Homelessness, Essay Example

The existence and extent of the problem of homelessness is a depiction of the prevailing poverty levels within a given economy. The United States has a considerable number of homeless individuals who signify the different economic challenges faced by numerous groups with the American society.

Gender

A larger percentage of homeless individuals is female. This means that there are more homeless women than there are men. However, the contrast lies I the fact that more than 60% of homeless men are in shelters as opposed to the less than 40% of homeless women. This means that more women are homeless while more men are readily sheltered as opposed to women.

Race

Race is also a determinant of economic and financial well-being. Most of there are more white homeless individuals than there are Hispanic and black combined. However, there are more black individuals in shelters from the homeless than there are white individuals. This may be due to the fact that most people in the United States consider black individuals to be inferior when it comes to financial well-being.

Age

Age is determinant of the financial responsibilities that one has. In the United States, age influences the chances that one will become homeless. Most of the homeless individuals are middle-aged, between 31 to 50 years in age. This is because this is the actively working section of the population. At this age, most individuals become homeless due to unpaid mortgages and increasing financial obligations.

Individuals aged between 18 and 30 years make up the second largest group, while the least are children between the ages of 13 and 17 years. These children are homeless involuntarily. This is a status acquired due to the financial status of homeless. Most of these children come from families that are homeless, with most parents coming from the 31 to 50 years age group.