(no subject)
John Bradley
Comm III
Mr. Palmer
15 May, 2006
Homelessness
A homeless human being is resorting to living in the elements. The have lost all ambition for success and are living for animals. It is apparent that homelessness is a major problem in the cities and suburbs of the united states.
It is estimated that eleven million Americans have “worst case” housing needs according to the Department Housing and Urban Development federal agency. Which are in charge of housing issues (Grant,G.). If we want to end homelessness something must be done. National, state, and local leaders have to take responsibility for ending homelessness in America. Our country is only as strong as the it’s weakest citizen.
On the federal level steps are being taken to provide 150,000 new units of support housing (www.nationhomeless.org). State and local governments are bringing together resources such as mental health services, substances abuse treatment, job training, and health care.
On a local level many things can be done such as running marathons to end homelessness or encouraging local officials to build low income housing. One such group of California college students have created media frenzy with the production of a video and website to expose the homeless. “Bumfights” was created by Ray Laticia and Ty Beeson. Latician and Beeson say the reason behind their explicit video is not to condone the homeless, but to promote awareness through satire of the ever increasing global epidemics of poverty, violence, addiction, and lack of education. Help those less fortunate and spread the love not hate (Bum Fights)http://www.bumfights.com).
In the video series, the homeless are caught on tape doing crude and violent acts for money. Many of these bums are shown smoking crack cocain or other narcotics. One such scene, a bum is payed fifty dollars to tie a string around his front teeth and a cement brick. He then tosses the brick off of a wall to remove the teeth. After many failed attempt pliers are used to physically rip the tooth from the homeless man’s mouth (Bumfights). In another scene a homeless man runs in a marathon pushing a stroller while being antagonized and asking for donations from the crowd (www.nationalhomeless.org). The video “Bumfights” has even been called, “Most offensive movie of all time,” by www.djvald.com.
While much is done to end homelessness, further federal, state, and local actions need to be taken. We need to focus on preventing homelessness rather than just dealing with it. Programs such as: mental health, substance abuse treatment, financial support, child welfare, and assistance exiting jail or prison need to work together to ensure their clients do not become homeless.
Leaders must provide permanent affordable housing for those living on extremely low incomes. Ending homelessness is not possible without low income housing. Once in housing, former bums should have access to support services such as: Medicaid, financial support, disability insurance, to ensure long term well being. The main cause of homelessness is the lack of low-income housing. Over five million families pay half of their income for housing (Kosof, Anna).
If anyone was touched by this paper there are many things that can you can do as an individual to help end homelessness. Making donations will help. Funds around our area have been established for making donations to help feed ans shelter the homeless. Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness is once such place. They are a resource for homeless people and service provider throughout Michigan. If anyone wishes to make a donation please send to their mailing address: P.O. box 13037, Lansing, MI 48901-3037. If you do not have any change to spare, volunteer your time at charities. This count towards community service hours and also look great on a college application. Remember, if we want to end homelessness we all must work together to make a difference. A chain is only as strong as it’s weakest link.
Comm III
Mr. Palmer
15 May, 2006
Homelessness
A homeless human being is resorting to living in the elements. The have lost all ambition for success and are living for animals. It is apparent that homelessness is a major problem in the cities and suburbs of the united states.
It is estimated that eleven million Americans have “worst case” housing needs according to the Department Housing and Urban Development federal agency. Which are in charge of housing issues (Grant,G.). If we want to end homelessness something must be done. National, state, and local leaders have to take responsibility for ending homelessness in America. Our country is only as strong as the it’s weakest citizen.
On the federal level steps are being taken to provide 150,000 new units of support housing (www.nationhomeless.org). State and local governments are bringing together resources such as mental health services, substances abuse treatment, job training, and health care.
On a local level many things can be done such as running marathons to end homelessness or encouraging local officials to build low income housing. One such group of California college students have created media frenzy with the production of a video and website to expose the homeless. “Bumfights” was created by Ray Laticia and Ty Beeson. Latician and Beeson say the reason behind their explicit video is not to condone the homeless, but to promote awareness through satire of the ever increasing global epidemics of poverty, violence, addiction, and lack of education. Help those less fortunate and spread the love not hate (Bum Fights)http://www.bumfights.com).
In the video series, the homeless are caught on tape doing crude and violent acts for money. Many of these bums are shown smoking crack cocain or other narcotics. One such scene, a bum is payed fifty dollars to tie a string around his front teeth and a cement brick. He then tosses the brick off of a wall to remove the teeth. After many failed attempt pliers are used to physically rip the tooth from the homeless man’s mouth (Bumfights). In another scene a homeless man runs in a marathon pushing a stroller while being antagonized and asking for donations from the crowd (www.nationalhomeless.org). The video “Bumfights” has even been called, “Most offensive movie of all time,” by www.djvald.com.
While much is done to end homelessness, further federal, state, and local actions need to be taken. We need to focus on preventing homelessness rather than just dealing with it. Programs such as: mental health, substance abuse treatment, financial support, child welfare, and assistance exiting jail or prison need to work together to ensure their clients do not become homeless.
Leaders must provide permanent affordable housing for those living on extremely low incomes. Ending homelessness is not possible without low income housing. Once in housing, former bums should have access to support services such as: Medicaid, financial support, disability insurance, to ensure long term well being. The main cause of homelessness is the lack of low-income housing. Over five million families pay half of their income for housing (Kosof, Anna).
If anyone was touched by this paper there are many things that can you can do as an individual to help end homelessness. Making donations will help. Funds around our area have been established for making donations to help feed ans shelter the homeless. Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness is once such place. They are a resource for homeless people and service provider throughout Michigan. If anyone wishes to make a donation please send to their mailing address: P.O. box 13037, Lansing, MI 48901-3037. If you do not have any change to spare, volunteer your time at charities. This count towards community service hours and also look great on a college application. Remember, if we want to end homelessness we all must work together to make a difference. A chain is only as strong as it’s weakest link.