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PSJ Homelessness Emmanuelle, Kelechi, Bella, Tanvi (Discernment…

- - - - Kelechi: Downtown San Jose provides a plethora of options for us to learn about culture in our everyday society. Not only does it convey the many different types of culture seen in our world, but the numerous kinds of culture and diversity and the San Francisco Bay Area. Going to Notre Dame allows students a downtown campus where it becomes easy to be exposed to many different types of cultures and ways of life. While downtown I noticed homelessness. Homelessness is a huge issue that is seen everyday. Some causes can be health issues, non affordable housing, etc. Another issue I saw was mental health. Combined with homelessness, mental health is a big issue that is not being taken care of because people do not have access to the adequate help they deserve.
- - - - "Today, furthermore, given the worldwide dimension which the social question has assumed, this love of preference for the poor, and the decisions which it inspires in us, cannot but embrace the immense multitudes of the hungry, the needy, the homeless, those without health care and, above all, those without hope of a better future" (Pontifical Commission: Iustitia et Pax)
        
        This quote references the Catholic Social Teaching "Preferential Option for the Poor and Vulnerable". It explains how equity for those who are suffering can break them out of the cycle of poverty and homelessness and give them a chance for a better future.
  - - - This quote mocks those who say "God bless you" to the suffering, but don't actually do anything to help. This explains how actions are louder than words; instead of saying meaningless things, we should take actions to help people instead.
    - - This quote chides those who refuse to help the poor and homeless. It explains that it is our duty as children of God to make sure everyone is safe, and that includes the homeless as well.
  - - - Tanvi: I agree with all these quotes. Actions speak louder than words, and we need to give the homeless more opportunities to change their lives. I feel especially called to help the homeless since there are so many of them living near Notre Dame, which is part of my community.
      - Kelechi:
      - Bella: I agree with these quotes because I believe the homeless do deserve equality and good treatment. They are human too and deserve as much, or even more, care than anyone else.
      - Emmanuelle:
- - - - 4. Other issues like addiction of drugs and alcohol, mental illness, and domestic violence
        
        "50% of the cities surveyed by the U.S. Conference of Mayors identified domestic violence as a primary cause of homelessness" (http://www.nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/why.html )
        
        Mental issues, addiction, and domestic violence can sometimes leave no choice for people who are kicked out of their families. If they have no money, they may become homeless.
      - 2. Lack of employment opportunities and low pay for available jobs.
        
        "Declining wages, in turn, have put housing out of reach for many workers: in every state, more than the minimum wage is required to afford a one- or two-bedroom apartment at Fair Market Rent." (http://nationalhomeless.org/about-homelessness/)
        
        Even if people have a job, some of them are barely paid minimum wage, and don't have enough income to support themselves
      - 3. An outdated public assistance system.
        
        "Most states have not replaced the old welfare system with an alternative that enables families and individuals to obtain above-poverty employment and to sustain themselves when work is not available or possible." (http://www.nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/why.html )
        
        Many systems that are supposed to help those in need are obsolete and do not address the current issues in society. Most of them also attempt to rectify the problem of homelessness rather than the root causes.
      - 1. The lack of affordable housing and housing assistance options.
        
        "The lack of affordable housing has lead to high rent burdens (rents which absorb a high proportion of income), overcrowding, and substandard housing. " (http://nationalhomeless.org/about-homelessness/)
        
        The high rent and mortgage prices leads to a large amount of income being given away along with overcrowding.
    - - Not being able to make enough money
        
        "Low-wage workers have been particularly have been left behind as the disparity between rich and poor has mushroomed. To compound the problem, the real value of the minimum wage in 2004 was 26% less than in 1979" (http://www.nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/why.html)
        
        Low-wage workers are becoming increasingly poor as the minimum wage is slowly decreasing, leaving them with an unstable income.
      - Being kicked out or forced to leave home
        
        "Battered women who live in poverty are often forced to choose between abusive relationships and homelessness." (http://nationalhomeless.org/about-homelessness/)
        
        Some people have to leave unsafe situations, and sometimes are left having nowhere to go because they had to leave their support system behind.
      - Not being able to afford a house
        
        "In fact, the hourly wage needed for renters hoping to afford a two-bedroom rental home is $13.96 higher than the national minimum wage of $7.25." (http://nationalhomeless.org/about-homelessness/)
        
        Even if homeless people have jobs, they usually are low-paying. The minimum wage is simply not enough to help pay for houses, especially since housing is not affordable
      - Not being able to support both their families and themselves
        
        "If you are poor, you are essentially an illness, an accident, or a paycheck away from living on the streets." (http://nationalhomeless.org/about-homelessness/)
        
        Impoverished people sometimes can't afford to live in a house while having to also pay for healthcare, taxes, and food. This can lead to them having to give up their shelter so they have enough money to survive.