Where Do You Belong?

http://www.fakewebsite.com PIERCE

The urban centers who have better records in preventing crime, poverty and overall uncleanliness can afford to charge more in housing costs. This is one of the base ideas of capitalism: those who have greater quality compete and can afford to charge higher prices. If one wants affordable living arrangements they either need to move to a more rural area or a less stable city. Unfortunately, the good jobs are normally found near the expensive homes. The property value equation is simple: if you cannot afford to live there, do not move there.

Shows like FRIENDS and SEINFELD make the idea of living in cities like New York glamorous and somewhat easy, when the opposite is sometimes true.

FIRST

Sam

This equation leaves many homeless. Where will they call home?
- http://www.fakewebsite.com PIERCE
  
  The great thing with America is that we allow everyone a fair shot at getting an education and moving up in the socioeconomic world. This AMERICAN DREAM is why so many people risked their livelihoods to come here and prospered when they got here. My great-grandparents were poor when they arrived, but they were smart enough to leave the city and buy a small farm on cheap land. They allowed their grandchildren to go to and graduate from college and become part of upper-class society.
  - Jaylenkinnon
    
    I agree with you. I feel like our freedom is great.
    - http://www.fakewebsite.com PIERCE
      
      Thanks, bro
  - TATIANA
    
    American allows a decent shot at a future, better than other countries but the shot is not fair by any standards. The poor and middle class are still oppressed by the upper class and the poor must work much harder than the rich to obtain the same things. American greater good is why highways are built on top of homes, Would you rather take a two lane road to Novi or M-5?
    - http://www.fakewebsite.com PIERCE
      
      I’m not sure what you mean by the rich oppress us. The whole point of fairness is that people are allowed to keep what they worked for. If you became successful, would you want the government taking half of it away so it could help pay for medical marijuana or some unnecessary scientific research on obviously wasteful subjects?
    - TATIANA
      
      But that’s the point. People don’t get to keep what they work for. To an extent in America yes, we get to keep the money we work for. But taxes are paid and they are not fair. Because there is not a flat tax, each section of society pays a different amount according to there own yearly income. The middle class statistically is shown to pay more percentage of there yearly income to taxes than the poor or rich. That is not fair. Also, what the government spends money on is out of control to the individual. Congress and Senate decide how money is spent because we have a representative government. Not always is the representative representing their constituents. Not to mention that it is a corrupt system.
    - http://www.fakewebsite.com PIERCE
      
      I agree with you in the flat tax extent, it would be a godsend to the American economy and socioeconomic system. The American federal spending is also completely out of control, both figuratively and literally. The sad part is that I can see no future where our budget finally balances and debt reverses.
      
      Be careful who you vote for.
    - TATIANA
      
      true, Americans vote also with the dollar and they tend to not realize the extent of how damaging their vote can be to the economy.
    - Cheryl
      
      Well you’re also leaving out the fact that while they are successful and have worked hard for their success many rich people send their money overseas so it won’t be taxed and try to avoid taxes. Many wealthy people pay less taxes then middle class Americans for example Warren Buffet’s assistant
    - http://www.fakewebsite.com PIERCE
      
      This is why a flat, unavoidable income tax would probably be the greatest economic kick-start in history. Although I am no expert, something around 11% across all employed Americans would generate around the same revenue with complete fairness. I agree that tax code should be simpler and harder to avoid.
      
      People should not be punished for success.
- vanessa
  
  I agree. If the landlords decide to sell, then the renters are homeless. This leaves them being force to move cities or rely on government help to afford housing.
AriannaT_BoydBence

I agree with you Pierce. Most places want there city to be clean, above the poverty line, and with minimal crime. Places like this are going to have more expensive living cost due to those things. If people don’t enough money to live there, then simply don’t move to the area. I guess for some people, it will slip there minds that maybe they don’t have the money to live in a certain area, and they like it for possibly schools, cleanliness, and overall appearance.
JakeB_BoydBence

