Homelessness has become a serious problem in today's society. Despite organizations helping multitudes of homeless people, the number of homeless people continues to increase. In recent years, American culture has changed due to economic, political, and social issues. These problems have caused a lot of stress in the United States, leading to abject poverty in several cities. Poverty is not widespread nationally, but if treated lightly, its consequences can be catastrophic. Homelessness is increasing more than ever, and research proves that cultural change is contributing to the increase in homelessness. Homelessness is increasing every year. In fact, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, more than 640,000 people experience homelessness every night. (Hunger and Homelessness in North America) By definition, the homeless are groups of people who do not have housing. They could be the mentally ill, the unemployed, veterans, or even children born into unhappy families. With nowhere to go, homeless people typically live in abandoned buildings, on the streets, or in makeshift dwellings, such as a cardboard box or a homemade tent. Although some are working to find decent housing, many still suffer from depression or are mentally disabled and cannot work. (Overview of Homelessness in America) These people do not choose to be homeless, but become homeless through a series of unfortunate events; namely losing their source of income or becoming homeless from birth. An example of this occurred in the life of Hazel Washington. Hazel was fleeing an abusive relationship when she moved in with her relative and his girlfriend, but she was not informed of their impending eviction. Because of this, her roommates took everything she owned and... middle of paper......ss » The city now requires permits and significant fees to feed the homeless. Think RSS progress. Center for America Pogress Action Fund, February 13, 2013. Web, February 26, 2014. http://thinkprogress.org/economy/20111/02/13/3288211/columbia-feeding-homeless-ban/. • Lefler, Dion. "Count of homeless Wichitans reveals no 'typical' homeless stories". Wichita Eagle. The Wichita Eagle, January 20, 2014. Web. February 26, 2014. http://www.kansas.com/2014/01 /30/3258971/count-of-wichitans-without-homes-html. • Overview of Homelessness in America. National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness, nd Web. http://www.studentsagainsthunger.org/page/hhp/overview-homelessness-america.• Ellis, Blake. Counting the Homeless in America's Poorest City. CNNMargent. February 12, 2014. Web February 27, 2014. http://money.cnn.com/2014/02/12/pf/homeless-count/.