(Home)less

Homelessness is a huge problem in the United States. It is a problem that has been progressing each year.

According to economist.com, 1.49 million people were in homeless shelters in 2014. 578,424 people were living on the streets or cars.

Some words that Stephanie Zarate, Raquel Antuna, and Muskan Dhatt used about homelessness is helpless, appreciative, unfortunate, struggle, survival, and recovery.

What does the word “home” mean?

“To me the word home means somewhere I could go everyday after a long day of school or work and have everything I could ask for. My family, shelter, electricity somewhere where I can sleep, and somewhere where I can lounge around all day and feel safe,”said Stephanie Zarate.

Home is very important to Stephanie and others. It’s unfortunate others can’t have that feeling of home the way Stephanie does that safety, the shelter. Muskan has that protection ,and the comfort in her home.

“The word home means to me is a place where you feel safe,a place where you know nothing can’t harm or hurt you and a place you know you have protection from all the bad things outside the walls”. Said Muskan Dhatt

There's always been that debate about homeless people choosing to be homeless?”People think both yes or no.

“Yes because there are people that are homeless because they are addicts and they choose to live that life.” said Raquel Antuna

“No because there are other people like veterans who don't have a choice they just can't find a job so it's not their fault,so the government should be helping them.” Raquel Antuna said

Raquel thinks it's really an in between about the debate. Should the government be helping them out?

According to m.huffpost, 25% to 40% people who were veterans are now homeless. Could the government make a difference?

Another situation that's been a debate is whether to give the homeless money or food.

“I would give the homeless food because if i were to give them money they might use it to get drugs.”said Antuna

Stephanie agrees. she feels it’s best to give them food. Food will help them feel better and get some nutrients in their body’s instead of eating garbage from the dumpster or anywhere else.

“I think it’s better to give them food because you’re giving them a meal and even though that isn’t money at least they enjoyed their meal and got something worthwhile that day.”said Stephanie

It’s always hard seeing the homeless knowing you can’t actually help their situation. There’s only so much you can do for them but it’s always good to try and help ones in need.

“The hardest part about being homeless is about finding your way through the hard events you have to go through.It's like finding the light in the darkness.”said Muskan

It’s difficult when you see homeless people knowing they don’t have the privileges you you have like a shelter or water.

“I feel I should do something to help the homeless knowing they don’t have the protection they deserve.” Said Muskan

It’s always best for you to help out the poor like Raquel did as well as Stephanie. Just doing a little something for the homeless can mean a lot to them.

“I was leaving the grocery store and this person was asking around the parking lot if anyone had spare change and my dad gave them change.” Said Stephane

“I gave some money to a lady I seen on the side of the road.” Said Raquel

Go out and help the need! The smallest thing can make a huge difference.