I like the sound of that-urban centers to prevent what you can find in an urban city. That what we need and maybe someday crime and poverty will stop for good. That’s a problem we face as Americans http://blogs.kqed.org/education/2014/10/17/where-do-you-belong/
Amandad_boydbence

Pierce, agree and disagree with because it is never fair for people to have live in places that are not safe just for living purposes. In areas you need to compensate by maybe having an expensive apartments on Third street then on Fourth Street a inexpensive apartments the people who own the land need to think about having people in area and seeing if low-income people are there help them out lower the rates.
JoshuaM_BoydBence

Uhh…PIERCE,I don’t see this working out…I mean this would leave plenty of people homeless.And life can be very hard for them. http://ww2.kqed.org/news/2014/07/11/priced-out-artist-turned-housing-activist-describes-his-ellis-act-eviction
- http://www.fakewebsite.com PIERCE
  
  I already explained how you are wrong.

PARIS

I do not think it is fair to the people that live in certain places to be moved around. They have started their lives in the home they have and now somebody is telling them to leave and move so they can build housing on top of the remains of their houses.

GABRIELLE

This problem that is emerging is a prime example of discrimination. It’s not fair that the ones that aren’t as fortunate have to be singled out for every one to know that they have to enter through the “poor door”. In my neighborhood there are a lot of wealthier people so I couldn’t image one of my neighbors having to be forced out because the pricing of housing going up, leaving the, with no choice but to move. It simply isn’t right.

Sam

It is a crime that so many are homeless. Nothing will change, although, because the wealthy love their wealth. The government is wealthy, and everything will continue to be unjust, ridiculous, difficult and criminal. :^)

JulietteS_BoydBence

Sam,
I hate it when people say homeless people. Just because someone lives on the street doesn’t mean that they are homeless. It simply means that they are in poverty. They could have people they love like everyone else, friends, a family. Homelessness has nothing to do with a home and having one.

ZACH

It isn’t fair for people living in a place they call home to just be moved around. Especially if they have lived there for there whole life. Just seems wrong to me.

ChrisD_boydbence

You are exactly right about your statement. It theoretically wouldn’t be called home if you are moved out of your house, or if your house is moved some place else away from your town or city. Epically if you have been living there your whole life. Its wrong in general and overall. I also want to say that when you are calling home, in reality, you are calling home by picking up your phone and calling your parents from your original house where you lived at your whole life. In reality, you belong in a home where you are going to a good job working hard to pay bills and taking care of your adult life.
BrennaM_boydbence

Zach, You are completely right. It isn’t fair at all and it makes me sad that people have to move around just because people with more money want to live there. When did our society change that much to where we just give rich people what they want because they have more money? It is completely wrong and it needs to be stopped. Building more houses and apartments that are going to cost a lot will not only change the peoples lives already living there but also the community it is in.
DarianG_BoydBence

Zach, I agree with you I know a family friend that was living in an apartment complex and they started to raise the rent to redecorate the apartment complex when the apartment complex finally raised the rent too high that they couldn’t afford it anymore they had to move and leave the place they had lived in for years.
MadisonP_boydbence

I agree with you Zach. There are many people that have been moved or kicked out of a place where they have been for a long amount of time. This could do with rent and raising the prices on the living requirements causing families to leave because they can afford the prices.
JakeB_BoydBence

I agree for others this is all they have and thanks to others these peoples are being stripped of that. This needs to stop. We the people need to put a stop to it and take back what we’ve worked hard for. We need to organize a boycott until the prices for housing needs to be lowered.http://blogs.kqed.org/education/2014/10/17/where-do-you-belong/
AlexL_BoydBence

I agree with you Zach. I think that people being moved around is cruel. As a person who was moving around alot its really difficult moving around. Its like starting your life over again.
Amandad_boydbence

Zach, your on sugar! It is unjust for people just to through people out on the street so the land lord can make a some money. What we need to do is create a law that people just kick people out and raise the monthly payment so people can keep their homes, so they can have place called home.
Chrisc_boydbence

