The New American Slum

What causes homelessness? A number of factors--everybody is different. You can't judge the next person from the one you came across yesterday! Let me tell you a little bit about what I know...

• Veterans become homeless due to not enough retirement funds and episodes of PTSD.

• Retirees with not enough funds in the bank to cover costs.

• Mentally disabled persons become homeless because their disability payments / social security aren't enough money to cover housing costs.

• Drug addiction leads to theft, crime and homelessness!

• The internet is not secure and some people can't get jobs due to every company requiring job applications to be submitted online!

• Criminals are homeless because they have a track record and can't get a job!

So, why do we abuse the homeless? Or should I tell you how the homeless are abused? There are day shelters and night shelters. Day shelter are simply shelters that offer a roof over your head, possible something to eat and maybe an activity--maybe even some clothing and a shower? However, a day shelter is not allowed to let a homeless person take a nap or fall asleep! Why?--simply abuse! A night shelter is where a homeless person can sleep including some of the amenities of the day shelter. Today the shelters are mostly all full due to today's crisis of drug addiction! Now, what can we do about these demographics? I propose we house under class peoples in Community Centers! What is a Community Center? Well, hotels are struggling and aging! Buy an old hotel or motel and make it into living spaces for those who have income! A room should be at least $300 or $500 a month. Let me explain...a motel situation doesn't have the amenities like a cafeteria and pool so $300 a month. And a hotel with a better amenities would be at least $500 a month! Let me explain again! I said at least! I think people are tired and exhausted of high living expenses and would love the opportunity of living at a Community Center! A chance to save for a vacation or even a house! Charge those who make more 20 % of their monthly income for a room! Check this by pay stubs and tax returns! Get people out of those eye sores and into a roof over their heads! I learned long ago that the basic needs for human survival is housing, clothing and food! Homeless people are struggling with all of these three criteria! Another thing, the Community Center should be a clean environment--no drugs and alcohol, no unmarried persons sharing a room (couples can become volatile and disputes over property), and security access only. Security access because good, law abiding people need to be protected! Even those running from domestic violence. Make it a safe place for those who participate! For the way the system works today...drug addicts and alcoholics have halfway houses to participate in! Clean and sober homeless peoples have no where to go! Methadone clinics should be invested in for drug addicts to get sober...and there are prescription pills to help alcoholics. There are certain companies that will work with people with criminal records--and I am not sure how to help them--maybe on a case by case basis--have them submit an essay or go through an interview with a probationary period? Oh yes!, make residents responsible for their own residence regarding plumbing and electrical! Some peoples are known to put paper towels, tampons, sanitary napkins, etc. down the toilets! Electrical can be messed with too, as well. Families should be welcomed and provide extra adjoining rooms at no additional costs!