Change Your World Week Winter 2022 (Archived)

“It is estimated that at least 150 million people across the world are homeless with a total of 1.6 billion people lacking adequate or appropriate housing.” OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) Many people find themselves homeless because of lack of affordable healthcare, domestic violence, and mental illness (npr.org). The U.S has minimal laws in place to help the problem. Instead, the homeless are being accused of crime. However, according to a quantitative sociologist at the University of Oxford, Charles Lanfear, “on average the number of tents and structures in an area is not associated with any increases in property crime — very close to zero” (Kaste). Despite this statistic, homeless people are unfortunately often blamed for criminal activity. Instead of putting efforts into providing more affordable housing, the mayor of Los Angeles, Eric Garcetti would rather allow ticketing $300 for people living on the streets. Unfortunately this often leads the homeless into an endless life of poverty. (Rajpari)

https://sites.uab.edu/humanrights/2020/03/09/what-is-homelessness-and-why-is-it-an-issue/

https://nationalhomeless.org/about-homelessness/ 

https://www.npr.org/2022/01/24/1074577305/homeless-crime-experts

There are many negative effects of homlessness. One of which is health. Lack of basic necessities and doctor visits result in health problems for many homeless people. Contributing to this as well, people without a place to call home are more likely to face violence and abuse. When people lose their home they not only hurt physically, but also emotionally. Homeless people suffer decreased self esteem, as many feel shameful about their situation. Other effects include development of behavioral problems and even losing the will and ability to take care of oneself. (Washington.edu)

https://depts.washington.edu/triolive/quest/2007/TTQ07033/effects.html

You can help! Below are some ways to help the homeless and possibly change a life!

• Provide affordable housing
• Developing lists of shelters
• Donating food 
• Giving money
• Donating toys, groceries, clothing, etc.
• Volunteering at shelters, soup kitchens, etc.
• Tutor homeless children
• Teach about homelessness (BRING AWARENESS!!)

https://justgive.wordpress.com/2013/12/11/35-ways-to-help-the-homeless/

https://endhomelessness.org/ 

Use this website to DONATE and ADVOCATE to help bring awareness to the homelessness issue.