Homelessness

Quindlen’s thesis is about her concern on the increase of homelessness. She states, in 1987, homelessness had become a severe and highly visible problem in the New York City and elsewhere in the United States. Also, she points out that it is estimated more than seven hundred thousand
Americans are homeless on any given day according to the government’s data.  From the conclusion, Quindlen says, “they are not the homeless they are people with no homes”. She tries to bring out the essence that there people with a roof over their heads but they face underlying problems. On the other hand, she tries to bring out the fact that there are those without shelter and spend their nights in the streets. I feel that the author believes a home is essential because it is where the heart lies, and it is a place of stability, predictability, certainty, and privacy for one’s self and family. It does not matter whether the house is in a good condition or not. It is where you make your memories.
In my opinion, Quindlen began her essay with Anna’s story because she was hesitant to accept she did not have a home. She insisted that she was just passing by and Quindlen talking to her was a waste of time.  I think the author would have started her essay by explaining how important a home is. It makes the reader have an insight of what the story entails. When the author talks about her home, it brings out an effect that she understands what it is like to live in a poorly conditioned house and sympathises with those with no homes. It gives the reader hope since it is a real life experience.