Expository Essay: The Spectrum of Homelessness

“Money cannot buy happiness” - Adam Smith. However, I agree that it can provide security. Worldwide homelessness has been an epidemic since the dawn of time. Countries such as Germany, France and Canada, just to name a few, all have a population of at least 100,000 homeless people. Aside from the distress that many homeless people endure, there are many other factors under the spectrum of homelessness such as housing instability, food insecurity and the impact homelessness has on children. 

Housing Instability:

Since housing for the homeless is not affordable, limited, and semi-discriminatory, the homeless epidemic has not been able to be reduced. In regards to housing being semi-discriminatory, homeless shelters usually have curfews, schedules, a “no outside food” policy, no alcohol ingestion, limited smoking breaks or none whatsoever, and limits on visitors. Homeless shelters do provide security to an extent, but not all the perks that a “typical house” would. 

Food Insecurity, example: Chad, Central Africa 

Homeless people are at a much higher risk of food insecurity. The country with the highest percentage of food insecurity is Chad, Central Africa, which as of 2020 has a percentage of 44.7% of its population food insecure. The country of Chad, Central Africa is primarily low-income as well as land-locked. Oxford Languages defines landlocked as “(especially of a country) almost or entirely surrounded by land; having no coastline or seaport.” As a result, the low-income, lack of coastline and seaport make providing food to this country difficult as food cannot simply be transported to the country by sea vessel. I do believe that the government, not only to this country, can provide food to many countries in need, possibly by cargo aircraft. 

Impact on Children:

Aside from the restlessness that adults endure while being homeless, children are more susceptible to being victims of delayed development, learning difficulties and mental illness. Behavioral problems such as insomnia, eating disorders, bipolarity, and hyperactivity can occur as well. 

Closing statement: 

To conclude, the spectrum of homelessness is a world issue which I believe is very important and eventually can be solved with simple steps. If we work together now to attempt to end the struggle and distress, our future generations will have a better planet than we did and will for surely flourish. Leaving the world better than we found it should be a goal for many of us.