Almost everyone has seen a homeless person in a major city. We have gotten used to
seeing their despondent faces and listening to pleas for help.
But while homeless people are often taken for granted as
a part of the urban landscape, their plight should not be ignored.
The Department of Health and Human Services estimates that about 600,000 men, women and children
are homeless in America on any given day.
About 75 percent of homeless people are single, and most are men. About 40 percent of the homeless
population is African American. A large percentage served in the armed forces.
Studies have found that many homeless people have mental illnesses.
Read the Profile of Homelessness
to learn more about the causes and effects of this problem.
What you can do
Homelessness is a monumental problem, but there are things you can do to help.
Educating yourself and others about homeless people is very important. An online book,
54 Ways to Help the Homeless, also suggests
organizing a thrift shop or forming a transitional housing program.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development also offers a list of
suggestions. You can donate to your local food bank,
tutor homeless children or pay a month's rent on behalf of a homeless person. You can also find volunteer opportunities at local agencies that work with the homeless.
Organizations
These groups educate the public about the issue and work to eradicate homelessness.