Running head: HOMELESSNESS

Homelessness in America
Victoria M. Williams
SOC 331, Social Justice & Ethics
Cari Lynn Beecham-Bautista, Instructor
November 23, 2015

HOMELESSNESS
Homelessness in America Homelessness is a multifaceted social problem that is difficult for America to solve. Over the past three decades, there has been an increase in the homeless population in America (“Opening Doors Plan,” 2015). Even when America’s economy is progressing, there is still a high number of citizens who are facing homelessness (“Opening Doors Plan,” 2015). A lack of federal financial assistance, fragmented services and the difficulties in accessing these services have played a major role in hampering the solution to this social problem (“Opening Doors Plan,” 2015). As a result, these factors have necessitated a shift in federal, state and local policies to end homelessness. America has learned that homelessness can no longer be viewed as a short-term crisis where an abundance of emergency shelters can solve the problem. The demand for emergency shelters has always exceeded the supply for them. In order for justice to occur, there is an urgent need for more preventive measures and long-term solutions to end this problem. Homeless individuals and families are a vulnerable population whose rights have to be protected. A just response to America’s homeless problem has to include prohibition of criminalization laws, permanent housing with supportive services and polices to ensure homeless children achieve success in school. One response to homelessness has been the practice of enacting laws, statutes and ordinances that criminalize behaviors that are common among homeless people (O’Connor, 2006). The purpose of these laws is to remove the homeless from the public’s view in order to minimize their effects on the quality of life in cities