Numbers of Homeless Outside Cities Increasing

This winter, homeless shelters are feeling the strain as more and more people lose their jobs as a result of the sinking economy. A few people were quoted in an Associated Press article saying:

"We are seeing many families that never before sought government help," said Greg Blass, commissioner of Social Services in Suffolk County on eastern Long Island.

"We see a spiral in food stamps, heating assistance applications; Medicaid is skyrocketing," Blass added. "It is truly reaching a stage of being alarming."

The article also later stated:

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's annual survey last year found homelessness remained steady at about 1.6 million people, but the percentage of rural or suburban homelessness rose from 23 percent to 32 percent. The 2009 HUD report, which reflected the 12 months ending Sept. 30, 2008, also found the number of sheltered homeless families grew from about 473,000 to 517,000.

The problem of homelessness is growing and becoming more apparent throughout the country. One official said in the article that the problem was caused by a combination of foreclosures, unemployment, and a shortage of affordable housing. The issue of affordable housing is a problem that can also be seen actively being tackled. It is important that we help try to solve this issue to help get those that are homeless and in shelters back into houses that they can afford so that they can function as a consumer and help get our economy up and running again.