In spite of the government downplaying the actual numbers, over 1.6 million children are homeless in the United States currently. This number does not include children sleeping on couches of friends and extended family members. The state of Wyoming has reported an increase of homeless to over 100%. The city of San Francisco has reported a 34% increase in homelessness. Deaths of homeless in the Bay area were reported at 28 in 2011. However, between 230 and 250 homeless were cremated at the city’s expense, which tells a grim tale. The government is under-reporting statistics to prevent wide-spread panic.

Over 13,000 homeless live in Boulder, Colorado where the average night-time temperatures are in the teens. 60% of those who are homeless in Denver, Colorado are families with children. Shanty towns all around our nation have been built to house people who have lost their homes and cannot afford housing. We have not seen anything like this since The Great Depression.

What Is The Definition of Homeless?

Generally the definition of homelessness is a person who lacks a regular, fixed and adequate place to stay over night. Sleeping on the couch of a family member or friend fits into this category. According to NOW on PBS the recession will force another 1.5 million people into homelessness over the next two years. More people, especially families are sleeping in their cars, living in shelters or living in tent communities.

Of the people I know personally, 6 are technically homeless. Sleeping on other people’s couches, or doubling up in apartments and homes is becoming the norm for many. Food stamps are available through local government offices which provide a $200 food card which was only good for cold or frozen food. I found this strange. If a person is homeless, where are they going to cook raw chicken or hamburger? Even hot soup is not allowed as a food stamp item. Only cold items can be purchased with a food stamp card

With many people losing their jobs, unless there is substantial savings many more will be homeless before the year is out. Unemployment rates are rising. Although there are jobs being offered, each position has approximately 300 applicants applying. Which means that employers can pick through and choose those with the best overall skill set at the lowest salary. Which is not good for our economy nor is it positive for those who have been seeking employment for six months or a year. The department of labor and statistics states that the unemployment rate dropped to 8.3% in February 2012. I have my personal doubts as to the accuracy of that statistic given the number of applicants for each position.

Full article @   Homelessness in America