Homelessness in Long Island, New York Essay - 2339 Words

The problem I am going to discuss is homelessness in Long Island. What is homelessness and who defines it? Homelessness is a person lacking adequate shelter or otherwise residing below the minimal standard of what is considered a safe dwelling. The federal definition of homeless is an individual who lacks a fixed, regular, or adequate nighttime residence (HUD, 2011). Homelessness is not just a problem in big cities like New York or Los Angeles, but rather it is a global epidemic affecting small towns and suburbs such as Long Island. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is a United States federal department that administers programs dealing with better housing and urban renewal since 1965. HUD issued a draft to change the†¦show more content†¦According to the Suffolk County Department of Social Services, the number of homeless families that reside in emergency housing are 282. There are about 1062 men, women and children. In homeless shelters for singles, about 130 people stay for night stays only and 80 reside in long-term shelters, while Emergency Services place another 50 on a nightly basis. There are about 38 congregate facilities, one tier II shelter and 36 scattered sites to accommodate larger families. As far as singles shelters, there are seven for adults: five for men and two for women. Emergency Services uses two emergency shelters to meet the housing needs of the single adult who calls after regular business hours. 40 to 60 singles go through Emergency Services every night (S.C.D SS, 2008). 50% of the homeless families living in shelters are there for the first time; most work and will leave as soon as they find affordable housing. In shelters, 30% of the homeless population has been homeless before. This group is not able to earn a wage high enough to maintain economic independence and the average length of stay is 4 to 6 months. In addition, 20% of those living in emergency shelters are chronically homeless and are not capable of achieving self-sufficiency without supportive services. This population relies on Social Services to meet their basic needs. Most have a physical or mental disability or substance abuse problem (S.C.DSS, 2008). The history of homelessness isShow MoreRelatedHomelessness in America Essay1172 Words   |  5 Pagesthe Bush Administration consisting of $528.5 billion for homeless programs (Romeo 1). The problem of homelessness and extreme poverty is not a new occurrence; but in past years more extreme measures have been taken to combat the issue as more people become homeless. Expensive social programs and housing developments for the homeless have been created to help battle the increasing issue. 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