Hey everyone! Welcome back to the Current Event Blog!
This article directly correlates to what we discussed in class about how people are now living in tent cities all over the country due to massive unemployment and poverty. I also want you to research where else these tent cities are popping up around the United States.
This assignment is a little different from the previous assignments though. For this assignment, you only have to comment once. This is what I expect in your comment:
1.) Where else are these tent cities popping up?
2.) How do you feel about these tent cities and the fact that people have to live in them?
3.) Take an active stance. What are your ideas to fix this problem or to help these people out? What can you do personally to help out?
This assignment is going to be worth 10 points (3 points per question above). You get an automatic 1 point for doing the assignment. PLEASE REACT TO YOUR CLASSMATES' COMMENTS. This is an open discussion.
This assignment is due on Monday, March 7.
Here is the url:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-05-04-new-homeless_N.htm
According to the article, tent cities as well as similar homeless shelters are popping up all over the United States. They were reported in Massachusetts, Nevada, California, and of course, Florida.
ReplyDeleteThere is even a tent city here in New Jersey. In Camden, a klan called Transition Parks, works to put people back on their feet. This demonstrates how close to home the economic recession has truly hit.
I feel truly sorry for the numerous people as well as families that have been forced to live in these facilities. It diminishes everything that America was built on and everything that it stands for. Now, the American Dream is a lie.
In order to help these people, the government first needs to get them into shelters, or at least a stable facility. Then, the government needs to offer them at least small jobs. Whether they are working at McDonald's or whatever, an income is still an income. Next, the government needs to work on itself, and clean up some of the trillions of dollars of debt. If the debt lessens, I believe some of our economic problems will decrease.
--> Loren Sass
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with what Loren says about tent cities really hitting home due to their close location to home. Camden is not too far away and goes to show there are homeless people in need right in the state we live in, New Jersey. Tent cities I noticed tended to pop up in warmer areas such as Florida, California and Nevada. I believe this may have happened because if you are living in a tent, exposed to the great outdoors 24/7, warm weather would be a much more bearable setting versus states in which there are drastic climate changes which would make tent living an almost impossible option due to frigid winters and painfully windy falls.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that the option of living in a tent exists in today's society. Of course a home would be the optimal choice of living for any sane human being, however, due to the amount of homeless families and people out there, a tent provides a better alternative to a box on the street. As well, aide from organizations which help provide food, water, and other basic necessities in these tent cities really do make a huge difference in the lives of those living in these horrible conditions. It is truly a shame as Loren said that as the American economy continues to decline everyday more and more families are forced onto the streets. Men, women, and children are expected to put back the pieces of their lives with essentially nothing. They cannot go out in search of the possibly high paying jobs they once had because they are not clean shaven and in good enough physical condition to appeal to employers. it is absolutely disgusting that so many children in this country have to suffer the cruelties of being homeless due to the current recession which has brought people from all walks of life together to live in the slums.
In order to fix the problem in our nation, I feel while of course other nations matter, the United States needs to take strong action in helping its own people prosper and get back on their feet. We are so concerned with helping people throughout the world with their problems, yet we neglect to realize the myriad of homeless we have living within our own borders. We need the government to realize this and send supplies and aide to these tent cities in order to help our own citizens. We need to raise funds to provide the homeless with the proper conditions as far as clothing and cleanliness which would allow them to obtain the jobs they deserve. We need to all pull together as a nation to help our fellow human beings. If we all donated a small amount like a dollar, think of the amount of money Americans could raise to help the homeless in America. There are billions of Americans, so that would mean billions of dollars in aide if everyone worked together to dig ourselves out of this recession. Together we stand and united we fall. We have all fallen together and now it is the time to pull together and stand together and rise together as the prosperous nation our forefathers intended for us to be.
Deanna Carlucci.
