American Shanty

As the current recession continues to clamp down, more and more Americans are facing homelessness. Whether they've become homeless due to foreclosure, or whether they've lost their jobs and are now on the streets, there is a rising tide of homeless people that are seeking shelter in so-called "tent cities."

From Seattle to St. Petersburg, and Sacramento to Nashville, tent cities are appearing in surprising areas. No longer connected just with major urban centers, modern shanty towns are popping up in more rural areas and on the outskirts of cities.

In addition to more shanty towns being created in recent months, pre-existing tent cities have also experienced surges in their resident populations. Emergency housing shelters—particularly in areas like California where the climate is moderate—have seen a major influx of people seeking their services, so much so in fact, that hundreds of people are being turned away every day.

When asked recently about tent cities and the increase of homelessness in America, President Obama said, "I'm heartbroken that any child in America is homeless. And the most important thing that I can do on their behalf is to make sure their parents have a job. Part of the change in attitudes that I want to see here in Washington and all across the country is a belief that it is not acceptable for children and families to be without a roof over their heads in a country as wealthy as ours."

Homelessness is nothing new in the United States; even when times are good our major urban centers struggle with homelessness. Thanks to the recent economic downturn however, more people than ever face the very real prospect of living on the streets.

Some have argued that tent cities are on the rise because of the record number of foreclosures happening around the country. Most however, believe that the foreclosure crisis is having more of a trickle-down effect rather than creating instant homelessness.

People who lose their homes to foreclosure typically are able to turn to renting as their first option. If they're still employed, their situation isn't totally dire, as they can still support themselves and find accommodations. Unfortunately, a rush of former homeowners entering the rental market can cause the rental rates to climb, which can make living in an apartment unreachable for lower income tenants. Those pushed out of the rental market have options like finding roommates or suites to rent, though a large number end up staying in motel rooms or other temporary accommodations. If motels become too expensive or overcrowded, then shelters and the streets are their next stop.

This trickle down effect has been happening with great rapidity of late, as the number of layoffs occurring is overwhelming the system. Two-income households are being reduced to one, and single income families are being reduced to nothing. Those who've been laid off face an extremely tough job market, where it can take up to a year to find something new.

It is the economic climate as a whole that is adding to the homelessness problem, not just foreclosures. Decreased property values and upside down mortgages have certainly added to our present situation, but it is the employment outlook that desperately needs to be brighter. Otherwise, there will be a fresh wave of Americans who can't find jobs or shelter, and must resort to living in tent cities.

Job loss, death of a spouse, mental illness, medical problems, and drug addiction are a few things that can lead to homelessness. Add to this the massive financial problems we've seen in this country, and you've got a recipe for modern American shanty towns.

No one can expect to eliminate homelessness completely, but it's important to make a start. Especially in communities where vacant properties outnumber the homeless, something in this country is out of whack. Homelessness needs to be tackled at its root level, and for those who've only recently become homeless, job creation and economic stimulus are a large part of the answer. By seeing tent cities spring up across the nation, it's clear that things are getting serious for many people. It's important that we all view the homeless as people deserving of respect and perhaps a little compassion—because one day we might join them.

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