A Variety of Society Factors Cause Homelessness Essay

National Coalition for the Homeless is a charity that fights to end the homelessness through grassroots organizing, public education, and policy advocacy. They have pointed out the causes for the increasing number of homeless people in the U.S since 2000 in the article â€Å"A Variety of Social Factors Causes Homelessness.† Why is the number of the homeless people increasing day after day in the U.S? Poverty and the homelessness are the current controversial problem that has so many different causes from different countries all over the world. There are three main factors that the National Coalition for the Homeless pointed out in their article such as eroding work opportunities, a decline in public assistance, and a lack of affordable housing in the U.S. Do the authors clearly explain the problem in their article? For an article to be effective, it is imperative that it is clear on its purpose. In the previous essay, the author is successful in identifying the principle behind the article. From the first paragraph, the author is focused on addressing the causes of homelessness in the society (National Coalition for the Homeless 1). Therefore, the reader is aware of the rationale behind the article and its functions after reading the first paragraph. Importantly, this is observable in the consequent paragraphs of the article. The heading choice is consistent with the purpose of the article. The key words in the heading depict that the author is exploring the issue of homelessness in the society. The topic depicts that there are numerous social factors that contribute to the issue of homelessness. This influences the mindset of the readers when they are engaging the article, since they are aware of the contents of the essay, which clarifies that homelessness is a result of complex social factors. This is instrumental in ensuring that the readers comprehend the contents of the article better. When exploring the problem in the article, the author focuses on the predicament of homelessness. In addition, the author uses relevant examples to highlight the problem in depth. This is evident in the statistical data in the third paragraph, which is relevant to the U.S. society: In 2000, 11.3% of the U.S. population, or 31.1 million people, lived in poverty. While the number of poor people has decreased a bit in recent years, the number of people living in extreme poverty has increased (National Coalition of Homelessness, paragraph 3, page 1). The author uses information on poverty levels, and current housing situations to explore the issue of homelessness comprehensively. The author is also clear on the causes of the previous problem. In the article, the author identifies poverty and lack of housing, which is affordable as the primary cause for homelessness in the society. These statistics from the Institute for Children and Poverty are particularly revealing: In the institute fo r Children and Poverty study, 37% of homelessness families had their welfare benefits reduced or cut last year. Additionally, a second study of six states found that between 1997 and 1998, 25% of families who had stopped receiving welfare in the last six months doubled-up on housing to save money, and 23% moved because they could not pay rent (National Coalition of Homelessness, page 2 – 3). However, other secondary causes are also highlighted in the article, and this includes lack of employment, low wages, and a decrease in social support, among others. The author correlates the secondary and primary causes to explore the problem. Despite the author actively highlighting the homelessness problem being experienced in the society, there is not solution provided for the problems. The author concentrates on the social factors which contribute to the problem and how they contribute. The essay is exhaustive when exploring the topic. The author uses numerous examples to explain the significance of the problem. For instance, the author explores the significance of the health sector in the issue of homelessness. This example gives a new dimension to the topic and shows the complexity of the social issues causing homelessness. In addition, the article is valid. This is due to the author’s use of authoritative sources in the field. This is evident in the statistical data, from studies by the Housing and Urban Development (HUD), on the previous problem. The author also engages credible and accurate information on the issue giving the article authority on the topic. The author uses relevant evidence to support the claims of the article. For instance, on this issue of poverty, the author quotes data of average incomes, which is earned by American families: In the data, a 1998 study estimated that 46% of the jobs with the most growth between 1994 and 2005 pay less than $16,000 a year; these jobs will not lift families out of poverty. Moreover, 74% of these jobs pay below a livable wage ($32,185 for a family of four) (National Coalition of Homelessness, page 2). This shows the level of income earned by the American population and its influence in the housing sector. The article also has other relevant examples to support the author’s sentiments. The argument of the author also appeals to the readers emotions. This is clear in the approach of the author to highlight the effect of poverty on society and its influence on homelessness. This elicits emotions from the audience since the issues affect are relatable to the human situation. The article is characterized by the use of data and studies from various authorities on the issue. The author has been effective in making the key words in these studies clear for the audience through elaboration. Therefore, the important words in the article are defined effectively. In the second article, â€Å"Homelessness is not society’s problem,† the author uses a challenging title, in that the view is provocative to the addressees. This appears to be a controversial perspective concerning the issue of homelessness due to the emotions related to the topic (Carnacchio 1). Despite the rationale of the article, the argument is not valid since the society cannot disassociate itself from social problems. However, the second article gives for the readers more sides of view about the homeless people. Only some of the homeless people who are not willing to assume the responsibilities associated with maintaining a job and a permanent residence. As White points out, â€Å"In Los Angeles’ inner city, Paul Koegel and M. Audrey Burnam found that nearly 80% of alcoholics in their sample of homeless adults ‘reported that their first alcoholic symptom occurred before they were first homeless’ and that in 57% of the cases this occurred at l east five years before their first episode of homelessness.† (Carnacchio, page 2). The article â€Å"A Variety of Social Factors Causes Homelessness† provides a solid argument concerning the issue of homelessness. The author appears to be conversant with the topic and cites authoritative sources on the issue. The topic is instrumental in highlighting the numerous social factors that contribute to homelessness in the American society. Furthermore, homelessness is still a serious problem which has so many different causes but the society have not had the solutions for this problem. From all information of the article, I have learned more knowledge about the causes of homelessness in the U.S. which is a well-developed country but it does exist the homelessness. The cause is not only from the society, but it is also among to all people who are living in this world assume the responsibility for their life and their families. Works Cited National Coalition for the Homeless. A Variety of Social Factors Causes Homelessness. Current Controversies: Poverty and the Homeless. Mary E. Williams. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2004. Opposing Viewpoints Resources Center. Gale. Houston Community College. 18. Jan 2013. Carnacchio, C. J. Homelessness Is Not Society’s Problem. Opposing Viewpoints: The Homeless. Ed. Jennifer A. Hurley. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2002. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Houston Community College. 21. Jan 2013.