When I was younger, I remember being asked, “What are the basic necessities of life?” To which I responded with, “Food, water, clothes and shelter.” Chapter 9 in the CQ Researcher touched on the last factor listed, emphasizing its great necessity and complexity– homelessness.

When they hear the word “homelessness,” people often think of someone who is unemployed and fail to realize the group of people who fall underneath the homeless umbrella encompasses a much larger, diverse population (example: those suffering with mental illnesses; didn’t have the resources to go forward with their education or were prone to drug usage).  To the surprise of many, individuals who are considered homeless can also be underemployed. In other words, someone can have a job, but because they are not paid enough, they can not afford a roof over their heads. This is because rent is so expensive in New York City and with elements such as gentrification coming into play, the problem is seen to be growing. Families are being put out of their homes and displaced since they can no longer afford rent and if the cost of rent continues to rise, families barely making ends meet will face an even greater struggle. They will have a hard time affording food and healthcare, which are also needed to survive.

Homelessness is a prevalent issue in New York City and because of how it’s shown through the stereotypical personas in media, the idea of it is often misconceived. Those who are underemployed, have mental illnesses and couldn’t go far in their formal education because of structural discrimination are often unaccounted for when people think of homeless individuals. People should not have to worry about where they would be able to sleep or if they’ll be able to have their next family dinner at their dining table or in the streets.