Definstitutionalization In America

The FrontLine says, “Deinstitutionalization is the name given to the policy of moving severely mentally ill people out of large state institutions and then closing part or all of those institutions; it has been a major contributing factor to the mental illness crisis.” (Deinstitutionalization). Due to moves like this, homelessness doesn’t decrease, it just increases. Approximately fifteen percent of Americans are chronically homeless. Being chronically homeless means that a disabled person will experience homelessness for a year or longer(Social Solution). Homeless mentally ill people are being kept homeless, which is a problem, but there is always a solution.
Homelessness has been on the earth for forever. But, In 1383 the homeless could be sentenced to prison. If they weren’t they were left in public. In 1530, whippings were given to the homeless. It was assumed that they were unlicensed beggers.In 1547, the homeless were seen as dangerous. A bill was passed to say that some of these people were dangerous. If they were dangerous their first offense was two years in jail, with a branding of a V on a mainly visible part of the body like the arm, or leg. The second penalty was death.(Wikipedia). In the 1640s it was …show more content…
Luckily there are housing programs, the most popular one is the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. This particular program provides safe and decent housing for the low-income elderly, and the disabled. If this person does qualify for the HUD they are required to go to group therapy, and see a psychiatrist. The patient will receive help with transportation and education. These families have access to counselors, investors, and mortgage companies. A person will visit the house every twelve months to ensure safety and the families income. While living in these houses the rent is one-third of the households income.