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__The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey:__ Homelessness in Contemporary America Spring 2011 Course Description: An examination of the varieties of homelessness; reason for conditions leading to homelessness; national and regional approaches to the problem of homelessness. It is a study and a story of a country which ignored some o their people the throwaways in a throwaway society- the underclass

// __What is Homelessness?__ // Federal Definition of Homeless: The term "homeless" or "homeless individual or homeless person" includes-
 * an individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence; and
 * an individual who has a primary nighttime residence that is -
 * a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter designed to provide temporary living accommodations (including welfare hotels, congregate shelters, and transitional housing for the mentally ill);
 * an institution that provides a temporary residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized; or
 * a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.

//__ What are the causes of Homelessness? __//
 * Automobile related
 * Decline in Public Assistance
 * Divorce
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Domestic Violence -
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Drug and Alcohol related problems
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Illness
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Job loss
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Lack of affordable housing
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Lack of child support
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Low wages
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Mental Illness
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Natural Disaster / Fire
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Physical Disabilities
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Poverty
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Roommates
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Severe Depression
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Tragedy

<span style="color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: center;">__// Physical Illness and Disability //__ <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The table below describes the federal standard and definition of disabilities.

<span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">25 U.S.C. §4101 et seq. || <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">(17) Person with disabilities <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; tabstops: list .5in; text-indent: 0in; width: 100%;">The term “person with disabilities” means a person who - <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; tabstops: list .5in; text-indent: 0in; width: 100%;">(A) has a disability as defined in section 423 of title 42; <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; tabstops: list .5in; text-indent: 0in; width: 100%;">(B) is determined, pursuant to regulations issued by the Secretary, to have a physical, mental, or emotional impairment which <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; tabstops: list 1.0in; text-indent: 0in; width: 100%;">(i) is expected to be of long-continued and indefinite duration; <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; tabstops: list 1.0in; text-indent: 0in; width: 100%;">(ii)substantially impedes his or her ability to live independently; and <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; tabstops: list 1.0in; text-indent: 0in; width: 100%;">(iii) is of such a nature that such ability could be improved by more suitable housing conditions; or <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; tabstops: list .5in; text-indent: 0in; width: 100%;">(C) has a developmental disability as defined in section 15002 of title 42. <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">Such term shall not exclude persons who have the disease of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or any conditions arising from the etiologic agent for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no individual shall be considered a person with disabilities, for purposes of eligibility for housing assisted under this chapter, solely on the basis of any drug or alcohol dependence. The Secretary shall consult with other appropriate Federal agencies to implement the preceding sentence. <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">25 U.S.C. §4103(17) || <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">42 U.S.C. §1437 et seq. || <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">(E) Person with disabilities. - <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; tabstops: list .5in; text-indent: 0in; width: 100%;">The term “person with disabilities” means a person who - <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; tabstops: list .5in; text-indent: 0in; width: 100%;">(i) has a disability as defined in section 423 of this title, <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; tabstops: list .5in; text-indent: 0in; width: 100%;">(ii) is determined, pursuant to regulations issued by the Secretary, to have a physical, mental, or emotional impairment which <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; tabstops: list 1.0in; text-indent: 0in; width: 100%;"> · (I) is expected to be of long-continued and indefinite duration, <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; tabstops: list 1.0in; text-indent: 0in; width: 100%;">(II) substantially impedes his or her ability to live independently, and <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; tabstops: list 1.0in; text-indent: 0in; width: 100%;">(III) is of such a nature that such ability could be improved by more suitable housing conditions, or <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; tabstops: list .5in; text-indent: 0in; width: 100%;">(iii) has a developmental disability as defined in section 6001 of this title. <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">Such term shall not exclude persons who have the disease of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or any conditions arising from the etiologic agent for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no individual shall be considered a person with disabilities, for purposes of eligibility for low-income housing under this subchapter, solely on the basis of any drug or alcohol dependence. The Secretary shall consult with other appropriate Federal agencies to implement the preceding sentence. <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">42 U.S.C. §1437a(b)(3)(E) || <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">42 U.S.C. §1471 || <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">(3) For the purposes of this subchapter, the term “elderly or handicapped persons or families” means families which consist of two or more persons, the head of which (or his or her spouse) is at least sixty-two years of age or is handicapped. Such term also means a single person who is at least sixty-two years of age or is handicapped. A person shall be considered handicapped if such person is determined, pursuant to regulations issued by the Secretary, to have an impairment which <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; tabstops: list .5in; text-indent: 