Zarek Golike

English 12H
Mrs. Jankowski
11/22/15

Homelessness
The American nightmare is to have nothing, and that nightmare is a homeless persons
reality. The amount of homeless individuals in America has been gradually increasing each year,
creating unbelievable statistics on the severity of homelessness. The amount of homeless in
America has become so common that the American people have started to forget what made
them homeless in the first place. Most of these individuals had some form of an unchangeable
event in their life that caused them to become homeless. Even locally, homelessness has become
a big problem for Evansville, Indiana, and it is getting worse each year. Evansvilles shelters for
homeless are at full capacity, and without the help of its citizens, these individuals wont make it.
The American people have forgotten the severity of homelessness, and how much of a difference
that they can make when they help homeless individuals. The only way that Americas citizens
can help these homeless individuals is by finding out who is homeless both nationally and
locally, by learning what made them become homeless, and by figuring out how and what you
can do to help them.
Homelessness has become a serious national issue. Current research shows that in
America there are over 3.5 million homeless people (Home Aid 1). While that number may seem
small, but its actually a huge amount of individuals, since it makes up over 1% of Americas
total population. Research shows that of the total homeless population, families make up the
largest percentage of these individuals, with an outstanding number of over 37% (Girls Life 1).
In addition to this research, within these 3.5 million, over 300,000 of these individuals are
children (Home Aid 1).

Research shows that there are several causes for why people become homeless, and the
majority of the time, people become homeless for reasons they cant prevent (Home Aid 1). In
addition to this research, statistics show that the leading cause for women to become homeless, is
due to domestic violence (Huffington Post 1). Additionally, foreclosure is also a leading cause
for homelessness, with an overwhelming number of over 5 million homes having been
foreclosed since 2008 (Huffington Post 1). Yet another reason for homelessness is
unemployment. Unemployment is often caused due to lack of experience, physical or mental
health, challenges related to reentry from incarceration or hospitalization, and being homeless
itself (National Alliance 1).
In America, there are three types of homeless. These three types include; situational or
transitional, episodic or cynical, and chronic. Individuals who are situationally or transitionally
homeless are usually forced into homelessness due to uncontrollable circumstances, such as
losing a job, important material loss, or loss of a main breadwinner (Rseau Solidarit 1).
Additionally, those who are episodic or cynical, usually are homeless due to repeatedly falling in
and out of homelessness. For instance, these individuals often have a drug addiction and or
mental health issues. Yet another reason for homelessness, is when an individual becomes
chronically homeless, from living on the streets for a long period of time, with little to no
resources at their disposal to modify their position (Rseau Solidarit 1).
Homelessness isnt just a major problem throughout America, but it is also a big problem
locally. In Evansville, local shelters are home to over 400 individuals each night (Evansville &
Vanderburgh 1). Research shows, that in the 2011-2012 school year, the Evansville Vanderburgh
School Corporation identified over 500 students who had experienced homelessness (Evansville
& Vanderburgh 1). Additionally, 186 of these individuals were teenagers (grades 7-12), and

most of these teenagers were in the 7th (8.5 %) and 8th (7.1%) grade. In conclusion, of the total
number of teens identified, 68.7% were doubled-up, 22.3% were sheltered, and 9.0% were in a
hotel/motel (Aurora Evansville 1).
Homeless individuals are everywhere, and with help from its citizens they can become
stable again. Research shows, that approximately 60 families are homeless in Evansville each
day (Evansville & Vanderburgh 1). In 2013, over 100,000 meals were served to feed the hungry
in Evansville, by The Destination Home (Flaherty 1). In 2015, the Evansville Rescue Mission
passed out 2,250 meals at the Gobbler Gathering (Courier & Press 1). Shelters also offer rehab
centers to help the homeless get back on their feet. Research shows, that rehab centers for the
homeless have a relapse rate of 70%, which is higher than the national average of 20-50% (Baird
1). Additionally, those who took the rehab treatment, said they benefited from the self help
groups and are still in recovery (Baird 1).
The main cause for homelessness in Evansville is poverty. Research shows that in 2013, a
1 bedroom apartment in Evansville cost approximately $583.00 (Aurora Evansville 2).
Additionally, a worker must earn $13.43 an hour, or work for 74 hours a week at minimum wage
to be able to afford a 2BR apartment (Aurora Evansville 2). As of 2011, 15.5% of Vanderburgh
County residents live well below the poverty line, compared with the state level of 14.1%
(Aurora Evansville). Residents of Evansville can help these individuals in a variety of ways.
Research shows that in the last three years, the total number of homeless individuals has
dropped by four percent (Time 1). In addition, the total number of homeless veterans has
dropped by more than eight percent in one year (Time 1). It can be shown that in the United
States, 34 states have had a decrease in the overall homeless population. However, in addition to
this research, 17 states saw an increase in the overall number of homeless. All in all, 40 states

had a decrease in the total number of people living in unsheltered locations such as: streets, cars,
and abandoned buildings (NAEH 1).
Each state can easily help to prevent the number of people living in unsheltered locations.
Research shows, that Detroit has over 40 square miles of vacant land that could be used to build
camps or shelters for the homeless. In addition to this research, Detroit also has over 70,000
abandoned buildings that people could be living in (New Statesman 56). These homes and extra
land could be used to help protect homeless individuals from the harsh elements throughout the
year. For example, during the winter, homeless people experience a variety of cold related
illnesses, such as hypothermia and frostbite (US Catholic 1). Reducing the number of homeless
individuals is possible, with the help of fellow civilians.
Research shows that there are several ways to help reduce the number of homeless
individuals. For instance, the ways individuals can help include: helping at a local shelter,
providing food and clothing, or by simply giving directions to a shelter (Evansville &
Vanderburgh 1). Additionally, by helping an individual, it offers individuals a chance to gain
some footing, and possibly become successful. In conclusion, knowing that it is possible to make
a major impact on someone's life, why not help?
With the help of Americas citizens, the amount of homeless people will slowly, but
surely, start to decrease. Across the country, homelessness has already began to recede, thanks to
the help of its citizens. Several states have a large amount of extra land and housing that could be
used to help homeless individuals have a place to live. If these states would allow for either this
extra land or homes to be used for the homeless, the amount of homeless individuals would
disappear. When an individual does something for someone, such as, giving a homeless
individual a roof over his or her head, they could finally gain some footing and begin to start a

new life. Homeless people didnt ask to become homeless, and when Americas citizens begin to
help one another, it is possible that no one will ever become homeless again.
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Work Cited
Evansville & Vanderburgh Countys Homeless Data. Destination Home. July
2009.
Web. 19 Nov 2015.
Boyd, Katrina and Marie Opatrny. The Homeless in Evansville: Current Jobs,
Skills,
Education and Training. Destination Home. Dec 2008. Web. 19 Nov 2015.
McCabe, Bob. Winters on the Street. U.S. Catholic. 80:11 (NA): p18-23. MAS
Ultra. 17 Nov 2015.
Binelli, Mark. The Bust Engine of America. New Statesman. 142:5168 (July
2013): p56-61. MAS Ultra. 17 Nov 2015.