h-History

  Homelessness is believed to have begun in Colonial America, 1640. The English “vagrants” were listed as outcasts and the police were after them. In the 18th Century, they were referred to as “Sturdy Beggars”, and were found in almost every corner of the colonial cities. Baltimore and Philadelphia had the highest rate of homelessness than in any other towns in America.   As result of the King Philip’ War Of 1675-1676 against the Native Americans, Many colonists were driven out of their homes to seek shelter in the forests or the coasts. They remained homeless for some time until a law was enacted to prevent “idleness” in the cities and those people were made servants or indentured servants. But as the war continued, many families were forced to become refugees in New York and New England.   After the Revolutionary War, homelessness was on the rise again. In 1857, many people were forced from their homes due to lack of both money and necessities, and the government gave no effort to stop it. Even though charities and organizations to stop the problem, it didn’t work.   Seven years later, civil war broke out in our nation, resulting in a raise in the homeless population. Many noble soldiers and veterans lost their properties, either by the enemy or because of natural disasters.   In 1929, the Great Depression era, homelessness increased rampantly, due to the crash and burn process the stock market went through. People, excluding the rich, upper-class aristocrats of America, went through the same ordeals. Families had no disposable income, and in some cases, women just walked out on their husbands, as divorce was expensive, making them homeless. Loans and mortgaging sky-rocketed due to the financial drought. In 1933, eight years before the Depression ended and the start of World War II, the National Industrial Recovery Act allowed Public Works Administration to help the slums and public poverty problems.   The most recent event that has resulted in mass homelessness would be the devastating Hurricane Katrina. On August 29th, 2005, this massive, terrifying storm stuck New Orleans, resulting in thousands of homes destroyed, leaving practically the entire population homeless. People scavenged for food and supplies amidst the flood, but to little effect. The people who remained were evacuated to the Superdome, scared for what their city and their homes would become. 
 * __ History of Homelessness  __**

Back