Sunday, October 30, 2016

My Thoughts on Changing Homelessnes

Homelessness occurs in every city and town. People lose housing for many reasons. A person might struggle with mental health or drug abuse, be a victim of domestic abuse, or have recently lost a loved one or job.  Becoming homeless is a life altering event that is not expected.  

The Government has spent thousands of dollars trying to solve homelessness. The numbers fluctuate each year but that number never reaches zero. There will never be a time where someone doesn’t face a personal crisis and lose their housing.

I think more funding should be placed in Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing grants. These grants can assistance with paying past due, current and future rent. Security Deposits can also be obtained for new housing. We need to get people out of the shelter or off the streets faster.


Once a person is housed, services need to be provided. A person may possibly need mental health or substance abuse treatment, continued education classes, job placement, or family planning services.  These agencies need to work together to understand what is needed and how a person can benefit the most. Each person needs to be treated as an individual, homelessness is the effect not the cause. Complete care needs to be provided in order for the person to succeed.

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