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Writing 39C

Dr. Philip Broadbent

24 May 2018

Homelessness was a historical problem since 1640s. The first documented homelessness

problem was affected by religion. It was believed that a Christian would naturally have their

needs met because of the grace of God. Some Christians met the problems that they could not

solve such as homelessness were resulted from the justice from the God toward their bad

behaviors. Then they would prove their internal worth to the community father to get a

permission live in that town.

After that, the Industrial Revolution began. Homelessness was a problem more related to

the change of society. In 1820s to 30s, lots of people migrated from countryside to city searching

for jobs. In big city such as New York and Philadelphia, so many unemployed people walking on

the streets made the city firstly issue a pan-handling decree. In this way jail become those

people’s residence. Life in there was chaotic, lacking of regulation made lots of physical injury

even death. Those family who have disabled member and child were not able to support

themselves so they have to give up their children. In 1850s, the first documented homeless youth

was generated. Many youths just got kicked out of their family and become homeless.

During the Civil War, opiate was widely used among those injured veterans and using

this drug become a trend. One could purchase morphine and heroin from the market without
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restrictions. Not only the veterans, but also those house wives were addicted to the drug. Crime

caused by drug abuse soon followed up. People who have PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress

Disorder) wandered along the streets and became homeless.

So, what is homelessness problem? Why is it a problem?

I extract the definition about homelessness from Wikipedia. “Homelessness is the

circumstance when people are without a permanent dwelling, such as a house or apartment.

People who are homeless are most often unable to acquire and maintain regular, safe, secure and

adequate housing…The term homeless may also include people whose primary night-time

residence is in a homeless shelter, a domestic violence shelter, long-term residence in a motel,

a vehicle, squatting, cardboard boxes, a tent city, tarpaulins, shanty town structures made of

discarded building materials or other ad hoc housing situations.” (Wikipedia)

When I walk in the streets on San Francisco, I’m surprised that there are so many people

who wear thin clothes that are not adequate in the cold weather. There are sunshine but still very

cold outside. They either sit on the ground with cardboard box or lean against the wall. They are

so normal but also distinct among the crowd. Most people just pass by and pretend they have

seen nothing.

To be continued. Next paragraphs will follow the blueprint.

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