The last comment was from Deanna
ReplyDeleteThere is no denying anything Loren or Deanna have previously stated. The amount of people trying to escape poverty is sickening. In the article there were not only new tent houses rising, but ones that previously were established had up to 2,000 new members or waiting lists. This increase was so fast (the past two years or so) that one cannot blame to the housing situations for their lack of space, but something definitely needs to be done. It is easy to say 3,000 people are living on the street. It is easy to tell someone about tents that people are living in and the plans they have to make to try and get back on their feet. But what is hard is really thinking about the lifestyle. Thinking that every night, instead of pulling up the covers while resting on a soft bed, someone is just happy they are not sleeping on dirt. Instead of thinking that they get fed, think about what they get fed. It isn't homemade pasta and meatballs or a fresh salad. It's probably something luke warm and maybe a little stale. The economic problem has escalated tremendously and something needs to be done fast. As Deanna said we fell together and now we have to rise together. Also maybe we should focus on our own situation a little more. Granted other places need help, and it is never wrong to lend a hand, but it becomes hard to help someone else if America stays in its current financial situation. And for as much help as we give out, how much help are we receiving ourselves?
ReplyDelete--Taylor Novello
While I have been reading about the Tent Cities in the United States I have come to learn that over the past two years or so the population and the need to expand Tent Cities have grown substantially. Due to the failed economy the number of people losing their homes and everything they own has grown so much that even the homeless shelters are wait listing people. It is crazy to think about how the facilities especially created to help those in need are full to capacity while still there are hundreds of thousands who are left homeless. The lack of space in homeless shelters has really been the main reason these Tent Cities are popping up. And as the economy worsens the more tent cities there’ll be, already there are a few in Seattle, California, Oregon, Nevada, Florida, and even New Jersey. As Loren mentioned there is a large Tent City in Camden, NJ and I have also come to learn of one in Lakewood, NJ. Both of these are right in our backyards so to speak. I honestly feel terrible that so many people have had to succumb to homelessness. It really makes me so thankful for what I have. The fact that The U.S that is supposed to be so wealthy and powerful has so many of its citizens living in poverty and hardship is ridiculous. I agree with what Taylor said about the lifestyle these Americans have to live in everyday and how we really should think about how grateful we are. There are many Americans with homes near Tent Cities who complain and sue in order to have the Tent Cities removed but how is that helping? How selfish do we look not only as Americans but as human beings as well to but pushing the homeless out to better the “Look” of our towns? I think that the only way to truly “eliminate” Tent Cities is by lending a helping hand as Deanna was saying we worked together to get into this crisis we can work together to get out. The people of our Country are in debt but so is our Government, we cannot rely on a government with no money to help the poor we must take matters into our own hands and donate, money, food, clothes or whatever else we can.
ReplyDeleteWell, to start, I agree with everyone that has spoken before me. Tent cities are popping up around the United States and that is not good for us as a country, let alone the individuals staying on the streets. The tent cities are reported to be popping up in Washington State, Florida, California, Oregon, Nevada and our home, New Jersey. As Loren and Suraija said, there are tent cities in Camden and Lakewood, New Jersey, and it’s scary to know that these cities are so close to where we all live. I feel bad for those who are going through this right now and even though I am grateful to be able to stay in a house and not on the streets, I will not act as if I am better than them because in the blink of an eye, my family could be in the same position. It’s terrible what people have to go through in order to survive, and it sucks that it has come to this horrible condition. Also, I agree with Suraija, talking about how we, as fellow Americans, should donate food, clothes, money and other materials that they could use. Just because we are better off does not mean we should be selfish with our own materials and money, we definitely need to help get these tent cities out of the country.
ReplyDelete- Jada Simone Nims
To repeat what has already been said would be a complete waste of time. I can however agree with everyone when they say that the number of tent cities and waiting list for homeless shelters is revolting. I do believe the government needs to better their economic stance to prevent the growth of the tent cities and over flowing homeless shelters. In my opinion the first step would be withdrawing from the current war. However we are all aware that this is not an easy task. It is frightening that with the country in such horrible economic state, anyone at any point may be forced to live on the streets.
ReplyDelete-Tiffany Medina
I agree that tent cities are not good for the country. Yesterday, I was watching Lisa Ling's Our America, the episode was about sex offenders, and a section of this episode was about sex offenders who live in tent cities in Florida, because of all the restriction on where the can live, and they cannot afford a place to live. The police spoke about how the tent cities make it harder to know where they are staying because the cities are not permanent addresses. I thought this was scary that this makes it harder for police to keep track of them. How do you feel about these types of people living in tent cities?
