Argumentative Essay On Homeless Children

Economic purposes though aren’t the only reason that we should help those in need. We also need to worry about our nation’s health. Let’s take a look at that 12 percent of children living without homes, and how homelessness has impacted their health. Homeless children are much more likely to have lower birth rates, and infants living in these conditions face higher rates of food insecurity, which impairs healthy development (Brown). As adults, these type of individuals may experience higher rates of illness, disease, and disabilities than those in other living conditions (Brown). They have higher rates of chronic disease such as hypertension, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol, due to the stressful environment that they currently
If economic or health concerns aren’t enough reason to go out and help we also need to worry about the humanitarian needs of the individual. Who are we as human beings if we stand back and watch these people beg for money, beg for shelter, or are discriminated against. Society views these individuals as less, and do not deserve help. Yet we forget that some of these types of people served our countries, so we can go out onto the streets and claim them as less. American Veterans are at greater risk of experiencing homelessness than other adults. The reasons for this are not all related to military service; however, combat, wartime trauma, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) sometimes contribute to a downward spiral of depression, substance abuse, broken relationships, unemployment, and isolation—which may lead to homelessness (Donovan 103). Yet we do very little to extend a hand out to these veterans, and even though they make up a good portion of the homeless population it does not mean they are the only ones who suffer. Of course, many people might have gone themselves into that specific situation but it does not give us the right to not help them. After all, we are one species, and we are all citizens of this amazing countries, social economic standings should not
Nonetheless, we forget to stand back and realize that even after all these programs in place homelessness has only decreased by 2.3 % (HUD), shouldn’t that number be higher? We are so focused on the idea that there are so many programs out there that we actually forget to examine them and ask ourselves whether these plans are actually working, which most are not. The Continuum of Care (CoC) Program is designed to “promote communitywide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness; provide funding for efforts by nonprofit providers, and State and local governments to quickly rehouse homeless individuals and families while minimizing the trauma and dislocation caused to homeless individuals, families, and communities by homelessness; promote access to and effect utilization of mainstream programs by homeless individuals and families; and optimize self-sufficiency among individuals and families experiencing homelessness” ( Homeless Assistance Programs). Basically, the CoC’s goal is for the community and the government to work together to provide funding to help the homeless get back on their feet. It is a great program that has helped many people bounce back, but relying on this program can come with its disadvantages. This program consists of many different parts from case management, to biannual reviews