The unwanted: part 2

Homelessness has always been a problem. It only seems to get worse as time goes by. There are many factors as to what causes homelessness. Mental illnesses, drug abuse, and financial inestability are just a few of these contributing factors to homelessness. About 16% of the single adult homeless population suffers from some form of severe and persistent mental illness (U.S. Conference of Mayors,2005). According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human services 2003 report,the majority of mentally ill patients can live in the community with the proper supportive housing options. Unfortunately, due to the decline in public assistance, many mentally ill homeless adults cannot afford a steady home. Many people assume that the government helps the mentally ill in every aspect. Little do we know to what extent. Financial inestability is also a major contributor to homelessness. Many people are frequently unable to pay for housing, food, healthcare, childcare, and education. Some difficult choices have to be made when the limited resources only cover some of these. Housing is one of the major necessities that takes a high portion of the income. In addition if jobs do not offer healthcare benefits, that can also cause a downfall to homelessness. As the National Coalition for the Homeless 2007 article stated "The average American is only an illness, accident or paycheck away from being homeless".

Resources: http://www.nationalhomeless.org
National Coalition for the Homeless

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

http://usmayors.org/uscm/home.asp.
U.S. Conference of Mayors

The unwanted

Homelessness has always been a problem, but as time goes by it gets worse. There are many factors that contribute to homelessness. The increase in rental housing and the lack of "well paid jobs", are two major contributors to homelessness. Rental housing has gone up significantly over the past few years making it difficult to maintain a steady "home". Many people would think that the homeless are in that position by choice. I know I used to think that way. Every time I would see someone standing in a corner holding a sign: "Very hungry, could you spare some change?" I would say to myself, "he/she looks like they don't want to work." But I now realize that the average Americans are only a pay-check away from being in that corner.

My favorite spot

We where asked to write about our favorite spot in our home. I chose my desk space because that is where I spend my alone time. I have two little boys so I do not get much time. My desk space is where I do my work, read, organize bills, or simply stare at the wall and think about life. There is really nothing interesting about this spot but it is where I can escape and reconnect with my inner self at least for a moment.

What do I want to know/learn about writing?

First of all, I would like to learn how to organize my thoughts in a way that they make sense. I usually write the same way I would say it. By this, I mean I literally write exactly how I would phrase something. I think I have the habit of doing this because I want the reader to feel as if I where telling him/her my thoughts. I use many examples in my writing to get my point across,but I don't know if that is acceptable in writing? I would definitely like to know what is a, "well written paper." In regards to this I am not talking about grammar, but more like content,thought and idea. I have a bad habit using fragments and run-ons. I don't know where to stop! I definitely look forward to minimizing or better yet eliminating that habit from my writing.