Discuss the homeless in terms of characteristics and needs

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Estimates about the number of homeless in our country vary from 300,000 to three million. Among this particular group one will find three general categories: growing numbers of elderly people who have no pensions or inadequate retirement incomes and no family members who can or will assist them, runaways under the age of 18 who have fled their homes and feel that they have nowhere to go; and people who suffer from mental disorders. You will find military veterans, entire families, and people who are actively working but are employed in low-paying jobs. The current economic crisis has added numerous individuals and families to the ranks of the homeless and there is a growing concern that violence against the homeless has increased nationwide. The various stresses encountered by the homeless will certainly result in more police responses. In addition, the growing number of homeless people in America creates a major challenge for police agencies. One of the major problems regarding this group is that the number of needy individuals and families has increased while available monies from agencies have declined. Innovative programs that provide training for police officers and assistance for the homeless are desperately needed.