That is very true because when you move out of your home then you have to find a different place to call home.
CharlieW_BoydBence

People move its a natural thing. All I hope is that you at least have a home. when I was young a always wanted to move out of this house but, now that I am older I can see this house for what it is. I mean when you move, yes you will leave friends, but you can meet new ones and be happier knowing that you have more friends. “One of two things will happen here; the residents and their funding agencies will increase their offer to something the owners will accept or the residents will be moving out soon. If the owners were the charitable type, they would have already worked this out. The fact that they are not does not make them evil.”http://www.npr.org/2013/10/15/227807022/silicon-valley-trailer-park-residents-fight-to-stay
TannerS_BoydBence

Zach,
You are correct but some people have there homes taken away for good reason. Others get their homes taken away for no reason, that is when it is wrong and they cross the line. Especially when they have lived there for a while which makes it twice as bad.
JulietteS_BoydBence

Zach,
Home is not a place. Home is a where your loved ones are at. Never make your home in a place. Make a home for yourself inside your own head. You’ll find what you need to furnish it – memory, friends you can trust, love of learning, and other such things. That way it will go with you wherever you journey.(Tad Williams) Home is never to be a place, a house, home is with you where the memories of your loved ones are at. Where they are able to support you and your dreams.
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/t/tadwilliam161941.html#LFb5i7w7pFYu26xE.99
CarsonW_BoydBence

That makes sense Zach. A temporary home doesn’t really feel like a safe, warm home at all does it? Especially if you don’t have family to comfort you in troubling time and when you are in time of financial or emotional support. People might not feel equal for being moved around without their own personal input. It’s completely unfair these things have to happen.

Emily

The fact that there are people in this world who are unable to make their dreams come true because of something as petty as cost is unbelievable. Alluding to the “poor door” article from the New York Times, the pretentious upper-class residents are concerned about their image if lower-class residents walk in the same front door as them. The only bad image from that situation is the poor judgement from the uppity, egotistical classes directly discriminating against their equal, fellow Americans.

Amandad_boydbence

Emily, I agree with you people are at doors begging for money, food and clothing. and we have billionaires in the US that don’t want to scuff their shoes cause it ruins their image but we more Import problems than that. What I have been wondering why the bill for higher-income homes to pay a higher tax to take some weight of lower-income families.

HALEY

I think that it is inevitable that as the economy rises, many things will rise as well. Including taxes and living expenses. The more that the economy rises, the prices will rise. It is the same concept as if minimum wage rises, the prices of goods will rise as the minimum rises, it is inevitable.

SABRINA

I agree with you that when the economy rises, everything else will rise; it is a domino effect.
SEAN

To this point there is nothing that California can do to address affordable housing it is inevitable that prices will rise and if your income is not high enough you will have to move to less nice areas of the city. Unless out of a miracle there is a massive donation of money to help build houses for a cheaper price.

OBI

This is not an example of discrimination. It is an example of those who already have so much wanting more. Thats the way business works and realestate is no different.I wish there was a way to tell people stop seeking high profit but there isnt.

PAUL

The United States are have a capitalist system; if someone cannot afford to move to a place, he/she should not move there. It is unfortunate that people will be homeless but in a capitalist system, people are going to be more poor than others.

EllaH_benceboyd

PAUL, I agree and disagree with you, I agree that America is a capitalistic system, I don’t agree that people should not move somewhere if they can’t afford it, what if they have more job opportunities there? If they did, they’d get the money back form making the move. It’s all about making smart decisions. Yes they would be in a little debt for a while, but after finding a nice job and settling in, they’d be able to pay it off.
- PAUL
  
  If there are certain job opportunities in an area, then someone could move to a house neighboring the area that is less expensive than the area itself. This would save them debt and when they earn enough money through the good job opportunity, they can move closer or into the area.

