Have you ever thought what is one reason why these people become homeless? and what is the real definition behind homeless???
Homelessness is a word many people confuse. Alot think it is just a broad word meaning that people associate with describing them that they all sleep in the streets. However, that is not always the case many people tend to live off emergency shelters or sleeping at friends and other families' houses. People who do not have a residence address, a permanent place to sleep at night may be considered homeless.
SO, WHO IS HOMELESS?
VETERANS
Many Veterans are nearly 50% more likely to become homeless than other Americans due to how they might have PTSD and cannot function well in work environments which leads them to poverty. Many Veterans have a lack of support from families which can also cause them to leave their household and roam from one place to another. Another reason as to why Veterans have a huge percentage of homelessness is due to their service it could have caused them so much trauma that they just suffer from addiction leading them to disassociate from live and numb the pain they might be going through. This causes them to be unemployed which then falls into poverty as we had said. As the U.S Department of Veterans Affair has said any Veteran with lack of support are likely to end up in the streets and abuse over their mental health.
TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS
As I have seen in the National Network for Youth study it stated that nearly 1.7 million youths experience homelessness. This could be from their parents being homeless, domestic violence, economic problems, and family problems. These young adults might eventually also fall into drugs or alcohol abuse which can then leave them again in poverty which also affects how they might be unemployed.
However, any one can become homeless woman, LGBTQ community, people who suffer racism, mothers who abandon their child those little souls tend to face different foster homes which can also be concluded as homelessness. It all falls down to lack of support, mental health, abuse, addictions. This can all lead people to suffer more with their problems.
RESOURCES
Hi Paloma, I like how you incorporated teenage homelessness since its definitely something that should be talked about. So many people deal with abuse, sexism, and even ableism. I believe it is crucial to bright awareness to these young lives, and you’re doing exactly that. Amazing blog Paloma!
Hi Paloma. You’ve made some valid points. Veterans, teens, and young adults often face homelessness due to trauma, lack of family support, addiction, and mental health struggles. All in which contribute to unemployment. It is important that the community and government can come together and help those in need. It is a truly sad topic. Veterans risk their life for this country yet, they are the ones who are mainly suffering from homelessness.
Hey Paloma, I really liked how your blog post tackled the complicated subject of homelessness. You did an excellent job of outlining the ways in which it impacts different populations, like youths and veterans, as well as the underlying causes, which include trauma, mental health issues, and a lack of support. It serves as a much-needed reminder that homelessness encompasses more than just sleeping on the streets; it also refers to the numerous invisible challenges that people encounter.
Hi Paloma, it's very upsetting that there are that many teenagers and young adults that are homeless. It's hard to imagine what they must have gone through to end up in that situation. I imagine it's not easier with veterans who come back from their service only to find themselves without a place to call home. Great job on informing and I look forward to reading your other posts!
Paloma, your blog post is informative and compassionate!! As a veteran, I am thankful for the light you are shining on homeless population. So many veterans do find themselves with a lack of support and without a residence or safe space to sleep. It breaks my heart to see how many are affected by this situation, but your blog details how to help. As a mother I see the children in foster care and without homes and wish that there was an organized way that it could be prevented. Thanks for sharing your blog and your perspective!!