Homelessness Discursive
Homelessness is seen as a controversial subject that statistics show is on the increase. This makes homelessness a problem in society that cannot be ignored. Firstly, let us examine some of the causes of homelessness and views about the homeless and from the homeless. Also, let us examine some initiatives that may help or solve the problem of homelessness.
After extensive research, it can be seen that there are many reasons for becoming homeless such as: family problems, debt, drink and drug abuse and arguments in a family. Some people who become homeless are homeless because of debt. This happens when people do not have enough money and have to borrow loans which they cannot pay back. This can lead to homelessness.
The following quotes are taken from case studies of some homeless people; they tell us how their personal situations lead to homelessness. Mary, who is a “bag lady” is in her early fifties and cannot remember how long she has been homeless:
“I‘m like this because everyone died… I could get away without working because of the benefits… Mum died first then dad gave up a few years later… Benefits stopped… I wanted to live a bit so spent more than I had… I said I was here because everyone died but it‘s really because of debt.”
Mary’s homelessness was caused by her spending more than she had and therefore she was forced onto the streets. Mary was offered advice but she did not take it so her only alternative was to live on the streets as she had no family left or around her to offer any practical help.
Subsequently, studies have shown that homelessness is experienced by younger people as well as older people. Let us consider Kelly, who is seventeen years old and is homeless in Aberdeen:
“My mum was told by my step dad that I could stay till my family allowance ran out. I didn‘t go back to school when I turned sixteen so the benefit stopped. He was as good as his word. I went to my gran‘s first… gran saw me as one of my mum‘s problems… When
After extensive research, it can be seen that there are many reasons for becoming homeless such as: family problems, debt, drink and drug abuse and arguments in a family. Some people who become homeless are homeless because of debt. This happens when people do not have enough money and have to borrow loans which they cannot pay back. This can lead to homelessness.
The following quotes are taken from case studies of some homeless people; they tell us how their personal situations lead to homelessness. Mary, who is a “bag lady” is in her early fifties and cannot remember how long she has been homeless:
“I‘m like this because everyone died… I could get away without working because of the benefits… Mum died first then dad gave up a few years later… Benefits stopped… I wanted to live a bit so spent more than I had… I said I was here because everyone died but it‘s really because of debt.”
Mary’s homelessness was caused by her spending more than she had and therefore she was forced onto the streets. Mary was offered advice but she did not take it so her only alternative was to live on the streets as she had no family left or around her to offer any practical help.
Subsequently, studies have shown that homelessness is experienced by younger people as well as older people. Let us consider Kelly, who is seventeen years old and is homeless in Aberdeen:
“My mum was told by my step dad that I could stay till my family allowance ran out. I didn‘t go back to school when I turned sixteen so the benefit stopped. He was as good as his word. I went to my gran‘s first… gran saw me as one of my mum‘s problems… When