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The Pros And Cons Of Homelessness

Decent Essays

Homelessness results from the failure of our system to provide adequate safeguards and economic opportunities to those in society who need them the most. There are no federal benefit programs for those experiencing long-term homelessness until they reach the age of 65—or, in some cases, 62. Federal housing and employment programs for low-income people can be difficult to access for those experiencing homelessness, especially without the support of dedicated and knowledgeable homeless service providers. Short-term interventions provide important relief to individuals and families, but robust, long-term workforce solutions are needed to accomplish the goal of permanently ending homelessness.

In 2016, 549,928 people in the United States lacked a “fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence” and were considered homeless by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Over one-fifth of these people were children. Thirty-two percent were unsheltered and twenty-two percent exhibited chronic patterns of homelessness. Almost three quarters of people experiencing homelessness in 2016 were men. Fifty-three percent were white (including white Hispanics), and thirty-five percent were black. Comparatively, in 2016, just 13 percent of all Americans were African American, according to U.S. data.

Common risk factors and causes associated with homelessness include low or unstable income, unemployment, lack of affordable housing, inadequate care during childhood, weak social

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