No one dreams of growing up homeless
hungry person. More people are becoming conscious of the issue but there are less people aware of the statistics and problems leading to the rise of homelessness. According to the 2013 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR), New York’s homeless rate increased by 13% since 2012; one of the sharpest increases in the country. In addition to New York’s staggering increase, California, Florida, Texas, and Massachusetts homeless populations add up to more than half of the homeless population in all of United States. In the city with the largest number of billionaires, comes the largest increase in homelessness in a year. Homelessness has become such an immense issue that there are new laws being made for the homeless, some stricter than others. Over the past year, the homeless population has increased drastically; according to coalitionforthehomeless.org, 60% of New York’s unsheltered homeless population is located in Midtown Manhattan. More homeless individuals and families are found living in the streets or crowding the subways. Residents tell Nypost.com that they feel unsafe being on a train with a homeless person because their perception of a homeless person is confined to an image of a dirty individual sitting on a street corner, begging for money.
Imagine that one day you found yourself in a terrible accident, leaving you unable to work or bring home money to pay for bills. The little jar you’ve used to save up some extra money is quickly emptied in order to pay for the astronomical medical bills you’ve just managed to rack up. You turn to family and friends for help but they can’t offer much, so you go back to your closet, flipping your pant pockets outward hoping to find forgotten cash, but it's not enough. One day your money runs out and the one place that sheltered you, your home, is taken from you. You find yourself in a situation you used to pity: homeless. This is how hard-working New Yorkers end up homeless. Homelessness in New York City has reached its highest peak since the Great Depression; the main reason for this is the price of housing. As a long time New Yorker, walking down the street and seeing homeless people every couple of steps is no surprise nor is it a surprise to step on the F-train and be welcomed by the stench of a helpless, cold, and
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Imagine the warmth of your blanket wrapped around you as you sleep every night. Now imagine trying to wrap a piece of cardboard to keep you warm on the cold New York City pavements. It sounds impractical but sadly, it’s a reality for thousands of New Yorkers today.