by Angel08

Created on: September 20, 2008

No definitely not. Homeless shelters are just temporary fixes they don't actually provide a permanent solution. Homeless shelters are used to look like the problem is being fixed but it only masks the true problems within our society. Many homeless are turned away everyday due to lack of funding and space. What we need to do is look at the reasons why people have become homeless. Mental illness, drug and alcohol addictions, and lack of affordable housing are some of the main reasons. These are the areas that our government and society as a whole need to change.

Many of the homeless are mentally ill. They live on the streets because they don't qualify for spaces in psychiatric wards yet they are unable to hold a stable job. This isn't because they are lazy, but because most need to be counseled and possibly but on medication to correct their chemical imbalances. Our hospitals however are filled to the max and are strained everyday. Only the extremely severe cases are accepted and others have to be turned away even if they are sick themselves. A homeless shelter can't provide the proper amount of support and medications for these people.

Drugs, gambling and alcohol addictions are another factor. For most of these addicts they would rather spend money on their addictions then have a place to live or food to eat. Their addictions have swallowed them up so far that they are irrational, and their illness is controlling them. Homeless shelters only enable them. The shelters will provide them with meals and a warm place to sleep. Then the money these people have can go towards their addiction because the shelter will cover the basics of their needs. Addicts need not only the desire to change but the help to do it. As long as they know that they can go to the shelter they don't have much reason to change.

People aren't just homeless because of addictions. There are many who cannot find affordable housing. This affects families, students and seniors who are all struggling to provide the basics. Their wages or benefits are little to non existent. Here you are lucky to find 1 room to rent for under $1000 that doesn't even include bills and food.

What is the true answer to homelessness? A big part of the answer is our government. They need to start putting money into more affordable housing units so people have a place to live. They need to improve our hospitals and recruit workers so we have the professionals and accommodations to treat people when they are sick and need the help. More money should be put towards schooling to allow everyone a chance to be able to afford to go to school and work towards a career where they can support themselves. Money should also go to preventive programs in our schools that talk about how to deal with drugs and alcohol and other addictions to inform our youth of the consequences of their decisions. When the money is put where it really counts homelessness will stop being the issue.

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