For the informative essay, my goal is to identify issues concerning the homeless: specifically, what are the perceived causes of homelessness, who it affects, and an analysis of potential solutions via various public works projects. Traditionally, homelessness has been understood in regard to mental illness: individuals have been unable to adapt to society as a result of a mental health issue, such as schizophrenia or even post-traumatic stress disorder, in the case of veterans; or as a result of addiction issues, which would fall under the mental health category. However, there is also increasing research into homelessness as a result of economic disparity, particularly since the 2008-2009 recession. This category of homelessness refers to those who have become displaced due to rising economic burdens, and not as a result of mental health issues. These individuals often are forced to live in their cars or weekly motels, and find themselves suddenly homeless as a result of a foreclosure on their homes.
Because these represent two different types of homelessness, the solution to providing better care will naturally vary between the two. If the persuasive essay is to identify ways that society can provide more resources and help for homeless persons, then the informative essay will describe the types of barriers being faced. The focus will be on various programs that have been implemented, along with an evaluation of both successes and failures. The informative essay will also examine how these programs have been funded, as well as political and social forms of activism, both for and against providing aid and shelter. The informative essay will therefore lead into the persuasive essay by providing real-world examples that have created the best results, which will emphasize why some programs should be implemented over others that have proven to be less successful.
- Carrier, Steve. “The shockingly simple, surprisingly cost-effective way to end homelessness.” Mother Jones. February 17, 2015. Accessed February 7, 2018 at http://www.motherjones.com/
- Dear, Michael J., and Jennifer R. Wolch. Landscapes of despair: From deinstitutionalization to homelessness. Princeton University Press, 2014.
- Ravenhill, Megan. The culture of homelessness. Routledge, 2016.
