explains that in 1995, a report by the U.S. conference of Mayors revealed that "unaccompanied youth" made up 3.5 percent of the homeless population in America's major cities. The same report indicated a mere 3 percent growth in this demographic in 1990. Criswell emphasizes that these homeless children undergo a cycle of devastation, resulting in diverse physical, emotional, social, and developmental consequences (61).

Criswell discusses research conducted by Dr. Ellen Bassuk of Harvard Medical School, who found that homeless preschoolers have a range of serious emotional, social, and cognitive issues. Once

these children enter shelters, they exhibit more behavioral problems compared to those with homes. Homeless preschoolers in New York day-care centers display regressive behaviors, lack inhibitions with strangers, and have immature relationships with peers. Hyperactivity increases as a coping mechanism for living in cramped environments (61).

In addition to this, the environment that homeless children live in greatly impacts their development as citizens and their health and well-being are major concerns. The American Journal of Public Health supports that homeless children are twice as likely as their counterparts with homes to experience chronic health problems.

According to Criswell (64), homeless children often lack accurate or complete immunization records and are more vulnerable to illnesses like respiratory and ear infections, gastrointestinal issues, and lice infestations due to their impoverished living conditions and constant exposure to the environment. Furthermore, Criswell mentions that homeless children in New York City have higher levels of lead in their blood compared to poverty-stricken children with homes (65). Homeless children also face numerous challenges while living on the streets. Additionally, war veterans experiencing homelessness are discussed by Baumohl regarding the consequences they encounter upon returning from war.

The well-being of veterans, especially the risk of homelessness, has been a longstanding concern among the public due to continuous military action engagement. This concern dates back to as early as the 12th century when the first hospital was established to aid injured veterans returning from the holy land.

During the 16th century, a veteran's home was built to provide shelter for English sailors who faced challenges after long periods at sea. This historical background highlights the enduring problem of homelessness among veterans, including those who have served but

now lack a place to live. Despite this issue persisting over time, understanding the causes behind the increasing number of homeless veterans since the 1980s has been difficult. Although World War II veterans usually received benefits and fair wages, they were generally more educated than their peers of the same age.

Despite the fact that veterans are recognized as having a lower risk of homelessness than other Americans, there is still a significant number of veterans who do experience this issue. This can mainly be attributed to long-term psychological disorders that arise from their military service, especially post-traumatic disorders. In the past, it was determined that 200,000 veterans were homeless every night; however, it is likely that this number has increased. Policy makers have been diligently working to comprehend the causes and connections between post-traumatic disorders and military service. Homelessness among war veterans is a prevalent problem nationwide, with an estimated 195,827 veterans being homeless on any given night.

The number of homeless veterans has been estimated to be approximately 495,4000 over time (5), indicating the failure of certain policies aimed at supporting them. Research conducted by Baumohl suggests that the percentage of homeless veterans among Americans ranges from 18% to 51%. Additionally, a systematic synthesis report reveals that 40% of homeless men have a military background compared to only 34% in the general population who have never served in the military. It is also estimated that veterans are between 1 and 4 times more likely to become homeless compared to individuals without military experience (98). Despite performing well on various socio-economic indicators, there is a significantly higher proportion of homeless war veterans than in the general

population.

Cunningham (2005) highlights that veterans make up 11 percent of the adult population but represent a significant portion, 26 percent, of the homeless population. The causes of veteran homelessness are similar to those in the general population, including health problems, financial struggles, lack of suitable housing options, limited support networks, and individual characteristics. However, veterans face additional challenges when trying to overcome these obstacles.

According to Cunningham (9), veterans may face negative effects on their personality, self-esteem, and communication skills due to prolonged separation from traditional support systems like family and close friends, as well as the highly stressful training and occupational demands they encounter. Additionally, veterans also encounter challenges in transferring their skills to civilian jobs. It is important to note that veterans who joined the service after 1973 in the all-volunteer force are more likely to come from poverty-stricken and less educated families, which puts them at a higher risk of homelessness (Cunningham 9). Substance abuse is another contributing factor to homelessness among veterans. Roughly 70 percent of homeless veterans suffer from substance abuse problems, often accompanied by mental illness (Cunningham 98-100).

