Can we Help?

One of the main reasons I chose to focus on the rising issue of homelessness, is because I heard the plights of many homeless people via my mother who is a social worker. Her job is to give out 500 dollars a month to people who do not have homes.

Street life is hard. She has told me many stories about certain clients, and then has later disclose they are dead. Homeless people are often beaten to death, or more commonly die of drug overdose. Often times the shelter's that are provided by the Canadian government are just as dangerous. The women and men are often subject to rape, and their possessions are continually stolen.

I purpose that the Canadian government give more money to these homeless people or provide other means of housing. It quite depressing when we think of the harsh realities some Canadians must face.

A Serious Problem

This lack of shelter is a growing problem. It is estimated that there are over 100 million people who currently reside with no place to live or home. Especially because of this recent econ mic crisis we can see a growing trend in lack of home. Sadly enough it was even reported in 2002, that families and children are the largest growing sector to potentially becoming homeless. The street is not an appropriate place to be raising a family, and not a safe place for an individuals. Homeless people experience many risk that have a large negtive impact on their lives. According to wikipedia these risks include:

• Reduced access to health care.
• Very serious dental problems.
• Limited access to education.
• Increased risk of suffering from violence and abuse.
• General rejection or discrimination from other people.
• Not being seen as suitable for employment.
• Reduced access to banking services to save money.
• Reduced access to communications technology, such as telephones and the internet.
• Little, or no vitamins.

What is Homelessness?

According toThe United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Homelessness is defined as" the condition of and social category of people who don't have a regular house or dwelling because they cannot afford, pay for, or are otherwise unable to maintain regular, safe, and adequate housing, or they lack, "fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence"

Of course this definition changes from country to country, but there is mutual understanding between countries that Homelessness constitutes not having a place to live.