0in; width: 100%;"> · (A) is expected to be of long-continued and indefinite duration, <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; tabstops: list .5in; text-indent: 0in; width: 100%;"> · (B) substantially impedes his ability to live independently, and <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; tabstops: list .5in; text-indent: 0in; width: 100%;"> · (C) is of such a nature that such ability could be improved by more suitable housing conditions, or if such person has a developmental disability as defined in section 6001(7)* of this title. <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">* Section 6001(7) of this title was subsequently amended, and section 6001(7) no longer defines the term “developmental disability”. However, such term is defined elsewhere in that section. <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">42 U.S.C. §1471(b)(3) || <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">42 U.S.C. §8001 || <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">(5) the term “handicapped” means having an impairment which <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; tabstops: list .5in; text-indent: 0in; width: 100%;"> · (A) is expected to be of long-continued and indefinite duration, and <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; tabstops: list .5in; text-indent: 0in; width: 100%;"> · (B) substantially impedes an individual's ability to live independently unless the individual receives supportive congregate services; such impairment may include a functional disability or frailty which is a normal consequence of the human aging process; <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">42 U.S.C. §8002(5) || <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">42 U.S.C. §8011 || <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">(14) The term "person with disabilities" has the meaning given the term by section 8013 of this title. <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">20 U.S.C. §8011(k)(14) || <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">42 U.S.C. §8013 || <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">(2) The term “person with disabilities” means a household composed of one or more persons at least one of whom is an adult who has a disability. A person shall be considered to have a disability if such person is determined, pursuant to regulations issued by the Secretary to have a physical, mental, or emotional impairment which <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; tabstops: list .5in; text-indent: 0in; width: 100%;">(A) is expected to be of long-continued and indefinite duration, <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; tabstops: list .5in; text-indent: 0in; width: 100%;">(B) substantially impedes his or her ability to live independently, and <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; tabstops: list .5in; text-indent: 0in; width: 100%;">(C) is of such a nature that such ability could be improved by more suitable housing conditions. A person shall also be considered to have a disability if such person has a developmental disability as defined in section 6001(7)* of this title. The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to prevent abuses in determining, under the definitions contained in this paragraph, the eligibility of families and persons for admission to and occupancy of housing assisted under this section. Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this paragraph, the term “person with disabilities” includes two or more persons with disabilities living together, one or more such persons living with another person who is determined (under regulations prescribed by the Secretary) to be important to their care or well-being, and the surviving member or members of any household described in the first sentence of this paragraph who were living, in a unit assisted under this section, with the deceased member of the household at the time of his or her death. <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">* Section 6001(7) of this title was subsequently amended, and section 6001(7) no longer defines the term “developmental disability”. However, such term is defined elsewhere in that section. <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">42 U.S.C. §8013(k)(2) || <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">42 U.S.C. §11381 || <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">(2) The term “disability” means - <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; tabstops: list .5in; text-indent: 0in; width: 100%;">(A) a disability as defined in section 423 of this title, <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; tabstops: list .5in; text-indent: 0in; width: 100%;">(B) to be determined to have, pursuant to regulations issued by the Secretary, a physical, mental, or emotional impairment which <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; tabstops: list 1.0in; text-indent: 0in; width: 100%;">(i) is expected to be of long-continued and indefinite duration, <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; tabstops: list 1.0in; text-indent: 0in; width: 100%;">(ii) substantially impedes an individual's ability to live independently, and <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; tabstops: list 1.0in; text-indent: 0in; width: 100%;">(iii) of such a nature that such ability could be improved by more suitable housing conditions, <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; tabstops: list .5in; text-indent: 0in; width: 100%;"> · (C) a developmental disability as defined in section 6001 of this title, or <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; tabstops: list .5in; text-indent: 0in; width: 100%;"> · (D) the disease of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or any conditions arising from the etiologic agency for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">Subparagraph (D) shall not be construed to limit eligibility under subparagraphs (A) through (C) or the provisions referred to in subparagraphs (A) through (C). <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">42 U.S.C. §11382(2) || <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">42 U.S.C. §11403 et seq. || <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">(6) The term "person with disabilities" has the same meaning given the term in section 8013 of this title. <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">42 U.S.C. §11403g(6) ||
 * <span style="color: #8500ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; text-align: center; width: 100%;">HOUSING ||
 * <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">24. Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996
 * <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">25. United States Housing Act of 1937
 * <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">26. Farm Housing Financial Assistance
 * <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">27.Congregate Housing Services Act of 1978
 * <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">28. Revised Congregate Housing Services
 * <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">29. Supportive Housing For Persons With Disabilities
 * <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">30. Supportive Housing Program
 * <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto auto 7.5pt; width: 100%;">31. Shelter Plus Care Program

