Pete Schauer - Homelessness and Street Crime

Homelessness and Street Crime

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Privacy and Security in the Digital Age

Returning Soldiers and PTSD

Homelessness and Street Crime

Pete Schauer, Book Editor

Published in 2018 by Greenhaven Publishing, LLC

353 3rd Avenue, Suite 255, New York, NY 10010

Copyright 2018 by Greenhaven Publishing, LLC

First Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer.

Articles in Greenhaven Publishing anthologies are often edited for length to meet page requirements. In addition, original titles of these works are changed to clearly present the main thesis and to explicitly indicate the authors opinion. Every effort is made to ensure that Greenhaven Publishing accurately reflects the original intent of the authors. Every effort has been made to trace the owners of the copyrighted material.

Cover image: Rebecca Vale/Alamy Stock Photo

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

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Manufactured in the United States of America

Website: http://greenhavenpublishing.com

Contents

Foreword

Introduction

Chapter 1: Does Being Homeless Lead to a Life of Street Crime?

Overview: The Homeless Often Have to Commit Petty Crimes in Order to Survive

Stephen Baron

How a young individual is raised plays an important role on homeless youth, who often adapt to life on the streets by committing crimes such as drug dealing and robbery in order to stay alive.

Yes: Being Homeless Leads to a Life of Street Crime

There Are Numerous Factors That Lead to Youth Being Homeless

National Network for Youth

Mental health issues, substance abuse, and trouble in school are some of the most popular factors that enhance the odds of a young person becoming homeless.

Parental Abuse and Violence Lead to Future Crime and Homelessness for Youth

John Hagan and Bill McCarthy

Data suggests that families with backgrounds of violence and crime are more likely to produce a child who will commit a crime and be charged by police than families who dont have a history of violence or crime.

Untreated Mental Illness Is Connected to Homelessness and Criminal Activity

Best MSW Programs

Theres a direct correlation between mental illness and homelessness, with 385,000 homeless people in the US suffering from untreated schizophrenia or manic depression, and a number of them will end up in prison.

No: Being Homeless Does Not Lead to a Life of Street Crime

More Needs to Be Done to Help the Homeless

Bill Quigley

With fewer public housing locations available and cities making it a crime to be homeless, the odds of overcoming the homeless lifestyle are stacked against the homeless.

The Homeless Have Many Crimes Committed Against Them

National Coalition for the Homeless

While some people believe that homeless people are criminals, data suggests that hate crimes are commonly committed against the homeless, including a 61 percent increase in one year.

Chapter 2: Are the Homeless More Likely to Be Found Guilty of a Crime?

Overview: There Is a Direct Correlation Between Homelessness and Crime

Stephen Metraux, Caterina G. Roman, and Richard S. Cho People who get out of incarceration face an increased risk of becoming homeless due to difficulties finding housing and gaining employment.

Yes: The Homeless Are More Likely to Be Found Guilty of a Crime

Fees and Fines Dont Allow the Homeless to Catch Up

Terrell Jermaine Starr

Already in a bad situation, the homeless arent able to catch up because of the jailing of probationers who are unable to pay fines and fees, and things like asset forfeit seizures.

Poverty and the Criminal Justice System Go Hand in Hand

Political Research Associates

More than 50 percent of state prisoners report an annual income below $10,000 prior to being arrested. Those who cant afford a private attorney are more likely to spend more time in jail. The connections between poverty and crime are complicated.

Homeless People Are More Susceptible to Public Order Offenses

Sydney Criminal Lawyers

The homeless often have a criminal history, but their crimes are usually not serious. Public policy treats the homeless as criminals instead of victims, but more often than not, their offenses are trespassing and public urination.

No: The Homeless Are No More Likely to Be Found Guilty of a Crime

Homelessness Being a Crime Is the Real Crime

Allen Arthur

The fact that some homeless people are criminals isnt the main problem. Rather, the fact that being homeless is treated as a crime is the underlying issue.

Untreated Mental Illness Is a Gateway to Homelessness

Eve Abrams

Homelessness and criminalization are so common in New Orleans that the Municipal Court holds hearings at the local homeless shelter.

The Link Between Homelessness and Criminal Involvement Isnt Black and White

The Justice Management Institute

While theres certainly a link between homelessness and the criminal justice system, the reason for that link is sometimes beyond the control of the homeless person due to mental illness and other factors.

Chapter 3: Do We Have a Responsibility to Help the Homeless?

Overview: Health, Safety, and Education Are Crucial to a Successful Society

Paul Boden

Being homeless affects ones physical and mental health, and an inconsistent home life often has a negative impact on a homeless childs education. In fact, there are few areas of a persons life that being homeless doesnt affect, which in turn impact society at large.

Yes: We Have a Responsibility to Help the Homeless

The Government Has a Responsibility to Help the Homeless

Department for Communities and Local Government

The government has a responsibility to both the homeless and the non-homeless to develop committees and create plans to put an end to homelessness.

The Government Cant Do It Alone

Government of Western Australia

Western Australia has developed a State Plan that brings government agencies and community organizations together to create a strategy to bring homelessness to an end.

The Wealthy Need to Step Up

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Bill Gates, former CEO of Microsoft, and his wife, Melinda, are helping to provide transitional housing in Washington State through the Sound Families Initiative.

No: We Do Not Have a Responsibility to Help the Homeless

Government Funded Shelter Isnt as Crucial as We Think