Nicole

California should make more affordable housing for low income families. In an urban city, like San Francisco, there should be a variety of high and low income residents. It is unfair to kick people out of their homes and the area that they are living in. Cities should have a requirement for the amount of low income homes there are. Not everyone living in a city lives a luxury life, so the prices of homes should reflect the income of its residents.

MARCELLUS

Having to move from your home just seems wrong to me.

BRENDANB

I agree with you 100% and it doesn’t seem fair that many will be left homeless because of this issue. These companies are making a profit off of this which is just sickening.
AlexL_BoydBence

I agree MARCELLUS, as a person who moved around alot it really is cruel. Its like starting your life over and having to make a new life.
Chrisc_boydbence

I agree because when you move out of a house, you have to get accustomed to a new environment.

BrendanG

Low income housing is necessary, but it isn’t an issue that can easily be solved with pure free-market capitalism. Juxtaposing sob stories and pushing a specific viewpoint evokes emotional responses that try to fix the “problem” shown in the article with specific “solutions” the article works hard to push. Is it somehow better to force owners of a building to continue to provide places to rent if they want to do something else with the building?

MAXIM

The division of wealth is becoming extreme and we need to understand that this isn’t a functioning system on which to develop a society; a good rule of thumb with history is that when a vast majority is oppressed by a thin upper-class, guillotines are introduced.

SABRINA

I agree with you that the division between the wealthy and the poor is becoming bigger. Nice, humorous guillotine reference too.

KYOHEI

I lived in Japan, Singapore, America.
I don’t know I have real HOME or not.
but I believe home is place or relation with someone that you feel close or like.

Joshr_BoydBence

I’ve lived in the same house my entire life but I agree with you, none of us have a permanent home. Which leaves me to believe that our true homes are with our family. When I visit my grandma or my cousins I still feel home because I’m with them. However I feel I will truly be home when I die because I will reunite with everyone I know that has died.
- KYOHEI
  
  Think about in school, classmates are more important than what class I’m in because friend make me feel home. This is kind of how this is.

ANDREW

We live in America, the land of opportunity. If you can’t create your own opportunities then you should not have the chance to achieve greatness. With the exception of mental illness or families that recently moved to the U.S. other families should either move or make their own opportunities. It sucks that some people are homeless but some of them brought it onto themselves. Hopefully one day people can work together to help each other out but the way things have been going, people need to make their OWN opportunities. In the end, people will find a way to survive or they will end up receiving help from the government.

EllaH_benceboyd

ANDREW, I think I understand what you’re saying? It’s true that some people have brought this upon themselves, I wish you could’ve elaborated more on that so I could respond. I also agree that people should eventually be able to work together, working with other people is a big part of life we might as well use it to make life easier too. Something that I don’t understand that you are saying is the opportunities thing. Usually you don’t make a opportunity, an opportunity comes to you, and it’s your choice to take it or reject it.
TylerW_BoydBence

Andrew,

I agree that America is the land of opportunity but I have to part on your opinion with the fact that opportunity is often created by other people. I know that a lot of the homeless bring these circumstances upon each other, but “While it’s true that homeless people are sometimes reluctant to accept housing, the fact remains that there is a dearth in affordable housing.” If there is not even a place for them to look into investing in such as an apartment, how are they supposed to get a place to live. “Palo Alto, California, for example, only has 15 shelter beds to accommodate its estimated 150 homeless people, according to the study. Rent costs are about two-and-a-half times the national average and sleeping in one’s car can result in a $1,000 fine or up to six months in jail.” How are they ever going to be able to afford anything if you fine them for trying to find a place to sleep at night? We have social welfare programs that are in place that are not working at all. I do agree that as Americans we can ban together and fix the poverty level and get the homeless rate down.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/16/anti-homeless-laws-study_n_5592322.html

JOSHUA

“The severe crisis is changing parts of the city as seniors, artists, and working families are priced out of neighborhoods they’ve lived in for years.” This is not right at all. I do not think that people should be kicked out of their homes. This is preventing people from living the American Dream. If I suddenly lost my home, I would be devastated. I am not sure what I would call home because I just lost it. It is all about the poor getting poorer and the wealthy getting even wealthier. This is just what American Society is today.

