C.J. Carnacchio

In the following viewpoint, C.J. Carnacchio contends that homeless advocates have exaggerated the scope and severity of homelessness. In truth, he writes, the group of homeless people who are victims of forces beyond their control is extremely small. Most homeless people become homeless because they are unwilling to assume the responsibilities of maintaining a job and a permanent residence. Homeless- ness is caused by a lack of personal responsibility, argues Carnacchio, and therefore should not be considered society’s problem to solve.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. How many people in the United States are homeless, according to the author?
2. In Carnacchio’s opinion, what facts about the homeless do homeless advocates ignore?
3. What should be done with the mentally ill homeless, in the author’s view?

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