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Many assume that people on the sides of the street with cardboard signs, tattered blankets, and somber faces are helpless. However, many question how governmental aid can really limits the number of people considered homeless, and how it is ensures that these people will use these benefits properly. It is one-sided to think that those left without a home can help it. Many struggle from job loss, economic suffering, and lack of education that puts them in arduous situations.
Nowadays, those considered homeless have the opportunity for benefits such as SNAP food stamps, halfway houses, homeless shelters, homefirst STL, and Obama Care. These improvements were established to reduce the amount of people facing with starvation, homelessness, and sickness. Nonetheless, some believe that these benefits are commonly mistreated. On the contrary, others believe that these resources for the homeless will better our country and help close the gap between middle and lower class.
“When it comes to homelessness, it’s a matter of trust. One becomes homeless because of things they have done in their life, including bad decisions, the economy, and social issues. To some extent we can help them but overall homelessness is out of our control. People can get benefits of being “homeless,” therefore being rewarded for not contributing to the society, not having a job, and not making their own money which overall affects us and the economy.” NHS senior Kelsey Miller said.
These benefits are implemented to help those in need, but ensuring their use in the correct manner has become a political issue. Now that these benefits are within reach to many individuals it can also mean that some will choose to take advantage of them. Whether or not these assumptions are accurate or just misconceptions remains in question. However, these benefits are not as flexible as many are led to believe. One has to go through a series of questions, and meet all requirements set forth in order to qualify for governmental aid.
Over 500,000 people are considered homeless in the United States, and not one of them chose to be in their situation. In 2014 100 million United States citizens were without a job. The economic suffering that took place was destructive to many lives across the nation. People were at a loss of jobs, money, and were being ripped from their homes. Millions are still struggling to remain on their feet, this problem is just as prominent in our country now as it was 2 years ago.
“I think that the idea that homeless people are taking advantage of benefits is a common misconception. Yes, there are probably some people who have taken advantage of these benefit, but the amount of people that have done so is extremely small. Nobody wants to be on welfare. Many have the incentive to get a job, and start living by themselves without government support.” NHS economics teacher David Foss said.
Viewing homeless people as dirty, lazy, drug addicts are not fair assumptions to make regarding the entire community as a whole. This ongoing debate is present in today's society and is a contributing factor in the upcoming election. People with differing views tend to lack acceptance of those with an opposing opinion. Many are concerned that this dispute will never come to a conclusion. It is concerning that if we do not learn to help those that are left with nothing our country may be out of control, and our streets will be more crowded than ever.
“I don’t think people are homeless because of personal choice, they are homeless because they have no options left, and even with the benefits their lives are far from easy, making it hard to abuse the system if you are homeless. Although others may abuse the system, most do not. Homeless people rely on these benefits to live,” NHS junior Ali Manfredi said.
Minimum wage was established, food stamps created, and homeless shelters opened to provide opportunity to those left with nothing. Joining together and helping those that have been riddled with hardship may improve the lives of those individuals and could change the face of this country. Working together for the betterment of our nation and each individual may lead to a brighter future.
Image Courtesy of borgenmagazine.com