TylerW_BoydBence

Joshua,

I agree that crisis is big and that it is completely wrong to kick people out of their homes. “Suddenly, the prospect of not having a roof over Santiago’s head was all too real. ‘They wanted me out so they could turn the building into condominiums,’ said Santiago. ‘I didn’t know what to do. I had sleepless nights.’” What is he supposed to do now with his impending homelessness and no idea of what he is going to do? The only option they provided him was to move out and move back in and pay a rent that was greatly higher than what he was used to paying. It is completely wrong to evict people from their homes and do little to nothing to help them find new housing. The America we live in today is one of the scariest phases we have ever seen.

SIDRAH

I believe moving from where you lived your entire life just doesn’t seem right, you shouldn’t have to.

Jaylenkinnon

Yeah you really shouldn’t

draco zhao

California and other states can address the need for affordable housing by increasing the pay for workers or decreasing taxes. If I suddenly lost my home, I would have to live with my cousins. The place I call home is the house where I live right now, it is where I belong.

Andy Ouyang

I agree with you because increasing pay seems to be a great idea to deal with this situation.
Brian Regis

I agree that California should increase the pay for worker and decreasing taxes. People lose their house due to the minimum wage they receive from their job.

Andy Ouyang

California can address the need for affordable housing by creating more jobs for people or increasing the amount of money people earn. If I were to lose my home i would probably have to live with some family in the city.

Brian Regis

California and other state should make houses affordable for people to live in. If people lost their home, they would have trouble moving somewhere close to their work. The place I call home is a house where I have been living in and where I have been most comfortable living in.

JasonM_BoydBence

I agree my birth place is my home
ZACH

I totally agree, and for families to have to start a new life is tough. They are limited with what routes they can take. What if they aren’t close to a school to send their kids too, or their workplace? Also, it is just a huge inconvenience for someone that has lived in a location for the duration of their life.

dan.b

@KQEDEdSpace #mrg415 #wheredoyoubelong Well when prices go up people going to leave and be priced out. Its how american society works.

JAYLA

I don’t think you should have to move from your home that you’ve lived in your entire life unwillingly. I feel that it takes away the rights of a home being your home. California and other states can make houses more affordable by increasing job opportunities and not to disrupt homes that are already there so people can still afford the house their in.

AKILAM

I totally agree with you, Marie. And I’m one of those people who has lived in the same place all of my life so I’m sure it will feel like a part of me is being taken away.
ARMAND A

I agree with you whole heartedly, I believe that also you should not move out of your home were you have memories and stories behind every nook and cranny. If they really need more space for houses they can destroy more wooded areas as they’ve been doing for plenty of years.

SABRINA

Cities such as San Fransisco, Los Angeles, and New York City are not cheap to live in. If one is unable to afford the housing expenses, then don’t live there. (This is directed towards people looking for houses).

KYLE

I can see your point, but what if they cannot afford to move out of the city? What if their rent just gets more and more expensive, and they can no longer afford thier home?
- SABRINA
  
  Please refer back to my sentence in parenthesis- “This is directed towards people looking for houses.”

LINDSAY

After moving to a new city recently from one that I’ve lived my entire life, I do feel that a home or the place you live is a big part of what makes up a person. I think California and other places should make more houses affodable because everyone deserves a home. When they start moving people out of their homes to create more expensive housing, they are not just making people give up a building or city where they live, but a big part of their life.

EllaH_benceboyd

LINDSAY, I agree that a “home” has to be a very important place to be a “home”. Home is suppose to be where you feel safe, I know that if I didn’t feel safe in my home I wouldn’t consider it “home”. I also agree that California and other states could make houses cheaper. Recently people have been helping the homeless more than ever, well, like you said their kicking people out of them, to make more expensive houses. Making more expensive houses over the houses that once housed families is so wrong to me, on so many levels. Some families can’t afford these high priced fancy houses, property taxes have gone up a lot in the last year in Sacramento. ( http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2014/05/as-california-property-values-rise-owners-see-big-tax-bill-hikes.html ) With all these tax inclines it’s hard for some families who may be struggling with money to afford their house as it is, but tearing down their house to build others, forcing them to buy another isn’t helping at all.
JasonM_BoydBence

I agree Pontiac, Michigan made me the way I am.

