Proverbs 21:13..."Whoever shuts his ears
to the cry of the poor, will also cry him-
self and not be heard..."
Families with children constitute approximately
40% of the total homeless population. Between 1997
and 1998, homelessness of families increased by an
average of 15% in 30 cities in the United States
that were surveyed... however, 32% of the
requests for services by homeless were denied due
to lack of facilities. The number of impoverished
people increased by 41% between 1979 and 1990...
Families and children accounted for more than 50%
of that increase! 40% of persons living in poverty
today are CHILDREN.... In fact, the 1997 poverty
rate of 19.9% for children is almost TWICE as high
as for any other age group living in poverty.
Anually, the youth homeless population is estimated
to be approximately 300,000... 3% of the urban
homeless population is made up of children under
eighteen that are on their own...SO, WHAT CAN WE
DO? There are many things necessary in order to
alleviate the problems above. We need to create
jobs that pay a LIVING wage. We need childcare
for families that they can afford, and adaquate
transportation is also a necessity. Education and
training would also help in preparing parents for
better paying jobs to support their families...
But, even with more jobs, childcare and trans-
portation, we need AFFORDABLE HOUSING! Without
it, people cannot keep their jobs, nor remain
healthy...and that offers another necessity- we
need quality, affordable health care for every
man, woman,and child...