ReplyDeleteFor people who live in tent cities and have no committed any type of crime, it is so unfortunate, that someone who has worked so hard in their lives should have to worry about where they are going to sleep. This is a problem that need to be addressed and fixed immediately.
It is horrible that people are forced out of their comfortable lifestyles into these tent cities and homeless shelters. Due to tent cities in places like Nevada, California, Flordia, New Jersey, Washington, Tennessee, etc, it is obvious that the three class American society is becoming a two class one. The line between the lower and middle class is becoming thinner and thinner as the recession continues. And although I feel bad for the thousands of homeless (newly homeless or pre- recession homeless), I also understand the view of homeowners who don't want tent cities in their community. However, I think if we as a society show compassion to these people and try to help them, then the problem will be fixed a lot sooner than if we turn our backs. I also think it's good that these tent cities have been estabilished such as the one in Flordia because even though they're homeless, they managed to estabilished a structured society of their own. Personally, I can help the homeless population by donating clothes/supplies,participating in food drives,volunteering at shelters and giving speeches to homeless people who have given up hope of finding jobs. I think if the homeless keep looking for odd jobs and we try to help them, the extreme, saddening homeless problem can be cured.
ReplyDelete-Na'im Shaw
Everyone knows that our country is in a major recession, but it's hard to imagine the actual toll it's taken on our country. Although there is a difference between the great depression and our current economic situation, there are many people who are living in the same conditions as those in the 1930's. It's bizarre that unimportant things like celebrity life is constantly advertised when the fact that our own friends and family are forced to live in the woods, is hidden from the public. Just like everyone has mentioned, there are many tent cities all over the country in places like Florida, Washington, California and Nevada. However the one that caught my attention was one not too far from our own backyards in Lakewood New Jersey. This tent community, in the woods is a safe environment equipped with clothes and food to water being heated by a car battery or showers. Reading about this site made me slightly optimistic, because although these people have nothing, they all share and are all friends and they make the best of the situtaion. The thing thats makes my blood boil is that the mayor of the town wants to close down the camp. How can he do that? Can't he see that this might be the only thing these people have in their lives to survive? Doesnt he see that by putting funds into these sites might help our economy and population? I am outraged by his comment, "If they want to live in the woods, thats all well and good, just not on my public property". I believe that these camps are a great TEMPORARY fix to many issues, and if everyday people such as ourselves along with the red cross pitch in our time and effort,we can really make a difference in our neighborhood.
ReplyDelete^sam furst
ReplyDeleteI believe the current financial circumstance in the U.S. is extremely unfortunate. According to the article, tent cities are spreading throughout the entire nation from Maryland to California. I am shocked tent cities are even located within such close proximity to us in New Jersey in areas such as Camden and even Lakewood, which I’ve passed a million times without even noticing these areas or the issue. I completely agree with what Deanna said regarding the benefits of having tent cities built in today’s economy. As she said, a home is a much more practical option for a family to live in. However, tent cities give people the opportunity to get back up on their own two feet without starving or freezing to death on the streets. They give families a shelter and place to sleep that the streets do not optimally provide. Personally, I find it incredibly difficult to imagine entire families living in these tent homes, especially with children, elders, and infants who have much more needs of survival. In order to fix this issue of the insane level of homelessness in the country, more jobs need to be available. I understand how difficult this is in today’s economy and crisis within the job market, especially since many of the people living in tent cities actually held a job prior to becoming homeless. I also am certain a large number of the families living in the tent cities are looking extensively for a job, particularly because they are expected to move on within five months of staying at the tent. I suggest they look for jobs that many people do not want to do or do not choose to do since these particular jobs need employers quickly. In order for myself to help the people and families living in tent cities, I agree with Taylor’s suggestion. I can easily donate clothes of mine to help out these families or collect clothing from friends or family. Also, I can send out toiletries, blankets, and canned foods or foods that don’t require the use of an oven in order to prepare it out to locals living in these tent cities. I would like to do whatever I can in order to help out the current situation in our country because every small donation or ounce of help is beneficial in some way or another.
