Persuasive Essay On Homelessness

Even though various countries experience its consequences in a different way, homelessness is a world issue. However, one problem all countries likely have in common regarding this issue is determining who is responsible for individuals experiencing homelessness. Some may argue that those experiencing homelessness are responsible for putting themselves in that situation, and therefore are also responsible for getting themselves out of it. Others may reason that while poor decisions result in homelessness, people suffering from homelessness still deserve assistance from the community and government. The truth is, regardless of how an individual becomes homeless, the government should be responsible for helping them as they are capable of initiating

Besides, in countries where homelessness is not as large of an issue, the low rates can be attributed to effective solutions implemented by the government.

Firstly, in Canada, there are various precautions that the government should take to prevent homelessness. To begin with, provincial minimum wages should be increased as there is a notable gap between the minimum wage and livable wage. For example, in Ontario, the current minimum wage is $15.50, and for students it is $14.60. On the other hand, the livable wage ranges from $18.05 to $23.15 depending on the region of the province as shown in Figure 1 below.

Figure 1

Living Wages in Various Regions of Ontario as of November 2022

This gap is unideal as poverty is a substantial contributing factor to homelessness (Rates, n.d.). Along with this, “homeless people are lazy and do not work” is a common misconception that is made. In reality, sometimes a minimum wage job is

Individuals experiencing homelessness already face a myriad of other obstacles, and it is unnecessary for them to have to deal with stereotypes against them as well. Additionally, according to the World Health Organization, the government is responsible for eradicating homelessness. As stated on their website, “It is the responsibility of government to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in their country” (The 17 Goals, n.d.). SDGs such as no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, clean water and sanitation, etc. will only be accomplished when homelessness is no longer an issue. Thus, the government must utilize its power to implement effective and sustainable solutions. Not only do they have a governmental responsibility to solve this issue, they also have a moral obligation to do so, and especially because this is not an issue that has no solution. In fact, various other countries have successfully reduced homelessness by a significant amount. For example, in Finland, homelessness has decreased over the last few decades as shown in Figure 2