Besides struggling with alcohol and drug issues, veterans also experience physical health, disability, and mental health problems that increase their risk of homelessness. Due to injuries sustained in combat, homeless veterans have a significantly higher prevalence of poor health conditions and disabilities. "Approximately 1 in 10 veterans is disabled and may suffer from physical impairments, with the number of disabled veterans rising, as over 20,000 veterans have been wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan" (Cunningham 10).

Cunningham emphasizes the prevalence of mental health issues among war veterans, as indicated in a report by veteran affairs.

According to the report, 45 percent of homeless veterans suffer from mental illness, with higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder. Recent studies predict that Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans are at a heightened risk of homelessness due to mental health problems. The report reveals that 19 percent of Iraq veterans reported a mental health issue, compared to 11.3 percent of those returning from Afghanistan.

According to reports, rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for those returning from Iraq were nearly double the pre-deployment PTSD rate (98-100). The alarming number of veterans experiencing homelessness should definitely concern every compassionate citizen. These brave men and women have sacrificed for their country, and it is high time that the nation reciprocated their courageous sacrifices in fighting against our enemies. As Cunningham aptly puts it, history clearly shows that we must do more as a nation to safeguard veterans from slipping through the cracks and ending up homeless.

As the country grapples with resolving the ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, it is crucial to emphasize the repercussions of war, to guarantee that government policies provide support for returning troops and do more to help homeless veterans. Senator Robert Menendez recently articulated this sentiment, stating that "A grateful nation would work to ensure that the men and women who risked their lives serving their country are not left stranded when they fall on hard times back home...we should act to make sure veterans can put a roof over their head" (98—100). Throughout the years, there has been some debate regarding the quality and accessibility of healthcare for homeless families. Unfortunately, information regarding the health status and programs available to homeless individuals

has been disjointed.

Health programs were scarce until it was realized that the homeless were not receiving adequate services. In response to this, some individual community members and local health care institutions, despite having limited resources, began focusing on the health needs of homeless individuals and residents of single room occupancy hotels. This eventually led to the publication of the first modern monograph on the healthcare of homeless people in 1985(Jahiel 133). Jahiel explains that information on the health status of the homeless is obtained through two methods: conducting surveys of the homeless population on the streets or conducting surveys on homeless individuals receiving treatment in various institutions. The information gathered from population-based studies has often varied due to differences in defining homelessness, sampling methods, sampled population size, and site selection.

Furthermore, the treatment surveys may have biases in selection and diagnosis, which could underestimate the number of healthy individuals who do not seek medical treatment when sick. This type of clinical information primarily focuses on the current situation and is often incomplete for chronic and other conditions (134). Homeless individuals, due to their lifestyle and living environment, are more prone to diseases. Therefore, these individuals require access to better healthcare. However, it is difficult for the homeless to obtain quality healthcare, and they often face numerous challenges before receiving medical services. Common issues among the homeless include colds and pneumonia, while mental health problems are often associated with anxiety disorders and paranoia.

In the United States, scholars, interest groups, and the government have encountered challenges when trying to determine the number of Americans living on the street. These challenges arise from the difficulties in defining who qualifies

as "homeless". The lack of a universally accepted definition has caused considerable disagreement among scholars regarding who should be included in the count of homeless individuals. Debates have arisen over whether people living in institutions such as shelter systems, abandoned buildings, prisons, and mental health centers should be considered as part of the homeless population.

The ongoing debate has resulted in homeless individuals being denied assistance by the institutions meant to support them (Marcus 13/14). Bogard highlights the lack of official data or research on the homeless population in the U.S. prior to 1980. Mary Ellen Hombs began collecting information and statistics on homeless individuals, which helped estimate the number of people requiring public assistance due to homelessness (98).

The national count of homeless people living outside the shelter system has never been systematically approached. The current method for counting the homeless involves combining data from shelter counts with other local data on homeless individuals' use of shelters (Jencks 8). Jencks explains how social scientists estimate the size of the homeless population, using a method called the "street-to-shelter" ratio. One common approach is to count the number of people found sleeping outside in open public places early in the morning, and then compare that number to shelter data (9).