<span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">About 30.7% of people are homeless in America due to their Physical Illness and Disabilities. The number of people who are homeless is much high then those who are in poverty. The reasoning behind this is homeless people with disabilities are far less likely to find an accommodating place to stay and a willing landlord. People with disabilities need certain resources to survive depending on that person particular disability. Programs such as SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) do not always insure people are going to be properly housed. The definition of disability under Social Security is different than other programs. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability. "Disability" under Social Security is based on your inability to work. Being considered disabled under Social Security rules are if:
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">You cannot do work that you did before;
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">We decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

<span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">This is a strict definition of disability. Social Security program rules assume that working families have access to other resources to provide support during periods of short-term disabilities, including workers' compensation, insurance, savings and investments.

<span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">SSI is designed for Anyone who is: aged (age 65 or older); blind; or disabled; who: has limited income; and has limited resources; is a U.S. citizen or national, or in one of certain categories of aliens. Having a permanent residence is not a requirement for receiving SSI. If you are homeless, you may receive up to the maximum SSI amount payable in your state. In addition, if you are receiving SSI benefits, you may be able to receive subsidized housing. If you live in a public shelter, you can receive SSI benefits for up to 6 months out of any 9 months that you live there.

<span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">SSDI Most people who receive disability benefits are workers who qualify on their own records and meet the work and disability requirements we have just described. However, some situations are accpetable:
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Special rules for people who are blind or have low vision,
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Benefits for widows or widowers who are disabled,
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Benefits for children who are disabled
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Disability benefits for Wounded Warriors

<span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 99%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">By:Virginia Ashley <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 99%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Sources: __<span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">@http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/topics/homelessness/definition __ __<span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">[|http://www.icdr.us/documents/definitions.htm#house] __ __<span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">@http://www.disabled-world.com/editorials/political/disability-homeless_printer.php __ __<span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">[] __

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<span style="color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; text-align: center;">//__ HIV/AIDS __// <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">In the United States homelessness should be treated as a major health issue, however it is not. With the HIV/AIDS rate being 40,000 per year. There are currently(an estimate of ) 1.1million people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States, including nearly 471,000 with AIDS. In 2010 their was $26billion dollars spent in order to combat HIV. 51% being used for care,11% for research,10% for cash and housing assistance, 3% for prevention, and 25% for international epidemic. Homeless people are contracting aids at a rate of 3times higher than the general population, people living with HIV/AIDS are at a higher risk of homelessness due to the cost of medical care and unaffordable housing costs. People suffering from HIV/AIDS are at a greater risk of catching other illnesses such as tuberculosis, hepatitis, pneumonia, and skin infections. Living in a shelter with HIV/AIDS is not good for treatment, while taking Antiretroviral medications, one should have access to a refrigerator, bathroom, clean water, and food, and most importantly be able to take the medicine at the same time each day, for this makes a huge difference in the treatment. Homeless people living with HIV/AIDS are more likely to delay entering HIV care, less likely to receive optimal antiretroviral therapy, than those with stable housing

