A Look Into the world of “Throw Away People”
“Throw
Away People” is not only our class’s theme this semester, but an actual reality
that exists all over the world, especially in poverty. Living in poverty can
mostly resort in taking apart of the homelessness culture. Volunteering at the
Friends In Deed, an organization in Pasadena, that services low income families,
the homeless, and women in need. I grew a greater perception between what one
may consider a “throw away’ person, and what they actually are in poverty. After talking to many of these women, I soon
learned of their various situations as to which brought them there today. Most situations
ended up in the results of drugs, mentally-ill, or unemployed. I also realized
after talking to one employed women, that unemployment for the homeless,
appeared to be more difficult than the mentally –unstable, or the drug abused. One,
who is homeless due to an unemployment situation, is more affected by the
realms of poverty, because there are not many specific programs or
organizations that support their needs. This is due to the lack of government fnding,
social issues, and a higher priority of help to the homeless who are mentally
unstable or drug addicts.
The lack of funding provided by
the government affects an unemployed –caused homeless person greatly. Many organizations that support low-income programs,
and housing programs as well, are being cut due many budget cuts. According a The New York Times newspaper article,
Congress as of October 2011 last year, was considering reducing the amount of
funding to the Department of Housing and Urban Development budget. “The Obama
administration has asked Congress for about $41.7 billion for the department roughly
the same amount as in each of the past three years. It says that the proposed
House budget would provide about $38 billion, and one in the Senate about $37 billion.”
– New York Times. The administration had asked for a certain amount to help set
up more programs to improve housing, and other economic and financial opportunities
to moderate and low income families. If the government is considering cutting
off programs that help support the needs of the homeless-unemployed, it then
puts a harsher restriction on any opportunities that could be given their way.
It limits the advantages that the programs may offer that can benefit and help
those unemployed, especially with families. “If Congress falls short of that request it
could kill off building and renovation projects, sacrificing many as many as
6,000 jobs.” - New York Times.
The social issues and
stereotypes that exist also affect an unemployed- caused homeless person
greatly. Even though there are still many programs (but not as many as there
was and should be), regaining employment for an unemployed person in poverty is
still a major issue. According to the State of Homelessness in America 2011, since 2009, over 14,265,000 citizens
among our nation have been unemployed and growing. If there are no programs
that can help offer realistic job solutions, then most frequently become homeless.
An article by Jacquelyn Jeanty had written about the leading causes of
homelessness. “In some ways, how society views the homeless population can
affect its ability to understand what causes are at work. Many view homelessness
as substance abusers and mental ill individuals, when in fact these are just a
portion of the group. Single mothers with children and people with minimal job
skills make up nearly 50 percent of the homeless population”- from What Are the Leading Causes of Homelessness?
(Jeanty)
