Introduction
Different social and economic issues make people homeless all across the U.S., but the problem is nowhere as pressing as it is in California. Although homeless people are often associated with alcoholism or substance abuse, many Californians start living on the street due to purely economic reasons. They are priced out from their homes after staggering increases in rent prices that happen all across the state. The crisis intensified after the recession of 2008 when prices soared up, and now hundreds of thousands of people live in their tents or vehicles in LA, San Francisco, and other cities. Although many people prefer to close their eyes to the issue, no one can stand aside as it influences the life of communities in California. Even when it is not evident at first sight, homelessness impacts literally every citizen of the state in many implicit and explicit ways.
The Influence of Homelessness on Community
Local communities experience the most direct and immediate impact of homelessness. Numerous tents where the unsheltered population is accommodated are constantly before the eyes of residents, causing inconveniences. Such circumstances undermine the pleasant image of the city and its neighborhoods, which attract fewer people. Moreover, such places face problems with sanitation, public health, and safety. Homeless people often do not have jobs and become socially and economically marginalized. This condition makes them involved in different crimes, such as robbery, drug distribution, or prostitution, making the neighborhood a dangerous place to live. The dangers caused by homelessness are, therefore, real for other people who live beside them. Thus, it is in the interest of the community to solve it.
Costs of Homelessness for Taxpayers
Although it is not evident, even people, who do not see those tents near their houses, feel the impact of homelessness in California. The unsheltered and unemployed population bears a significant economic burden to the state and, consequently, to each of its taxpayers. Due to substance abuse, street violence, and low quality of life, homeless people experience a variety of health issues that result in increased costs for public health. Moreover, these are only limited emergency services, while most of these people still cannot afford adequate treatment for chronic illnesses. Additionally, the lifestyle of many homeless people involves criminal activity increasing the costs for law enforcement. Although homeless people seem to receive little financial assistance from the state, the total economic burden is immense. Given the fact that they do not generate income and do not have any retirement plans, all the citizens of California must pay their share to support homeless people.
Impact of Homelessness on People
Apart from the influence on all Californians, homelessness affects most severely those experiencing it. Being left without a place to live in the wealthiest state of the country is a severe challenge for everybody and an undeniable human tragedy. The status of homelessness aggravates their condition, restricts opportunities, and limits their chances for success in life. The things that seem common for many people, such as getting an education or raising children, are impossible for those who live on the streets. Moreover, many of these people experience severe health complications, economic insecurity, and mental health issues. Due to their vulnerability, they are exposed to violence victimization and have an overall lower life expectancy. Thus, the cost of homelessness can be measured not only in money spent but also in the number of lost lives.
Conclusion
The problem of a growing homeless population in many Californian cities impacts all aspects of life in the state. It is burdensome for any citizen without exclusion as it bears high economic costs and affects the everyday life of the cities. Nobody wants to live beside the tents as they disrupt community well-being. Moreover, every taxpayer has to finance healthcare, policing, and public services for those who do not bring income to the state. Finally, this is a tragedy for these people that directly impacts the way they live, work, bring up children, or merely survive.