ReplyDeleteCheyenne Chmara
I agree with everything that was said so far. tent cities have been popping up in areas of Massachusetts, Nevada, California, and of course in Pinellas county, Florida. It is reported that there are about 7,500 homeless people, along with 1,300 children in the families. It is a very unfortunate event, and what is sadder is that daily these tent cities increase. After reading this there is no reason why anyone with a home to live in with loving people around them should complain because it is by far better than living in a tent city.
ReplyDeleteIt will be a challenge to try and fix the problem but what can happen is do what president Hoover tried to do and create massive projects which in turn give jobs. Not only that but enhance what is already being done to help out the condition of these people and create more charity organizations and sponsor them. Personally i can organize a group of friends to save up money and when we reach about $2000, we may go out and feed some people in need of food. Unfortunately because we are in a recession there is limits on what can be done but every little bit that a person does helps a life.
Aaron McCombs
As I read the article i kept feeling more and more sorry for all the families that suffer because of the current recession. There are tent cities popping up all over the country other than Florida. Such as Nevada, Massachusetts, California and even in New Jersey. This is a clear example that the recession is affecting the entire country, in many cases when things look bleak we simply say it does not affect us. However, in this case it proves that the hard times of the recession are hitting everyone very hard, and extremely close to home. This is the ugly side of America, not everyone is living the American Dream.
ReplyDeleteThis is a difficult situation to be fixed. When things have gotten as bad as the recession is now it is a serious challenge to resolve this problem. People have nowhere to go and sadly, are forced to live in these tents. In order to fix this however, the first priority is to get these people temporary homes, medical assistance, and temporary jobs so they can help themselves and the economy. As an individual there isn't much i can do to have a large impact on this, but i know i can do my part by helping people whenever i have a chance. For example, if everyone that is in a good financial situation offers community service to those in need, it will have an immense positive affect on all those people forced to live in tents.
-- Isabela Aguiar
These tent cities are popping up from "California to Massachusetts" as stated in the article. I feel SO bad for these people. I cannot imagine what it would be like to live without an actual home. It's things like this that make me really grateful for everything I have. If i had all the money in the world i would want to help these people with everything I've got. I honestly think the government should make a bill or a law that every person in this country should be guaranteed a house with their family. I have no idea how that would happen especially in our state of turmoil now-a-days. But, something I could do to help out could be starting a petition to have a bill that everyone can have a home of their own. I also agree with Suraija about donating everything we can to these people.
ReplyDelete- Madison
The immense amount of tent cities is deplorable for such a modern country like the United States to have. Our country is one of the most powerful countries in the world yet people are living in tent cities because they cannot afford homes. It is disgraceful that our nation cannot prevent this from happening. The nation should have a better unemployment plan for those who loose their job their job due to an economic downfall, or perhaps a law which would prevent someone from loosing their house if they are unable to pay due to the say reason. I think it would be a good idea if as a school, we contacted a homeless shelter or a charity that helps people in this situation,and put on a charity performance of some exerts of our past performances,all of the profits from the performance can go to help the homeless people living in the tent cities.
