What is it about?

Homelessness is an urgent and pressing problem in the United States. Homelessness can have severe and lasting impacts on physical and mental health, particularly for children. Homelessness also makes it difficult to access basic necessities like food, healthcare, and education. This book tells the stories of families who have experienced homelessness. It shares their experiences with poverty, eviction, and the challenges of navigating the social welfare system. It highlights efforts to address homelessness and provide support for those in need. Governments need to invest in affordable housing and support programs for families who are struggling to make ends meet. This could include expanding social welfare programs, such as food stamps and Medicaid, to ensure that families have access to basic necessities like food and healthcare. Governments also need to promote economic growth and create jobs, particularly in low-income communities where jobs are scarce. This could include investments in infrastructure, education, and training programs that provide pathways to higher-paying jobs.

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Why is it important?

Homelessness is caused by the lack of affordable housing, the decline of well-paying jobs, and the impact of systemic racism on communities of color. Addressing homelessness requires us to confront these underlying issues and work towards creating a more just and equitable society for everyone. Beyond the moral imperative to help those in need, there are also economic and social benefits to addressing homelessness. Providing stable and affordable housing to families can reduce the burden on social welfare programs and increase economic productivity. It can also help to build stronger and more cohesive communities, reducing social isolation and improving overall well-being. KEY TAKEAWAY: Homelessness is not an individual problem. It is a societal problem. We need to change our political systems to prioritize affordable housing, access to healthcare, and opportunities for education and employment.

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This page is a summary of: Invisible Nation, October 2016, University of California Press,
DOI: 10.1525/9780520966093.
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