JORDAN

I believe that people who have lived in these communities should not be forced out. This is where they grew up and made memories with their families and it is where they want to raise their own families. They should have a choice on whether they want to leave or not. To make homes more affordable there should be more jobs available so these people with less money can supports themselves if they are forced to move into a wealthier area.

ALEX

I think that not only families but businesses are forced out of their original element. it may be very hard to adapt to different invironments and new people.

AndreA_BoydBence

I agree that more than just families are being forced out of their home. Things that force these people and businesses to move really should find a middle ground for themselves and the families or businesses.
- Jason Bolano
  
  It’s true. And for families to have to start a new life, start building up on their family. They are limited with what routes they can take. Some families can’t afford to support them with school.
JasonM_BoydBence

I agree they may have to move to a different area that may be more expensive.

FADI

I think if your being forced to move you should get some benefits out of it because it is not fair to the people who lived there to tell them to pack their stuff and move out. If you give them benefits it will be an easier transition for them and they will be more okay with it.

AndreA_BoydBence

I agree that people really should get something out of being forced to move out of their home. Whether it be food, a different place to live, some money, etc.

AndreA_BoydBence

Home is always where you belong. But where do you belong? I believe that you belong in the place where you are at your happiest and at your most enjoyment. It’s where you want to always be and never want to leave. It can be where you live, where you and your friends live, where you, your friends and family live, etc, etc, etc. Even if you’re forced out of your regular “home”, you can still be home since it’s where you belong. The world can be your home and where you belong if you really love it enough. A continent, country, state, city, address, room, place, etc. Or maybe even a state of being. Maybe you just love having silence or enjoy having there being talking and noises. Home can be more than just a place. If you’re forced out of your regular “home”, there’s never a need to think you’ve lose your home and where you belong, because a regular “home” doesn’t have to be that. http://www.npr.org/2013/10/15/227807022/silicon-valley-trailer-park-residents-fight-to-stay

Darren H.

Living in SF myself I always hear about the poorer community getting pushed out due to the rising prices. Although it’s a sad thing, is there really anything much we can do about it. From childhood I watched shows that glamorized big cities and living in it. Now with an increasingly wealthy population due to tech giants, those people can actually afford to live in the city, and people are willing to drive up the house prices since they can afford it. In reality, I sort of welcome the gentrification, especially since I live in a area that is not that good to begin with, but over the decade I watched it grow and turn better.

AndreA_BoydBence

I agree that as times go by, people are more likely to be able to live in better places and make more money. Though this’ll still cause some more people to move out of their homes, even if they can afford it.
Erica Liang

I, too, live in SF and I agree that there is not much we can do as individuals in response to the gradual rising prices for housing. Although my family had struggled early on, eventually we were able to sustain ourselves and make a decent living. Those who cannot afford to live in SF, simply have no course of action to take in our inevitably changing economy.

Preston Chu

I think that certain areas in the Bay Area need to either lower the prices of housing or increase benefits for working families so they can afford a place to live without struggling to live check by check. If I lost my home, I would have to rely on relatives. I call this city and any place with relatives home. I belong with family and friends in places where we don’t have to struggle to put a roof above our heads.

May N.

Whatchu talking about, you rich, you ain’t gonna lose your home.

May N.

I believe that the city and government should provide low income families with more affordable homes. I don’t think it’s fair that people are getting priced out of their apartments but to be honest, there isn’t anything we can do about it. I come from a low income family myself and I haven’t lost my home but I have had to move to a smaller house because my parents couldn’t afford the rent anymore, but we couldn’t do anything.