<span style="color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">__//Cause and Effect Relationship//__ <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Generally people who are diagnosed with HIV/AIDS become homeless shortly after due to the demanding cost of medication, unaffordable housing, or stigmas. Stigmas attached to the disease, such as drug users and homosexuality and are often times discriminated against for such reasons, in both housing and employment. Stigmas and discrimination is often exacerbated by co-factors, such as substance abuse, mental illness, and homelessness. Creating barriers to prevention, education, client disclosure, and the ability to access mental and medical health. <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Government subsides geared towards HIV/AIDS has faced tremendous budget cuts, leaving so many people without a way to turn. <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Psychological factors that play a role in it: People suffering from HIV/AIDS experience stress on a daily basis, stress, depression and psychological factors can ultimately affect the progression of HIV/AIDS Barriers to Routine Medical care: Limited access to medical care, health maintenance, adherence to medication regimens, food, clothing, and shelter. Blacks have the highest number of New HIV infections and AIDS diagnoses. AIDS diagnoses for Blacks in 2008 was estimated at 100,000, and accounted for 57% of deaths associated with HIV in 2008. HIV is the 4th leading cause of death in men and 3rd for Black women ages 25-44. 280,000 Black women are living with HIV/AIDS, accounting for 65% of new diagnosed cases in 2008. Youth from the ages of 13-29 account for 34 of New HIV/AIDS cases, Black teens at 70%. Gays and bisexual men account for 53% of new cases, 38% estimated for young Black men. In New Jersey alone their are 34,574 people living with HIV and 55,292 people living with AIDS

<span style="color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 145%; text-align: center;">//__ S __////__ ERVICES AVAILABLE FOR THOSE SUFFEREING FROM HIV/AIDS __//

<span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Services that are provided in the Camden County area to assists those with HIV/AIDS are programs such as the Dooley house, “which is a nonprofit organization established to provide a holistic continuum of care to medically fragile infants, adults, and families with an emphasis on those living with HIV/AIDS.” They provide medical transportation for those who are homeless with medical conditions, transitional housing for adults with HIV/AIDS, they also have housing for seniors with HIV/AIDS. The Dooley House at one point had a program that was geared toward infants in which they provided a home for HIV/AIDS or medically fragile children ranging from one-day to 12 years of age. The programs tasks was to provide a homelike setting to those infants, on staff was an on call physician, registered nurse, and health care assistants in order to provide the necessary medical and personal care for these infants suffering from this disease, however due to budget cuts this portion of the program had been cut. <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Hogan House is a transitional residence for people and families affected by HIV/AIDS, provides housing for the homeless, or displaced people living with HIV/AIDS. Case managers work with individuals on job training, addiction services and linkages to mental health and medical care. <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">“The goal of the Hogan House being able to transition each resident back into the community better prepared to live with an HIV diagnosis while leading a productive life.” <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">DH Transportation, this covers Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Salem counties, this program provides access to medical appointments, an equipped van to meet the needs and requirements of the population served, and provides clients with dependable and safe transport. <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">RW Cares, coordinates transportation for individuals living with HIV/AIDS, services provided for medical, dental, support, and social services appointments. RW Cares also coordinates case management in South Jersey providing training and education. <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">DH Supportive Permanent Housing, this is supportive housing program, in which the goal is to assist individuals with mental illness, HIV/AIDS, and substance abuse issues to be able to attain stable housing. “The goal of this program is to maximize each individuals potential through stable housing and supportive services.” Providing support services, peer mentors, case management, life skills training, and mental health providers.

