by MaryO

Created on: June 04, 2008   Last Updated: August 13, 2011

Homelessness is a problem that has a multitude of layers associated with it. It is epidemic in what is often touted as the richest nation in the world. The answer to addressing homelessness is not found in social agencies, shelters, charities or programs. These are in place to meet the most basic needs. They provide temporary shelter, food, clothing, money, and medical attention, in most urban areas. These vital services may be the fine thread between life and death for some, but are not the answer to ending homelessness. Shelters and services for the homeless are the humane response to a desperate situation, not the solution.

Homelessness is defined differently by each state or local government. As a result of the Federal, State and local definitions and requirements, many individuals who are homeless can not access services due to a lack of address, a phone number or personal identification. Non profit, faith, and charitable organizations, often serve to provide the homeless with necessary documentation in order for them to qualify for services such as health care, public housing, food stamps or general assistance funds.

In determining eligibility for services, the definition of homeless comes into play. Due to high demand and limited resources, affordable and public housing programs and services that require documentation of homelessness (living at a shelter or halfway house)to apply, will not consider a person to be homeless, if they have stayed or are staying with a friend or family member. They are refused services, being deemed not homeless. It's a no win situation and homelessness is a full time job.

Homelessness is a problem that has many obstacles, the primary one being social perception. We rally around 'good' causes, but tend to retreat from those may be regarded as self imposed. Homelessness has an ugly face, a cemented persona, and similar to mental illness is looked upon often as a condition the individual is responsible for. The truth is any one at any time may be just a step away from the street. We saw that with the fall of Enron, where multi billionaires suddenly lost it all, and for some suicide was the only option.

Homelessness can not be addressed or solved until we see it as a by-product of our social fabric. The distance that individuals put between thier illusion of security and the street corner has to become a viable reality, before the problem can and will be addressed with any meaning or undertanding. A sensitivity to the homeless,

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