Title: How to Prevent Homelessness in America Why are there so many Americans homeless? How does homelessness occur and why do people end up on the streets? Can Americans prevent young children, veterans, and other adults from becoming homeless so that the next generation does not repeat this horrific tragedy? Homelessness rates are increasing in the United States, with people sleeping in their cars for shelter. Homelessness is not a question of age, skills or resources. There is still a way for people to make a big impact in our society by helping the homeless. Thesis: Homeless people are mistreated by others due to discrimination, errors in judgment, and stereotypes based on their appearance and the condition of their clothing. We also need to change our attitudes towards the homeless and treat them with dignity and respect. By working together, we can prevent homelessness and create a better future for all Americans. In the article “Troublemakers,” Malcolm Gladwell discusses the generalization that all pit bulls are dangerous. Unfortunately, due to these incidents, many people assume that all pit bulls are dangerous. Another type of generalization is the “stereotype” (2). Gladwell argues that a solution must be found to reduce the high cost of housing and social services available to the homeless in America. Homeless people are often stereotyped as being unable to receive a good education, adequate health care, or shelter housing because they are poor. Americans should first explain to children and others why people become homeless. The number one reason people become homeless is because they lose their jobs, their homes are destroyed by natural disasters like tornadoes and mudslides, and some young adolescents run away from home because of of their addiction to alcohol and drugs. The second reason is that their family members may suffer from mental illness and cannot afford health care. People should show respect and courtesy to the homeless. As the saying goes, “You can’t judge a book by its cover,” which is an English idiom and figure of speech. The person who said this quote was George Eliot. The meaning is that people only see the outer appearance, which is like the cover of a book, but they need to know themselves better to see the inside of a person, which is similar to when people open their book or their heart. Homeless people can get help to treat their addiction to alcohol and drugs. The government has programs for the homeless, such as welfare for cheap rent, food stamps for food, and affordable health care. Men, women, LGBT people and children can become homeless.