What would you do to address the homeless situtation in the US?

Answer 1

The homeless population increased dramatically when many state insane asylums were closed many years back. They needed to be fixed because they were abusing people,but many just closed. There isn't much help out there for family's with a loved one who has mental issues. I think the government needs to start new programs for these people.I think they would in the long run save money and lower the crime rate by getting help for the homeless.

Answer 2

Most of the homeless are mentally challenged in some way, if we could only reopen the asylums for the mentally handicapped they could receive free drugs, a roof over their head and 3 meals a day. The left forced the government to close them down many years ago and now some live on the streets, but some do live in half way dorms that have personal to keep an eye on them otherwise there would be thousands more. There are places for many of these homeless but some don't want to be helped they do drugs or drink (they don't want to be told that it is wrong to do what they do and don't want anyone to try to stop them) or are criminals that haven't been caught (best way to hide because very few people want to get involved with the homeless or check into their background) also they rarely use their real name and most don't carry ID.

Answer 3

Having actually worked with the homeless, the problem is much more complex than most posters here seem to realize. First, majority of those who are homeless also suffer from at least one, if not more psychological or mood disorders. These disorders usually cannot be controlled without medication. When one's brain/moods are not stabilized to maintain basic abilities to care for onesself how are we to expect them to maintain a job. Also, there is a problem that those who are homeless do not have any identification on their person and there is a vicious cycle for that, you can't get a new Social Security Card without identification, you can't get a copy of the birth certificate that is needed to get the SSC without identification, you can't get a state issued i.d. card without identification, and you can't get a job without identification and an address. If you're homeless without any of these things, how can you really get back on your feet? Are there some who would rather be homeless? Yes, but they are in a very small minority of the homeless population. The red tape that one must cut through to get out of poverty is just shameful. And without the help of loving family, friends or non-profit organizations, the homeless population will continue to be underserved.

Answer 4

It's a difficult question to answer. Many want to get back on their feet and become productive citizens. I believe through local charities and organizations this can be accomplished. There are two other types of homeless, though. The people who just want a handout so they can continue being homeless, and others who, through mental illness, may not see a difference. I've personally seen vans from a local mental institution pull up in front of the local homeless shelter and dump a bunch of patients out. Two weeks later, when their medication runs out they wandering the streets talking to themselves. A major overhaul of the mental health system is in order.

Answer 5

Definitely do more to address the issue of mental illness which many homeless have so they can feel they have hope in this world and can thus be productive members of society who can have a job and home. Also provide some standards for homeless shelters since many cases they are crime ridden and so frightening to be in for many who then really do live in the streets. We need to build hope for the homeless and provide real training to them on how to get a job that provides them a living wage.

Answer 6

When it happens to you, the answer is clear...it's up to ALL of us to help! The stigma of being "homeless" was brought about by the release of all the mentaly ill from hospitals in the 80's. Once the crazy people hit the streets,it was easy to put them down for being "dirty" or "unable to live like normal folks"! I know what it's like,I was very homeless for a while in my life. At first it was cool, I was young and it was the 60's. I'm a home owner now. Some of my friends are homeless. Homelessness is like an "injury" of homelife. Do we go around making fun of injured people? Why are the "homeless" any different? Our country is only as rich as our poorest citizens! The trickle down theory of economics turned out to be just warm and yellow!

Answer 7

Coming from a person that volunteered regularly in a homeless organization to gain insight on this issue, my opinion is to:

-Raise mininum wage to a point where a person can support themselves meagerly (current min wage cannot pay rent let alone utilities and food) Thats why high schoolers are the majority of min wage jobs, because for them its just an allowance.

-Greater support from private business in creating jobs for these people and donations/support

-More workforce housing

-Support to help alcoholics and druggies

-Instead of free support and housing at shelters, throwing the safe ones into the workforce

I dont belive in giving anything free and the government proving the answer for everything. I think the solution is a combination of government laws and policies, with private business creating jobs, and the homeless getting help to fight illnesses and joing the workforce and working hard. But the min wage needs to be addressed, and outlets need to exist to teach homeless people basic skills to be successful in a job.

Answer 8

The money/proceeds from gov't seized property should be used to create homeless shelters or low income houses. Mainly property that's been obtained through illegal means.

And not all homeless people are homeless by choice. A lot of people live paycheck to paycheck and even the smallest mishap could mean the difference between just getting by and being thrown out of your home.

Answer 9

As someone who has been homeless I can tell you that most folks who are homeless are homeless by choice. Many are mentally ill and or addicted to drugs and alcohol . There are those who have lost their homes due to some unfortunate circumstances. There is no easy solution to the homeless problem. More affordable housing, charitable giving, and volunteerism might be a start.

Answer 10

Until we are able to treat the rampant mental health issues that a good majority of the homeless are plagued by I'm afraid we will never get a handle on homelessness in the US.