ReplyDeleteEver since our economic crisis, everything has gone downhill. People are basically stuck in their own specific situations for their lives to just get worse. Jobs are unstable and people are getting kicked out onto the street without an option to make things better. Because places don’t have the money to pay its workers, they have been firing people left and right. Those without jobs to begin with don't have it any better. It’s harder to look for a job these days. Many places are not hiring and those that do require all these credentials. Then, you have the people who actually have the drive to go out and get an education are not given the option for they don't have enough money to pay for it. Without an education, there is no option of attaining a degree; without a degree, there is no option of a proper job; without a proper job, there is no option of a substantial pay; without money, where is there to go? That leaves all those people stuck out onto the streets with nothing. As I was researching, it said that people have moved themselves and even their families to try to find a better life and have ended up spending their money to travel and, when they ended up in a different city, had no place to go because no one was hiring new workers. Also, because people are stuck to live in tent cities, the number has increased drastically. It has gotten so worse that sometimes, tent cities are too packed to even accept anymore people. Do you know how horrible it sounds to not even be able to stay in a tent city? That’s like saying you have no place on the street. It’s really sad to say that these people are in our own backyard and could even be someone you know. Literally, you could be rich one day and then scraping for food the next. Because of the downfall of our economy, prices have raised and those who were doing okay are now struggling. That’s a very difficult situation because now more and more people are scared to be stuck without a home. It actually makes you extremely grateful for what you have. Think about it: all of us have a safe home where we can chill and watch television on a couch or nap on a comfy bed then wake up the next day knowing we will eat. However, those people who live in tent cities are completely exposed to diseases without money for medicine, starving from lack of food, and sleeping on the ground without the warmth of a blanket. True, a tent is better than a box or some scraps, however, it is far from ideal. Tent cities have been popping up all across America – California, to Nevada, to Arizona, to Florida, and even New Jersey. NEW JERSEY. Yes, our own state. That’s pretty insane to think that we have a tent city right in our backyard. Shelters are filled to the max and people are forced onto the street. That really shouldn’t be happening. As the saying goes “You’re only as strong as your weakest link.” So, if America wants to get better, we have to start with the people who have it the worst. Yes, it would be ideal to ask people not to be greedy and give up a bit of their lavish lifestyle to help another in need. However, that doesn’t always happen. Personally, I would love to give a homeless person somewhere to stay, but I don’t think that would work out too well. All I can do is make those who have power in this world more aware. Maybe those feeling generous can help someone out who is not doing as well as they are. I’m really glad to hear about the organizations helping those in tent cities by giving them food and such. Maybe we can help them out. We can donate supplies to our tent city neighbors in New Jersey, taking it one state at a time.
ReplyDelete- Leah Estillero
Tent cities are popping up all over the country, including states like Florida, Connecticut and Nevada. I feel sad and almost angry at these tent cities being created. No one should have to live on the street away from the chance of a home to live in. I believe that in order to solve this problem, we should stop wasting money in wars and start contributing money to helping these people get back on their feet. As citizens, we can contribute by donating some food and shelter for homeless people.
ReplyDelete-Dan
The article says tent cities have been popping up all over from California to Massachusetts. That's pretty much anywhere from coast to coast. I feel terrible that they're even happening and that people have to live in them! It's not a pleasant ideal living situation, and it's not always their fault they have to live how they live. To help them, I personally would at least try to give money to those I see who are homeless and if not, at least offer some food or blankets or what not. I don't like that they have to live like that, no matter what they did to end up there. Like Dan sad, I believe we should stop wasting money on the war and focus on our citizens and help them in whatever way we can.
ReplyDelete~Athena
Like we were all informed after reading this article, tent cities are everywhere. It's a devastating truth that is slowly being revealed - and it's almost even more devastating that some people seem to be reverting back to the same state as was once seen during the Great Depression. I feel terrible that these people have to live in conditions that are not even civil, and the fact of the matter is these people need jobs. In times like this finding jobs are so hard, and this should not be. America should be a properly functioning society where opportunities should be available to everyone. Seeing that so many of these tent cities are popping up, one can infer, opportunities must be very scarce. The government should make it their business to help continue the idea that America is the land of opportunity, where people can progress and make better lives for themselves instead of living in impoverish environments. Looking back at our nations history, many people immigrated to this very country to leave their poverty stricken towns for a better future. Thus why we should continue to stick to that notion and give them that opportunity instead of lacking in what we ought to be doing. On a personal level, like Leah said, donating would be such a huge help. Providing basic needs can do so much for people who struggle. Hopefully donations will lift weight off shoulders to enable these people to go forward and work at making a better future for themselves, instead of having to worry about not being able to provide for themselves or their families each day.
ReplyDelete-Chelsea Hernandez
Tents are popping up all over from Massachusetts to California. I think it is sad that people have to live in these tents. One minute they are living comfortable lives and the next, they are homeless with no where to go. Someone should start an organization to donate necessities to these people. Donating goods is something everyone is able to do whether it be food, clothes, blankets, etc. It would help a lot of people out.
ReplyDelete-Julia Hodczak
Well, the tents are starting to pop everywhere in the United States. It's just a poor reflection of this economy. Unfortunately though, there isn't much we can do to prevent homelessness.
