Eliminating the Needy: A Call For Reformation

 

ELIAS ALMAREZ-HERRERA Staff Writer

 

Homelessness is nowhere near a new issue. Homeless people flooding American territories dates as far back as the mid 1600s. These “low class” citizens were known as “sturdy beggars,” and were people that occupied pre-colonial streets, asking for handouts. During the American Revolution and Civil Wars respectively, dozens of colonists were forced from their homes because of insufficient funds. Once slaves were emancipated, many found themselves without property of their own. This forced them into sharecropping, a form of neoslavery. In addition, the occurrence of World War I and World War II sent the entire nation into The Great Depression.

The stock market depleted and many fell victim to bankruptcy and poverty. Yet homelessness is not only prevalent during times of war, but during times of natural disaster as well. In 1893, the Sea Islands hurricane on the coast of Georgia struck, causing towns full of debris and homes for little to no people. In 1936, a tornado visited Cordele and Gainesville in Florida and swept away cities, killing 210 people, leaving another 200 homeless. Finally, Hurricane Katrina devastated cities in states from Florida to Texas. The city of New Orleans became a community under water because of the sheer power of this hurricane. Over 1,800 people were found dead and millions found themselves homeless as well. However, the people affected by homelessness in this way have banded together to rebuild entire regions.

This togetherness must be prevalent among all types of homeless people, because there is always room for a helping hand. Today, with great technological advancements, we would like to think homelessness has been eradicated. However, in December of 2018 the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development reported in its annual national homeless assessment that homelessness has decreased by 1% from 2017 to 2018. This is not enough. The government has boasted that millions of dollars have gone into combating the effects of homelessness, yet millions of people still live every night without a place to live. The first step to ending homelessness is getting rid of labels. Instead of filtering the “needy” or “hobos” into shelters or group homes, there must be centers for these individuals to be evaluated. Homeless people are more than just crazy, drug addicts that have no hope in recovering.

This stereotype has overshadowed those that truly are struggling to make ends meet and need serious government assistance. An aid- similar to federal food stamps must be implemented for those that just need help to get back on their feet. Yet, this stereotype of deranged and dangerous homeless people is in existence for a reason: it is valid. Many homeless people do suffer from mental health issues, and substance abuse is a mental health issue.

By implementing a center for evaluation, these homeless people will be able to gain access to health facilities for appropriate treatment. Places like Skid Row will no longer need to exist. Tents are not stable homes. Homes are.