The Plight of the Homeless

The author explores the plight of the homeless through Naomi's encounters with the homeless people during her search for her sister and the story line about Celia, a young girl living on the street. Because of overwhelming challenges, to be homeless is to be hopeless for most, regardless of their age.

First, the homeless are trapped by their situation. Naomi is a private investigator who is searching for her sister when she meets the 12-year-old homeless girl named Celia. Celia was molested by her stepfather, who is now molesting Celia's younger sister, Alyssa. She had told officials that Teddy raped her, but he was eventually found not guilty and returned home, which prompted Celia to leave. By the time Naomi meets Celia, she has been living on the streets for months, and had come to view this as her reality. Celia and...