ReplyDeleteI understand why residents living in the towns where tents are, are concerned for the well being of their children and how they do not want them exposed to homeless people who do drugs etc., but I don't think that should exclude those people from the homeless centers. The rules are not for the homeless citizens not to engage in any illegal activity and if those people do not follow those rules, then they should not be allowed to have the blessing of having a tent as a home. If they cannot respect the rules, then so be it.
Well, an awesome thing to do is volunteer at the homeless places! I've done it before and it was such an awesome experience. I went to a homeless shelter called the Bowery Mission in New York and it was great. So many homeless people are really kind and very grateful for the food and shelter they receive. Then there are those who don't and I had to witness that myself as well, but it's those we need to have patience with. I served in the kitchen and I helped clean a lot too and I spoke to some of the homeless people as well! I loved it. It's something everyone should do because personally, there's almost nothing better than pouring into others. (:
~ Emily Fernandez A 1/2
RYRY ON THE ISSUE OF SHANTY TOWNS
ReplyDeleteStrangely, web browsers fail to provide decent information of the increase of America’s tent cities or “shanty towns.” Shanty towns are simply the shelters for the economically homeless, who lost their homes due to foreclosure, the recession, etc. After researching the specific locations where these tent cities are located, I have drawn the conclusion that several sources fail to give specific areas in which have these shanty towns inhabiting them. Maybe this is done so on purpose, so as not to disrupt the real estate market…
Anyway, it appears as though California (i.e. Sacramento), Massachusetts, and Florida are America’s leading providers of tent cities. Furthermore, in Lakewood, New Jersey, there appears to be a little shanty town of its very own, apparently. Idealistically, the thought of people living in these campsites rather than proper housing is a fairly wretched thought. However, personally, it warms my heart knowing that at least these unfortunate individuals have a tent to sleep in (often provided by the shelters); at least they are not literally sleeping on the street or sidewalk. Also, even though I believe every person should have a home to call his own, sleeping in a tent is better than sleeping out in the open in a pile of leaves. The earliest hominids of the Earth adapted to their surroundings by building shelter for themselves out of the resources the environment provided them. These people are truly amazing individuals and should be subject to praise, in that they did not give up when meeting up with fate, but they instead took action for the betterment of themselves and their families. They were willing to make drastic alterations to their lifestyles, in order to continue living. And hopefully, after all of this hoopla is sorted out, these people can teach us materialistic human beings how to let go of the less important and unnecessary amenities, and truly care for nature.
This controversial issue is quite puzzling, in that only time will tell the country how to resolve the issue at stake. In all honesty, I cannot think of any personal act of mine that could directly help out the situation at hand. I am an advocate of positive thinking and optimism, so automatically I would believe that if we all work together, we can better these people and this situation. However, I do not foresee any type of resolution on the people’s part to this problem. In truth, even if my entire class sent these people a simple donation, there is no guarantee that the money would reach them. Plus, that is money out of our pocket as well, and money is a lot more difficult to come by during this recession which is full of anguish and trepidation. I know what I will do, which is in fact the only thing that I know I can do, and that is to pray for them. Pray for these people, and hope for a better tomorrow.
Tent cities are now coming up all over the United States. It's very unfortunate that the economy has driven people to the point of living in tents. From Florida to California, Oregon, and Nevada, tent cities are popping up. They are even appearing, as previously mentioned, in New Jersey in the town Camden. I feel sad for the horrible conditions that these people are experiencing. People who have worked hard to obtain an education and a college degree are out of work and without homes. It is unfortunate that the economy is in such a bad state. For some families, spending has had to be limited. For others, as featured in the article, the consequences are far worse. The typical middle-class man who once lived a comfortable life, is now on the streets. It shows how homelessness is affecting everyone. I agree with Leah, Chelsea, and the others who mentioned the idea that to help the conditions we should donate clothing. We all have old clothing that we've grown out of. Instead of just letting it sit in your drawer, take what you don't want and bring it somewhere that can get it to shelters. Emily, I think it's great how you've volunteered at shelters. I'd like to do that as well when given the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteJackie Weisser
I basically agree with everything that was already said. Tent cities are all over the U.S. and that fact that there is on ni New Jersey in Camden, not that far from where we are, should really open a lot of eyes. These people live in terrible conditions mostly because they were failed by the economy of the country. And i agree with emily about how people in these towns near the tent cites are worried about their safety and how the homeless people who follow the rules should have tents. I think that is a good idea that could also ease the minds of the citizens near the tent cities.