<span style="color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 190%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">//__Services offered at AHEC__//

<span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">AHEC(Camden Area Health Education Center) Treatment Adherence Programs: is a program for individuals with HIV/AIDS who are considering treatment or need help maintaining goals: Services that are offered through this program consists of information about medications, assistance with transportation, access to needed support and resources, and educational materials. They also have HIV positive men’s and women’s support groups on a weekly basis. <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Mobile Health Van, travels with a team of healthcare professionals, health educators, and outreach workers who provide free and confidential on the spot health education, counseling and reading materials, as well as a variety of screenings and protective devices to reduce the spread of infectious diseases. <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">SISTA program: Sisters Informing Sisters on topics about AIDS, this is a group level and culturally-relevant intervention, designed to increase condom use by African American women. It is aimed at reducing risky behaviors. <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Project (K.I.S) Keeping it safe- “a peer centered program that seeks to educate, encourage, and support gay young men in the community to, enable participants to make informed decisions that will reduce the risk for HIV, and to advocate for the empowerment of sexual minority youth.”

<span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 99%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">By:Janita Gibbs <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 99%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Sources: <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 99%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">[|http://www.DooleyHouse.com] <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 99%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">[|http://www.camdenahec.com] <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 99%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">[] <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 99%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">[]

<span style="color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 190%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">//__What Is Epilepsy?__// <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes the brain to produce sudden burst of electrical energy. In order for the brain to function properly there has to be a balance between increased activity or and restraint. When this balance is changed a seizure may result. About 2.5 million or 1 in 100 Americans have epilepsy. <span style="color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 190%; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">//__What causes epilepsy?__//


 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Results from birth defect
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Problems that are present from before birth or traumatic head or brain injuries
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Brain tumor, Infection in the brain, brain lesions or illnesses that cause the brain to deteriorate
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Kidney or liver failure
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Alcohol withdrawal
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Cocaine or other drug use
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Half of the people with epilepsy a cause cannot be found and it is not contagious
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Epilepsy can occur for the first time at any time, including during old age
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">It is also inherited

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"> //__Symptoms__// <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">The severity of symptoms can vary greatly, from simple staring spells to loss of consciousness and violent convulsions. For most people with epilepsy, each seizure is similar to previous ones. The type of seizure a person has depends on a variety of things, such as the part of the brain affected and the underlying cause of the seizure. Prior to each seizure some people may experience a strange sensation such as tingling, smelling an odor that isn’t actually there or emotional changes. <span style="color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 190%; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">//__Signs and Tests__//
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">A physical and neurologic examination may or may not show abnormal brain function
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">People with epilepsy will often have abnormal electrical activity seen on an electroencephalograph (EEG)
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Head CT or MRI scans
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">Various blood or other tests such as
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Blood chemistry
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Blood sugar
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">CBC (complete blood count)
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) analysis
 * <span style="color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Kidney and Liver function test

__ <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">//Treatments// __ <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">In cases where an infection has been identified and treated, seizures may stop. Treatments may also include surgery to remove a tumor, an abnormal or bleeding blood vessel, or other brain problems. The type of medication you take depends on what type of seizure a person has. Medications to prevent seizures are called anticonvulsants, which may reduce the number of future seizures.

<span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Epilepsy can cause homelessness when seizures are too frequent and unexpected. Many people with epilepsy can feel socially unstable which can reduce social interactions. If someone doesn’t feel secure with being in public it could be difficult to maintain in the workplace. Without a job a person would not be able to afford to pay their bills. Without money a person with epilepsy would not be able to buy their seizure medication which can lead to more seizures.

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<span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 99%;">By: Latasha Reid <span style="color: #8500ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 99%;">Sources: <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 99%;">@http://eurpub.oxfordjournals.org/content/16/5/484.full <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 99%;">@http://www.epilepsyadvocate.com/about-epilepsy/types-of-seizures.aspx?src=UCB-VMP- <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 99%;">@http://davidabel2.blogspot.com/2005/05/fresh-breath.html <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 99%;">@http://www.healthboards.com/boards/showthread.php?t=240486 <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 99%;">@http://www.heartsandminds.org/articles/homegary.htm **<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Related topics about [|Cost of HIV Test] at [|Home HIV Test]. **