User Profile

Carolyn DePuy
Block 4 ACE
Homelessness

Homelessness is an epidemic in American society which is commonly ignored or forgotten. Many Americans associate being homeless with drugs, alcohol, and a lack of education, but, as witnessed in both newspaper articles and the popular movie Pursuit of Happyness, this just isn’t the case. In the Schenectady Gazette this problem was discussed and a plan was devised in regards to ending homeless in Schenectady in ten years with the help of the community. In this article, innovative and effective ideas were presented, most of which I agree with and would support.
In the Article, It’s Our Problem, a plan to end homelessness in Schenectady was set forth. This plan, although not complex in nature requires, requires help from the entire community. The first step involves awareness. A shift from perceiving homeless as “those people” to seeing them as less fortunate human beings who have the same needs and wants as the general population holds great importance. If people begin to relate and sympathize with the homeless then there is a greater chance of successfully getting these people help. But a change of attitude alone won’t due the trick. One of the most successful strategies discussed in the article is the “housing first” model. This method gets chronically homeless people housed first with a bed, meal, and a sense of security. Without the worry of basic survival, homeless are more likely to pursue better things for themselves. Though, the most important strategy to end chronic homelessness is a community-wide commitment to end it. The article explains how this is not the way Schenectady is going about their plan to end homelessness but it is quite possibly the only way to ensure it will happen.
Watching Pursuit of Happyness, and reading the various articles provided during class changed my view of homelessness completely. Now I understand that homelessness is not just a condition that plagues the uneducated and addicted, but is one that can afflict the hard-working and brilliant. The truth is, it can happen to almost anyone and it needs to be taken care. I believe that the government should not take all the responsibility but every citizen that can help, should. I agree with the article that the way to begin the shift away from homelessness requires providing awareness to communities. Those who still possess the mindset I once had about the homeless need to be informed. Once a general understanding of the condition is established then the real work can be done. I think communities should band together to provide shelter for the homeless. Broken down hotels and office buildings could be renovated and act as a place to keep those who are forced to live on the streets. Those who have special skills should be willing to teach the homeless so they can get jobs. Though, communities cannot do it alone either. I also believe the government should have a role in stopping homelessness. The end to homelessness will only come with cooperation and dedication from both the community and the government. I think it’s a sad thing to hear stories about those who have risked their lives for our country and in return they live the rest of their lives on a sidewalk. Something needs to be done and everyone needs to take responsibility for the homeless.
Homelessness is a serious problem in the United States. With more and more ending up on the streets everyday a plan to stop the epidemic holds the utmost importance. Homelessness is not just something that happens to the lazy or unintelligent but can happen to anyone at any time in their lives.

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