Erica Liang

I agree with you Ms. Naing that our government should aid low income families and provide affordable housing. I also came from a low income family and have watched my parents struggle to find a decent home for my brother and I. I share in your opinion that the city should decrease housing prices for less fortunate civilians.

Erica Liang

Although San Francisco is in a housing crisis right now, lowering the cost of rent and living space comes with a price. If landlords who are renting out apartments decrease their prices for low-income families, they would not be able to make a living for themselves. Therefore, a price ceiling should be established on houses and other residential areas so that struggling families could find affordable housing.

May N.

I agree Ms. Liang, instead of lowering the cost, we should be putting a limit to how high the expense for houses and apartments for those who cannot afford them in the current market. Or instead we could build more apartment buildings and offer them at below market prices for those who really need it. P.S. Why you gotta be so rude?
AriannaT_BoydBence

I agree Erica, there shouldn’t be a drastic decrease in prices because the landlords and employees of the place will most likely not have enough money for themselves. People should raise prices of houses if they NEED to, not just because they want to. If they do, there should a limit so there is a minimal amount of homeless people.

Ada Ouyang

California and other states can address the need for affordable housing by passing possible laws to require landlords to lower the rents and building more low-income housings for low-income residents. A government fund should be given to low-income families to help them out with the rents. If I suddenly lost my home, I won’t have anywhere else to live and to go back to. I call home a place that I can return to and a place where I live in a safe environment with my family every day. I belong in the community of San Francisco, a place where I spend time with my family and friends and a place where I feel safe.

Yumi Ouyang

I agree with you Ada! (: The government should come up a plan for low-income families to help them out for the rents, so we can have less homeless people.

john

I feel that if you live in California and want affordable housing, move out of the state. You live in California and its where everybody wants to live due to the warmth. So of course the price of living is going to be higher simply because supply and demand. Complaining about the price of living in California is like complaining about living in Dubai and only having 3 ferraris. The price of living is different in all areas. if you don’t like it, move.

Tasha

I personally feel like its unfair that people have to leave the homes they might of grew up in or raised there families up at because they want build something new on that area that’s not just peoples homes that’s peoples lives and memories and for them to just expect that its going to be easy to find a new place in a little inconsiderate.

Janine Bunag

i think that people are very interested in renting a hotel room.

jocajulao

How states can address the housing problem is to propose a new proposition or bill on lowering the housing prices.

moy

house are getting more expensive, that how more people are being more homeless

JasonM_BoydBence

I agree with you 110% if the house price go down maybe some one can become finically stable again.

Thomas Yip

i also feel that San Francisco renting is too expensive that they have to move out of the state.

batgirl

if lost my home i would be devastated but also i would go to another family members house i don’t think anywhere else would be home except the SF. i have grown to love the city so much this is my home.

Emilyw_boydbence

I agree with you that it would be devastating to lose your home. Jennifer Munoz
Tello is a girl that is around our age and might be losing her home soon. Like
you said, you can’t imagine leaving your home even if you still have a place to
go. “Most of us don’t really know where we’d
go” if the park closed, says 28-year-old Erika Escalante. (http://www.npr.org/2013/10/15/227807022/silicon-valley-trailer-park-residents-fight-to-stay)
People are being kicked out of their homes because of the raising prices for
their rent. Going to family isn’t the same as having your own place to call
home. So let’s come together and help try and lower prices for rent so people
can live better lives in the place they call home.

tom

hey should have cheaper home for people with low income and if i would lost my home i would move in to a car

stephanie

so that why to munch people is homeless in here

Kelly Yee

California and other states address can go on a strike or propose a bill on this issue. I think the pricing or the mortgage prices for housing should lower so it would be more affordable for individuals, couples, families, etc. Honestly, I wouldn’t know what would happen if I suddenly lost my home. I would probably have to move into one of my relative’s house. I call California my home because it’s where I was born and raised.

