The Growing Homeless Disaster

Homelessness has long been a nagging problem without any good solutions. Until recently the majority of people living on the street were suffering from either mental issues or some type of dependence on drugs or alcohol or both. Now, don’t get me wrong, a few bad choices could theoretically put you or I on the street as well, but that tends to be the exception and not the rule. However, things are changing fast. The number of working people who are homeless is exploding. People going to work every day who simply can no longer afford a roof over their heads. I’m seeing it more and more and you likely are too; people living in their cars, cleaning up at the gym or Walmart bathroom then heading to work. I can only imagine the frustration and desperation these people must feel. The loss of security, the loss of hope; it must be soul crushing.

So why should you care? Now let me be clear, I’m no bleeding heart who thinks EVERYONE on the street just had a few bad breaks, no, many are there due to their own issues. However, with housing and rental rates up more than 40% over the last 2 years while real wages have dropped, many people simply aren’t making it. A recent poll revealed that millions of Americans expect to be evicted over the next two months and over 20 million households are currently behind on their utilities. Now throw in skyrocketing food prices and you have a recipe for disaster. Good people will do bad things if they become desperate enough. Its long been said that society is only 9 meals from chaos, and I’m convinced that’s true. What would you do if you or your family was literally starving? How far would you be willing to go to save them? To feed and shelter them?

This situation is likely going to get much worse before it gets better and as the problem grows so will crime. Most urban areas such as Chicago, LA, Baltimore, etc., are warzones already, but even in the rural area where I live, we are seeing an uptick in break ins, theft and even armed robbery. With raging inflation, a failing economy and the looming potential for mass layoffs, we are in for a rough ride. Imagine millions more people living on the street, no home, no food, no hope. Will you have to feed and provide shelter for friends and family? What about that elderly couple down the street? Will it even be safe to leave your home? What will you do if they come to your door? What if it’s you?

Prepare like your life depends on it, it does.