This article examines the perceptions of mothers on the effect of homelessness on the social organization of the family unit. One third of the homeless population in the U.S is made up of homeless families, with homeless children as the steadily increase segment of this group. A report by the U.S Department of housing & urban development, reveals that the family dynamics in these groups are controlled by the mothers who serves as the breadwinners and family heads. There are several factors that promote homelessness including; financial challenges, divorce, inadequate welfare programs, labor laws, and poor housing policies. The recent changes in the welfare programs are set to increase the homeless population, as the government has made massive budget cuts on public assistance. Public assistance was the main aide to helping homeless families get off the streets, without it there is hope for those left in the streets.  Homelessness has been a social concern for over 15 years. Nonetheless, there is limited research on the impact of this crisis on the organization of the family unit. Most research has mainly dwelt on the effects, characteristic and causes of homelessness (Lindsey, 243). This article is based on a research that addresses the challenges of homelessness from a parental (mother’s) point of view. It argues that the existing family shelter have done nothing to institutionalize the concept of family in their programs. The transition to these shelters is difficult for families head by single moms. Participants revealed that in as much as the family bond increased, homelessness disrupted the ability of single mothers to carry out disciplinarian roles on their children.  The shelter condition were said to affect behaviour and the emotional state of both mothers and children.

Summary

Homelessness is a growing concern in most developed states especially the United States. Although capitalism has promoted economic growth, privatization of most building in the city has result in the increase number of families lying on the cold street as they cannot afford the hefty prices charged on rent. Apart from the poor housing policies, the United States government is also looking to do away with the only source of help for families on the street, thus worsening the already overwhelming crisis. Many homeless families are growing destitute making them to resort to crime, violence, drug and substance abuse to ease their frustration. However, this only add salt to injury and further worsen the economic situation of the country as well as limit the family’s chances of ever get back their home. The family the most fundamental unit of the society, therefore, it is the role of the government to ensure that families are protected. Homelessness, is a thus a failure on the government’s side. Reports reveal that the largest percentage of homeless families are headed by the single mothers. In as much as the bond between mother and child is great, it is not enough to sustain the organization of the family unit with the shelter set up. Mothers and children are prone to grow close in such tough situations. However, without the institutionalization of the family within the shelter programs it is difficult to coordinate and effectively conduct parental roles. As such, it is high likely, that children will end up developing unruly behaviour that cannot be controlled by their mothers. In worst case scenarios, mothers totally lose their children to drugs and substance abuse. Therefore, the government should develop appropriate housing and socio-economic policies to ensure families are kept of the street.

 
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