Homelessness in Hawaii

Homelessness in Hawaii

Introduction

Hawaii is one of the most popular area to live and go for on vacation. The Hawaii islands, however, are a home to a large number of homeless people. These people can be seen everywhere including road under bridges, beach parks, under trees and many other places. There are many people who live in their cars, often whole families, or in tents on the many remote beaches. There are many homeless people who have kept all of their belongings in large backpacks. Many of them also often push them around in shopping carts.

Discussion

Since 2000, the number of homeless people in Hawaii has seen an increase by 61 percent. Over 6,000 people in Hawaii are homeless currently. According to data from the U.S. Census, the increase in homelessness in Hawaii is one of the highest in the United States. According to the U.S. Bureau of Census, 11.5 percent of Hawaii's population currently lives in poverty. Hawaii has a year-round warm climate, and this place has become home to activities like theft, rapes and burglaries which are a serious threat to the homeless people (www.to-hawaii.com).

Many factors as the reasons for homelessness in Hawaii to be seen. One of these reasons is the same as on the mainland of the United States, namely, the Welfare Reform Act of 1994 (Welfare Reform Act of 1994), the limited social assistance, which is paid to families of five years. Other local factors are the high cost of living (including housing costs) and the lack of affordable housing, drug problems and a lack of psychological support programs.

The problem of homelessness in Hawaii was taken over by the state of Hawaii which tried to reduce the problem, but it does not seem to be easily or quickly enough to go ahead. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (Abbey Ling of Housing and Urban Development) provided nearly six million for the homeless of Hawaii in the year 2005. Various agencies and utilities divided the money. This included homeless shelters to the many organizations which were combating the drug problem. A "tent city" near Waianae on Oahu's west coast was abandoned due to protests by the local population, as had the fear that this could lead to an increase in the crime rate.

Causes

The causes of homelessness are many. The most common cause, however, due to unpaid rent arrears and eviction to homelessness. Especially the lack of affordable housing and the decline of social housing had the effect that it came from the late 80s to a rise of rent arrears. Sometimes, however, an unreasonable or non-conforming use of the apartment leads to the termination of the lease. Risk for homelessness is also released prisoners if they are not rehabilitated after their prison stay and find a recording with relatives or former friends (www.nytimes.com). Other common reasons include the separation from the partner or his death. So it can be such a decisive turning happen that a person loses all grip and socially ...