As of 2015, more than half a million people are considered homeless across America. As for the reasons why individuals, even families, now live on the streets, the reasons vary depending on the case. Since the 2008 recession, many Americans have lost their jobs due to the sudden bursting of the housing bubble. This leads to foreclosure and bad economy in general. Another reason is that they are released from institutions and sent to the streets instead of being placed in halfway houses. Examples of such places are prisoners released after serving their sentence, a mentally ill patient after their length of stay has expired, or a minor released from foster care after reaching an age limit for being alone . Finally, natural and man-made disasters. After an earthquake, hurricane, or war, homes and businesses are likely destroyed, displacing a family. The public's reaction to the homeless is sometimes based on myths, misunderstandings and stereotypes. One of these misconceptions is that homeless people are too lazy to work. The truth is, not everyone is lazy. Some of these people may have already held a high-paying job before their business failed, or others may still be working in low-paying jobs but cannot afford living space such as rent . Teenagers are kicked out of their parents' house for causing trouble. In reality, this may not always be the case. While a parent would kick them out for acts like committing crimes, other teens are on the streets for other reasons, like being gay or getting pregnant. All homeless people are criminals. Again, not everyone is a criminal. Although a small number of homeless people have been released from the prison system, not all are violent. So what are the different statistics of homeless... middle of paper ...... have continued their education to strengthen their employment skills that they will use in the job market. This ends with the process of healing the homeless person. A person would enroll in a counseling or rehab program to talk about their problems or to detox from their drug or alcohol use. Along with counseling and therapy programs, they could be involved in a peer support group. In this group, they met other people who were formerly homeless, abused, or addicted to drugs. Sharing these stories would help to strengthen their self-esteem and better understand their past or current situation. Others will choose to seek counseling or even attend a religious group to help themselves and begin the healing process. Although some will not complete their programs and return to the streets, others hope that the healing process can finally free them from poverty..