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Apr 3, 2024

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1 Leah Kwiatkowski #6640 Research Paper SW 325-001 - Fall 2023 Dr. Slay

2 This research paper focuses on the unhoused population in the United States. Being “homeless” or unhoused refers to any person who does not have a regular or adequate sleeping arrangement. This is a social justice issue because Americans have differing views on how much support we should offer unhoused individuals and unhoused people do not have the same opportunities as everyone. Having humans who are living on the street is inequitable. Many unhoused people also face marginalization. There are stereotypes in the media about homeless people being lazy or unmotivated. Statements like these lack empathy and intelligence. Being unhoused is most likely not the choice for “582,462 individuals experiencing homelessness in 2022” (Curls, 2022). Given the amount of reported homeless people in 2022, there is a clear issue in the United States with homelessness. The data for 2023 has yet to be released, but given the current rising prices one can only imagine the rate of individuals facing homelessness will increase. This supports the need for a change as quickly as possible to prevent this issue from increasing. Going further, “sixty-five percent of the homeless population finds refuge”, but what happens to the other 45%?. This evidence supports the idea that more needs to be done. Currently, there is a large demographic of individuals in the United States impacted by homelessness. Not only do these individuals face the issues of being unhoused and finding their human needs, they face other challenges such as job discrimination, oppression, as well as mental and psychical health challenges. Despite the prices of food, water and other basic necessities increasing, there has not been an increase to the federal minimum hourly wage. “The federal minimum hourly wage is just $7.25 and has not increased since 2009. “ (Zipperer, 2023). These statistics show that the population of unhoused people will continue to grow if changes are not made. Furthermore, refugees and migrants are being sent to cities with no housing or support and being expected to figure it out on their own. “The goal is to get the new arrivals off the

3 floors of police stations and other public spaces before winter comes.” (Kapos, 2023). This is a very devastating situation, asylum seekers are headed looking for safety but are not being given a safe space to live. It is evident that the rate of homeless individuals will continue if the refugees and migrants are not better supported. Over the years, there have been many attempts made by the government in an attempt to curb homeless rates in the United States. Attempts such as the affordable care and housing act, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, (HUD) which works to provide funding for emergency shelters, permanent shelters and more for individuals who are experiencing homelessness. These actions have helped some, but many Americans are still struggling. The most current event is the Ending Homelessness Act of 2021. The goal of this bill is to end homelessness entirely in the United States. The most prominent issue is these acts and bills take time and currently are not able to provide enough funding to completely solve this issue once and for all. There are currently government assistance programs, shelters and in place which make some impact, but the impact is not strong enough.” In 2022, there were 329,675 beds in emergency shelters across the country available to homeless individuals “ (Curls, 2022). That only meets approximately half the needs of the individuals who were experiencing homelessness in 2022. Given this information, these programs are somewhat effective. While there were “329,675 beds available”(Curls, 2022), that leaves many individuals unaccounted for and unhoused. This acknowledges the good that has been done while highlighting those individuals who are left out and unable to receive further support. Looking into recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has had many effects on the homeless population. During the most extreme times of COVID, the government gave out stimulus checks in order to help individuals survive while they were unable to work. This acted

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