Homeless Struggles

Homeless Deprivation Within Society

Homeless Deprivation within Society:

The Constant Struggles of Homeless Families

Jason Roben

HCC -Introduction to Sociology - SOCI 1301

Professor Johanna Hankins, JD

May 3, 2011

How bad can being homeless really be? Within the shadows of America’s fluctuating wealth and success is a community of homeless individuals and families. The truth behind the downfalls of America’s society is reflected outside of homeless shelters and on the corners of our streets. Everyday homeless people can be seen on street corners begging for short change, but what is unknown to most people is the fact that one homeless person may be trying to feed more than just themselves. There could be a family of up to two or more members including children who are relying on that one person to come back with something other than empty hands. The highest cause of homelessness in America today is poverty.  For other families, the main origin might be due to an eviction, a divorce, a medical emergency, chemical dependency, mental illness or, as is often the case, domestic violence. Poverty is a lot harder for a family to escape than it is for that family to unfortunately produce. The struggles involved after becoming homeless are an endless cycle of hardships that most homeless people and families can never break away from.

For instance, the majority of homeless families are already in a physically unhealthy state of being. Most families struck with poverty can go days if not weeks without eating anything. There is a consistent deprivation of all resources for homeless families. A source of income is always a concern, but food is of the greater essence when children are left starving. Most donations to the homeless, whether it is a dollar or a hamburger, only temporarily supplies a family the bare essentials. This state of deprivation prompts a constant threat of injury and harm that puts many families in the hospital. Homeless...