Charging The Homeless

As a part of life it is necessary for us to maintain a job with a steady paycheck in order to survive.  For many people large portions, if not all, of their paychecks go to rent, utilities, food, and miscellaneous bills.  But recently a small group of Americans have been forced to fork over almost half of their earnings, this group consists of homeless families.  In order to keep up with the bills for housing aid the government has recently enforced a law that has existed since 1997.  This law requires all families in New York City shelters to surrender a chunk of their earnings not to exceed 50%.  In due time the government will be a first hand witness to the number of homeless families who have remained in shelters, or who are literally homeless due to this law.  It is understandable to ask for a small portion of paychecks, but it is not necessary to leave already poor families falling deeper into a financial hole.

One main issue with expecting some type of rent from the homeless is the fact that these families are in shelters for a reason and would more than likely be in their own home if it wasn't for financial matters.  People do not wake up in the morning and dream of becoming homeless, there are problems that lead to this.  If homeless families are expected to hand over almost half of their monthly earnings then it will be more difficult for them to leave the shelter, thus raising the costs of housing aid the government must pay.  People must be able to save money to leave these places, in order to rent an apartment these days you are usually required to pay a one to three month security deposit.  Now if this deposit is the amount of the actual rent that's a lot of money!  Keep in mind these families are also paying for their basic needs expenses such as food and clothes and necessary items.  This plan needs to be revised and it must be taken into consideration that it will be harder and take much longer for families to make it on their own if they must give up half of their paycheck to stay in a shelter.

Another problem with this law is that if families do not come up with the designated rent amount they face the possibility of being kicked out of the shelter.  Many of the working people in shelters have low paying jobs and find it hard to even keep up with their current necessary expenses.  The obligation to pay the government a large amount of money every month becomes a great burden and for some it will mean literal homelessness.  This is not helping the community and the public.  Apparently it is OK for people to live on the actual street and struggle in one of the most horrible ways because they were involuntarily not able to comply with this law.  How will those families be helped? 

Without a doubt requiring people in homeless shelters to pay rent teaches them independence and guides them in the right direction of picking up the pieces of their lives, but it cannot be too effective if it is leaving them broke and possibly on the street.  One way to help with the housing aid costs would be to hold more fundraising events.  Of course there should always be an option for those who can to donate to homeless shelters.  There are so many events and charities for so many causes, but there are not enough for these families in the shelters.

No one should have to experience certain things, such as homelessness.  America is a great and powerful country and should be looking for more ways to promote better living and independence.  Asking people in shelters to provide half of their earnings only leaves them stressed and with yet another burden.  It is not fair to expect so much from those who are struggling, we should be providing support and guidance to pave the way for people in shelters to make it out of there and create a good life for themselves and their children.  This law has existed for over 10 years and is only now being enforced, if it was in affect when it was first passed and the amounts were reasonable there is a chance that by now the housing aid would be minimal.

Just sayin'...