ReplyDeleteIt is really sad to think about people who have everything that has become so customary to us taken away from them. I could not imagine not living in a house and having to live outside in a tent, especially in these weather conditions.
I think getting people back on their feet in this economy is a very hard task. I think individuals should continue to help homeless people with things like soup kitchens and donating their time to help them out. Also programs that give people things like suits and work clothes so they can interview for a job are a good thing. All we can really do while the economy is where it is, is to continue to be generous and help those who are less fortunate to us.
It really caught my eye when I researched that tent cities were literally everywhere. I have read about tent cities in Nevada, California, Oregon, Tennessee, Ohio, etc. More specifically the homeless seem to gather in fairly known, popular cities including, Reno, Seattle, Athens, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Portland, Santa Barbra, Fresno, Chattanooga, San Diego, and Columbus. All very famous… all very business oriented… all very homeless populated. Unfortunately, our country is in a recession. The stock market is not doing very well. The unemployment rate is very high. People are trying to save money every chance they can get resulting in homelessness. Most Americans struggle to put dinner on the table at night and manage off of unemployment payments. The people who are homeless cannot help but to live in tent cities. The conditions are atrocious and unbearable. Having to adapt to an unsanitary, smelly environment is very frustrating and depressing. The United States needs to take action, find people jobs (ANY job) and cut down on prices in general. I understand the economy goes in a cycle with prosperity to build up to explosion (recession/depression). I do have faith that our country will eventually ease out of the current situation because of that cycle. Although, I feel there should be ways to avoid it. Americans need to be made more aware of our country’s history and made aware of how it functions now. If everyone realized how much they spend or acknowledged how much they waste the country would be much easier to tolerate. With all of the other problems the world is going through, the last thing we want is for our country to crumble to the ground making it venerable. Personally, I could cut down on family expenses including takeout orders, clothing, unnecessary items, etc. I could also save energy including electricity, washer and dryer loads, and faucet use. If everyone took part in helping our country, our economy would prosper, thus, our country would not be in recession.
ReplyDelete~Sam Krupa
I agree with the majority. It is sad to know that in this day and age, people are still living in these shanty towns. Less than an hour away, there is a tent city in Lakewood, NJ. Last year they made a lawsuit to remove those homes. This would lead the people that already had very little with even less. This is one main effect of our failed economy. I can not imagine what it can possibly be like to experience that. Many cities have gained an abundance of tent homes due to the recession. These are some of the same cities that prosper in wealth and buisiness. Sometimes things have to get worse to get better.
ReplyDeleteI learned from the article that tent citied are now being built all around the country, from California to Massachusetts. Although people are going to school, getting a good education, and getting a job does not prevent you from going broke. These people are people who were successful, but recently got laid off. Since they have no money, they can't support themselves. The National Alliance to End Homelessness is giving $1.5 billion to help with the issue, but it will not be nearly enough.
ReplyDeleteIt is absolutely horrible that people have to live in these terrible conditions. They did everything they were supposed to to become successful, but the economy brought them down. I feel bad that they didn't make the choice to live like this and it's so difficult to get out of these situations.
To be honest, I already do things to help these people out. We have an opportunity at my church to collect food and money and help out the homeless. It really makes me feel great to know that it's making a difference. Now all that is left is to get more people on board to help out and then the change will be massive.
Tent cities or Hoovervilles are popping up all over the United States from Flordia to Massachusetes to New Jersey. People seem to come together because money is gone and there is no where else to go. I do not think that these people can help it. The homeless have no money and if there are no jobs, how can scoiety expect them topick up and find work. The United States needs to focus on the rebuilding of our economy which has gone down since we entered the war. Perhaps, this could supply more jobs. We need a new social contract a lot like what FDR did when our country was in The Great Depression. If we pulled togther as a country then we could help everyone.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I believe that I could save more with spending more and working hard at school. I believe that greatest thing to have is an education and that is one way to fix the problem.
