Homelessness In The United States

Homelessness has been a public issue for many decades, and often homeless people tend to feel as though society turned a blind eye to them. Forces driving homelessness are multifaceted and can include domestic violence, mental illnesses, low incomes and the high cost of housing and joblessness. In the US the demographics of homelessness are staggering and sadly, children are too affected by the economic situations.
According to one source, “Well over 600,000 individuals are homeless, with more than 200,000 homeless people being families with children, which accounts for 40% of the total homeless population” (Megison). Therefore, this is one of the primary reasons why the US should focus on this issue to make a difference in people’s and particularly children’s lives. “Homeless children tend to suffer from mental and physical problems and also experience hunger, malnutrition, decreased academic achievement, emotional distress, and developmental delays. These children are also vulnerable to sexual exploitation and as a result are most likely to be transmitted diseases such as HIV which is preventable” (Megison). Given the adverse impacts of homelessness on children it is important for the US government to …show more content…
This is because the US government spends billions of the taxpayers’ money annually in providing services to homeless people residing on the streets” (Hilf). While the government spends a lot on ambulance calls, emergency room visits, and other associated healthcare costs. “The US government also uses massive resources on police officers, prisons, emergency shelters inclusive of court trials and hearings as homelessness is often associated with “survival crimes” and drug offenses” (Hilf). Eliminating the problem of homelessness will be beneficial to the country’s economy as the country would reduce its spending on homeless people thereby, using such finances to improve other areas of its

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