History of Homelessness

Many people in the United States have been dealing with homelessness for many years.  The cause of homelessness varies throughout the nation and over time.  The term “hobo” was introduced in the early 1900’s, as reference to those who were homeless or migratory workers.  The hobo’s would ride freight trains and sleep in rail yards across the United States.  In the 1930’s, the number of hobo’s riding freight trains increased because of the great depression.  During the height of the great depression, many of the hobos riding freight trains were teenagers (Uys, 2010).  The great depression left many unemployed and displaced.  Because of the struggles, the hobos would travel nationwide in order to find work.   

Besides the depression, natural disasters have also been a contributor to homelessness.  In 1906, there was a massive earthquake in San Francisco which ignited many fires.  The fires burned for days and left about 400,000 people homeless (San Francisco Earthquake, 1906).  Earthquakes, fires, and hurricanes are some of the disasters which result in an increased number of homeless people.  Private and government organizations help those who have become homeless, although they are not always successful. 

In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, mental hospitals released most of their patients into communities.  Because of the release, thousands were left homeless while suffering with a mental illness.  The release of mentally ill patients, was a result of failed polices made by government officials.  Approximately ten years later, homeless shelters and services began to develop across the United States from government and private organizations. 

In early 2000’s there was an increase of homeless families.  The families were displaced from their communities and homes as a result of Hurricane Katrina.  Across the country, shelters and agencies helped those who were left homeless.  Due to the devastation of disasters such as Katrina, President Obama signed the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing program into law.  The new program would consolidate the previous three homeless assistance programs into one, in order to help the homeless community (Homelessness Resource Exchange, 2012). 

Since the program was signed into law, there has been an increase of homelessness because of financial reasons.  Unemployment rates have increased statewide which have left many homeless and in need of homeless assistance.  The history of homelessness has shown the variety of reasons why people become homeless.  Even though the reasons vary, those who are homeless share the commonality of needing assistance by private or government organizations.  

References:

Homelessness Resource Exchange, 2012. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Retrieved from: http://www.hudhre.info/hearth/

Mental Illness and Homelessness, 2006. National Coalition for the Homeless. Retrieved from:
http://www.nationalhomeless.org/publications/facts/Mental_Illness.pdf

Riding the Rails, 2010. PBS. Retrieved from:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/timeline/rails-timeline/

San Francisco Earthquake, 1906. National Archives. Retrieved from:
http://www.archives.gov/legislative/features/sf/

The History of Homelessness in America 1640's to Present, 2011. Downtown Congressions to End Homelessness. Retrieved from: http://www.dceh.org/?p=1253

Substance Abuse and Homelessness

The homeless community is greatly affected by substance abuse.  For some, substance abuse occurs prior to becoming homeless while others are homeless before they become involved with drugs or alcohol.

 The majority of homeless people suffering from substance abuse are dependent on alcohol.  The effects of alcohol involve impaired judgment, anxiety, sweating, trembling, irritability and insomnia.  Other homeless people choose drugs such as heroin, crystal meth, or crack cocaine.  Heroin affects the mind and body as a downer with disorientation and weight loss.  Crystal meth is a powerful stimulant which causes one to be extremely energized while developing tooth decay and sores.  The affects of crack cocaine are similar to those of crystal meth because it is also a stimulant, although an addict will also develop insomnia and loss of appetite.  The side affects of the substances along with living conditions of being homeless, cause many to be paranoid and unable to prioritize their needs.  The appearance of those on drugs or alcohol also becomes diminished while being homeless.   

According to the National Coalition for Homeless, the single largest cause for homelessness is substance abuse.  It is reasonable to believe that people who are homeless use substances to cope with their situation.  The treatment needed to help those with substance abuse issues are not readily available for the homeless community.  Because of that, the homeless people who want to become sober have difficulties finding treatment programs or shelters that will accept them.     

In order to support their habit, the homeless people refer to panhandling or theft.  Both panhandling and theft will support their fix, while also affecting the community.  Those suffering from substance abuse while being homeless, are caught in a cycle that negatively effects their future and health.  Community members also witness the odd behavior from the homeless people on alcohol or drugs.  The odd behavior can consist of hallucinating, talking to themselves, disoriented, or extreme mood changes.  

For the homeless, the high caused from the drugs are a brief relief of their problems.  As the addiction intensifies, the long term affects set in and the motivation to better themselves decreases.  The homeless also have a hard time remaining sober because many of those around them are suffering from substance abuse.  Overall, the issue of substance abuse and homelessness needs to be treated at the same time.  If there were more housing available that offered treatment for substance abuse then the success rate would be better.  The success rate would not only help those suffering, but also help those in the community.       

References:

Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, 2011. Retrieved from:

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/alcohol_abuse_alcoholism_signs_effects_treatment.htm

National Coalition for the Homeless, 2006. Retrieved from:

http://www.nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/addiction.pdf

Heroin Addiction Symptoms and Effects, 2012. Retrieved from:

http://www.timberlineknolls.com/drug-addiction/heroin/signs-effects

What are the side Effects of Crack Cocaine?, 2012. Retrieved from:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/112009-side-effects-crack-cocaine/