A recent publication by the National Coalition for the Homeless highlights the challenge of accurately counting the number of homeless individuals due to various factors. The publication emphasizes that while knowing the exact number is important, the crucial focus should be on formulating effective policies to end or alleviate this persistent social issue. The report shows that some individuals experience homelessness as a temporary situation, making it more beneficial

to assess the population size affected over time rather than counting the exact number of homeless people.

The challenge in accurately assessing the number of homeless individuals lies in the fact that some do not have access to shelters and rely on alternative arrangements such as staying with family or friends, living on the streets, sleeping in cars, or utilizing train stations. These individuals may not be easily accounted for during official counts. Living on the streets entails a certain structure that homeless individuals must navigate in order to survive. They engage in daily activities to earn a living. For some, being on the street is a deliberate choice; they willingly opt to sleep outdoors and decline offers for shelter.

They choose to brave the cold night but would welcome a blanket or a hot drink. The street life encompasses a subculture characterized by mobility, self-identity, substance abuse, duration of homelessness, daily routines, employment, and other forms of resourcefulness and optimism. Adapting to the street subculture is a necessity rather than a choice. Homeless individuals develop survival skills within their homeless environment and then adjust to other challenges. They are highly transient, constantly moving from one location to another. Homeless individuals frequently provide reasons for their constant daytime movement.

The homeless individuals often relocate in order to protect themselves from theft or assault by others living on the streets. They also highlight the way they are treated by the police. The ongoing instability within the homeless community is a major concern, as their transient lifestyle disrupts their ability to regain independence (38-42). Additionally, these individuals desire recognition within the homeless society. As Criswell states, "Some long-term homeless people

build an identity around self-reliance." They become resourceful as they adapt to survive and are willing to do whatever it takes to provide for themselves while living on the street. They frequently reference their past and current successes and even fantasize about becoming self-employed.

Homeless individuals form supportive communities to provide companionship and safety (45/46). The perception of identity is tied to how the homeless are viewed by the general population. Marcus explains that society as a whole has not effectively defined who should be recognized as homeless. While researchers often use specific criteria to determine homelessness, ordinary citizens tend to perceive individuals with darker skin, unclean appearances, poor hygiene, disruptive behavior, and those who spend their days on the streets as homeless. In general, the public has limited understanding regarding the true extent of homelessness.

Even if an individual is well dressed and without a home, they are often not recognized or acknowledged as homeless (15). The common perception of homelessness is linked to individuals who are intoxicated, elderly, or portrayed as a destitute woman rummaging through garbage. This perception contributes to the difficulty in accurately identifying those who are truly experiencing homelessness. The general public tends to view individuals living on the streets as separate from the rest of society.

However, there are differences between homeless individuals and the economically weak who rely on social assistance. According to Arnold, the perception of the homeless is not that they have simply slipped through the cracks; instead, they are seen as exceptional and abnormal within the population (87). Many average Americans believe that most homeless individuals choose to live on the streets voluntarily and therefore society is not

responsible for providing care for them. Unless someone has a mental health disorder, the belief is that they should be able to work and support themselves (Amster 151). William demonstrates how the understanding of homelessness, as seen by both those who are homeless and those who have homes, plays a significant role in determining the kind of assistance offered to them (2). The challenge of resolving homelessness requires a broader societal change in how politicians, interest groups, and society as a whole define who is homeless, who should receive assistance, and who should provide it.

The identification of the homeless is difficult due to the diverse reasons why people end up on the street. Additionally, policies need to constantly adapt to the changing population trends and needs.

Bibliography

1. Amster, Randall. Street People And The Contested Realms of Public Space.LFB Scholarly Publication LLC: New York, 2004.
2. Arnold, R. Kathleen. Homelessness, Citizenship, and Identity. State University of New York Press: Albany 2004.
3. Baumohl, Jim. Homelessness in America.

The Oryx press: Phoenix, Arizona 1996.

Homelessness. Lucent Books: San Diego, CA 1998.

The text below includes information about books related to homelessness, along with the corresponding publishing information and locations.

Harvard University Press: 1994. The book titled

"Being Young And Homeless" is written by Jeff Karabanow and it was published by Peter Lang, INC in New York in 2004.

UP Colorado: Bouder, Colorado in 2003.