JPG Magazine: Stories: Photo Essay: Homeless in America

Homeless in America

By Bruce and Vida Larson

13 February 2008

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, over a five-year period, about 2–3 percent of the U.S. population (5–8 million people) will experience at least one night of homelessness.

National Coalition for the Homeless reports that 1.35 million U.S. children are homeless on any given night.

There were 744,000 homeless people in the United States in 2005, according to the first national estimate in a decade, the Associated Press revealed. Many believe that number is substantially higher.

In my personal involvement with the homeless, there were no specific reasons an individual "becomes homless." Some were alcoholic including one middle-aged man who was previously an instructor at the local university campus. Another was disabled, unable to walk for any distance, and was "kicked out" of his home when he stopped receiving social security benefits. Yet another young man, who was evaluated by a social service agency, had such a low IQ that he could never function in society and was subsequently placed in home for the mentally retarded.

Many people scorn the homeless citing that they are lazy and simply don't want to work. This may be true of some, but, in my opinion, that is more rare than it is the commonplace.

The current economic situation in the U.S. places many families at risk. Those who live paycheck to paycheck simply cannot afford to immediately seek new housing when they are suddenly laid-off or face family medical issues beyond their financial means.

Families are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population, according to the National Coalition for the Homeless. Furthermore, the average age of a homeless person in the U.S. is nine and 41% of homeless children are under the age of five.

What can each of us do to help this social condition? The first step is to not ignore that the condition even exists. It's easier for some to diminish the thought so they no assume no responsibility.

The Phil Collin's song, "Another Day in Paradise" addresses this issue:

"She calls out to the man on the street: Sir, can you help me? It's cold and I'm nowhere to sleep, there's somewhere you can tell me? He walks on, doesn't look back, he pretends he can't hear her. Starts to whistle as he crosses the street, seems embarrassed to be there.

Oh, think twice, it's another day for you and me in paradise."

The next steps include reaching out and talking with them. Treat them as human beings, which is what they are. Talk with them as you would anyone else, since they are equal in God's eyes to you and me. Also, check out the local homeless alliance and see if there are ways you can help. The key is to be sincere in your efforts.

The problem will not vanish, even if we all reach out together. However, if any of these efforts make life more tolerable to even one person, then much has been accomplished.