^^ camila bermudeZ
ReplyDeleteI think it's really sad and eye-opening about the economy that there are tent cities popping up these days all over the country in California, Florida, and even close by in New Jersey. I can't imagine how terrible it is for people who are educated and once had jobs and comfortable lifestyles to have to live in shanty towns and struggle to get by every day. I agree with Sam in that the government should be trying to take more action to find these people jobs and that would hopefully lead to an improvement in the economy. I also agree with previous comments about how we can all take part in helping out at shelters and donating our old clothing. Although that will not rid the country of homelessness, it is a step in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteAudrey Romano
I think it's really shocking to see that tent cities are actually around today. I think people never realized how bad these types of situation could get. The fact that tent cities are in places like California and Florida. Two places people would never have expected. Places that are viewed to have perfect citizens. Although tent cities become people's homes, i feel that it give it's owners a lower self-esteem. Living in a tent city is just like public embarrassment like a big shout out to the world that says, "I"M HOMELESS!" I think that cites that have Tent Cities need to make a change. Family shelters should be built so families can stay together. Having shelters around will make it easier for to have security. They will know that they have a place to go to, a place to get food, and a place to shower. It will give them a sense of having a "home" again.
ReplyDelete-Sydney Rosenebrg
3.) Take an active stance. What are your ideas to fix this problem or to help these people out? What can you do personally to help out?
In my opinion, tent cities are horrible and no one should have to experience such misery. This gives me a totally different look at today's economy. It's sad that people have to live in terrible conditions such as the ones in tent cities. Learning that there are still tent cities today makes me so greatful for what I currently have. Many of us complain not realizing that there are other people with worse conditions than ourselves. I agree with Audrey and anyone else that might have had the idea of helping more shelters. I think everyone should take time to help local shelters by donating clothing, toys and canned goods for the less fortunate. This can possibly spark bigger and better ideas resulting in a better econonmy and community.
ReplyDeleteBria Stewart
I find it really unfortunate that tent cities like the ones in California, Massachusetts, Nevada, and New Jersey are becoming more and more common these days. I cannot honestly imagine what it must be like. Some people can blame themselves for their situation, but many can't. Many people living in these tent cities are well educated people with college degrees. They held steady jobs with a good salary when the economy took a turn for the worse.
ReplyDeleteIn January 2010 i went to Washington DC for a program in which i learned about many of today's prevalent issues. At one seminar i attended about poverty, three homeless people spoke. Two out of the three were homeless because of a series of unfortunate events that occurred. One man held a steady job as an engineer until he was laid off in late 2009. Soon after, his house burnt down. Because he had no job he could not pay for insurance to fix his house. He then spent the next 3 months living in his car. One day he came back to his car and found it had been towed away. As of January 2010 he was living day to day in various homeless shelters in the DC area. It sounds like i'm making all of this up, right? The sad fact is this kind of stuff happens everyday to thousands of Americans.
After hearing the men speak, everyone was split up into different rooms. We were put into groups of two or three within those rooms and were given envelopes with different scenarios inside. in my group, i was a mother and the two other group members were my teenage children. We were told i had just been laid off from my job, and because there was no income we were on the verge of loosing our very small house. We were given a few dollars worth of fake money and had to go around to different soup kitchens, banks, employers, and supermarkets (pretend stations within the room) and try to make enough money or figure out how to survive. I could only make enough money, with my college degree, to buy a loaf of bread for my children to split. Although the game was pretend, it really showed me how hard it is to survive in today's economy. I cannot imagine what it must be like for people who are living in the situations for real.
I believe, like Camilla, that educating ourselves about the causes and effects of poverty is very important to helping our country's situation. Once educated, people will be more cautious about their spending and will be more willing to help those in need. I also agree with Sam K about helping out at homeless shelters and soup kitchens. Donating our time and effort can make a big difference.
- Amie Diamond
While really bad, these tent cities are all supposed to be temporary shelters, not long term. The fact that people are staying there for so long is what is making the whole shelter system fail. Also, I think that the system of iving priority to families is a good idea because they are bigger and need more necessities then single people do.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Bria. People shouldn't have to go through living in tents, regardless of their economic status. a better, yet mor expensive system, would be to build shelters for everyone who is out of a home. It would work the same way as the tent cities, but everyone would be living in a building and not a tent.