Luke 9:58
Foxes have holes,
and birds of the air
have nests, but the
Son of man hath not
where to lay his head.
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Homelessness
Homelessness is a statement that may bring many negative images. Homelessness was once considered as a life style for rebellious individuals who wanted to express freedom of speech, individuals, who didn't want to work, or those who fall below the poverty line. Today, it brings many labels that classify people into specific categories of needing a specific plan for treatment in order to obtain a normal status within communities. Across America, our communities are changing, and in some cities being homeless is now a crime. I have seen many changes in the last twenty years and seen how the homeless have no recourse or voice within our cities. Homeless people are said to be dangerous and are assoicated with mental, drug, or alcohol abuse problems. Although this may be true, this is a small percentage of the total homeless population. Today, we have many homeless families on the street who have no permanant residence. I have just completed a current research paper titled, "Homeless Identity and the Issue of Housing" for my minor degree in Human Rights at the University of Washington. Click on the link below to access this research paper and download the Acrobat PDF file to read. Homelessness has become a national and local problem in the United States that affects everyone. The National Low Income Housing Coalition cites the Fair Market Rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Washington state is $757, but in King County, just outside of the city of Seattle, the cost is $840. At current minimum wage of $7.35, a wage earner must work 79 hours per week. The (average) wage for a renter in Washington is at $14.55/hr, while in King County it is at $16.15/hr. These figures represent the minimum wage needed in order to afford a two-bedroom unit. The 2004 U.S. Conference of Mayors found that in 27 U.S. cities surveyed, families with children accounted for 40% of the homeless population. Some scholars have estimated families with children accounted for over 50%. Today, the issue is that of affordable housing, which falls under the classification of economic along with loss of income, lack of living wage, and poverty. Homelessness is not just a personal social issue, but an economic problem that we all face when we see fossil fuel prices going up. Have you noticed the cost of groceries lately? Budgeting ones family expenses is becoming a little harder expecially if ones fianances is already stretched to the limit. This means many American families are close to becoming homeless.
Homeless Identity and the Issue of Housing