Solutions To Homelessness In America

The issue of homelessness in America is controversial because Americans have different views on the causes, conditions, and solutions to homelessness. Advocates for the homeless cite economic problems, a limited supply of affordable housing, and domestic violence as the main causes of homelessness, while opponents vehemently contend that homelessness in America is due solely to a lack of personal industry. Nevertheless opponents and advocates for the homeless are in agreement on the conditions of homelessness, but the solutions to homelessness are vigorously debated by both groups. Opponents cite personal responsibility (a steady job) as the main solution to homelessness, while advocates for the homeless cite a steady, well-paying job, and

Regardless of what either side of the issue sees the solutions to homelessness to be, it is an established fact that individuals who are homeless are at increased risk for substance abuse, mental illness, health problems, and are often the victims of

“Overall, researchers were able to document a ‘poverty-related effect’ on children’s mental health and behavior” (Bassuk 499). In the state of Michigan there were more than 38,000 homeless children attending public schools in the year 2013 (Seidel A2). Homeless children are at increased risk of dropping out of school because their parents are not aware of the federal law that was passed in 1987 specifically to prevent homeless children from dropping out of school. The law is called the McKinney-Vento law. Prior to 1987 homeless children were unable to meet enrollment requirements in schools because they could not show proof of residency, and did not have school and health records. The McKinney-Vento law ensures that homeless children are immediately allowed to enroll in school without proper documentation. Additionally the law, if followed, compels school districts to provide transportation and school supplies to homeless children, though according to Jeff Seidel of The Detroit Free Press, some districts are hesitant to identify homeless children because it is costly to provide them with supplies and transportation. “Advocates say there's also a disincentive to find homeless children. Once a district finds them, it has to pay to transport them to school and provide other services -- a tough job for many cash-strapped districts” (Seidel