AndreA_BoydBence

To me, home is just where you live. This house, on this street, in this town, in this state, in this country, in this continent, on this planet, etc. Well where do you belong? You belong where ever you want to be. Wanna be in Canada? You belong there. Wanna be in some other place? You belong there. You could just go ahead and say home is something special and you belong with friends and family, but cheesy messages like that are just annoying and, like I said, cheesy. I don’t see anything special in the house I live in, the school I attend, or the town I live in. I just see it as my current residence. I doubt there will be any sources to help this statement.

EllaH_benceboyd

Honestly, I’m not entirely sure where my “home” is. I lived in Kansas my entire childhood and grew up on that. Now, i live in Coppell, Texas, in my little yellow brick house. Yet I’m hardly in my little yellow brick house this year. I’m always at the high school, either on the football field or in the trainer room. Now I’m not saying that I like the trainer room more than my house. And I’m not saying I like Kansas more than Coppell. I’m saying that I see a home as a place where you are surrounded by people who care about you and that you enjoy being around. I know thats really cheesy and over-used but, it’s true, for me at least. I love all three places, because I love the people who are there so much, you should be happy at home. Most people consider their house as their one “home”, and some of those people are kicked out of those homes, so other people can build more houses where theirs stood. Now how is that fair? It’s not, those people lived there, they made memories there. I understand that really does nothing at a legal stand point, from that point view, all that matters is money. If a family can’t afford their bills, is in debt, or just ticked the wrong person off all that could be gone. People getting kicked out tot their houses due to tax increases has become more frequent, because taxes just keep climbing, and climbing, and climbing. July of this year especially, this passed July taxes were raised in 22 different states. ( http://www.taxrates.com/blog/2014/06/30/july-2014-sales-tax-changes/ ) Things such as location rate, transit sales tax, food tax, property tax, electricity, manufacturing, and just tax rate increases were effected. That I know of my family has never had major financial problems, all these tax raises could give us problems, especially the electricity increase. Everyone in my family has a cell phone that they charge at night, also a personal laptop that they charge at night, ceiling fans that are on all night, A.C, and probably many more things. If the tax is raised too much over the years, that could start sucking away our money, which could start a domino effect to much worse things. I’m only 14 years old, and I obviously won’t be living with my parents in this house for the rest of my life. I don’t know where I belong yet, and thats okay with me. I know what i’d like to do when I get older, and I know that i don’t want my future family to struggle with money.

JasonM_BoydBence

I call home the place where I was born Pontiac, Michigan I lived their for 13 years. Texas is not home because I wasn’t born here. My mom makes more money in Texas because we all know that Detroit is bankrupted, but I don’t care what happens in Michigan thats still my home and I represent it to the fullest and finest.

JasonM_BoydBence

I belong in Michigan because thats home. I moved from Michigan because of my mom. I could’ve stayed in Michigan but I made a mistake of moving. So I belong in Michigan.

Brett C_BoydBence

What I call home is somewhere I can grow, learn, and be happy in. I think that my community is fits the requirements of what I think home is and even though I do live in a house in my community, it is not where I have gotten all of the attributes of what makes me. For me home is the definition of home is the community that influences everything about me.

Where I think I belong is a place where people accept me for me and where I am happy to be in. One example of a place I belong is my school, even though it is an obvious choice school in school I do fit in. The reason I fit in is that I understand the classes and the people in school and they understand me. Another pace that I fit in is my school band, my band is the CHS band and I am a member of it and even though I am not the best member I am trying to be the best (http://www.chsbandboosters.com). It is one of the few place that I get to express my talent of music and learn to become a better musician from my fellow musicians in my class helping me improve. There are many other places that I fit in and I think that to find a place that you belong to you have to sure you have full dedication to it and will always stick to it.

Sites used:

“Www.chsbandboosters.com – Coppell High School Band Boosters.” CHS. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2014.

IKU

To address the need for affordable housing, the state should keep places for homeless, since a house especially a lot, is too expensive for them nowadays. Homeless could lead to low the public safety. Therefore, the state should address the problem as quickly as possible. Although I have lived in three countries, my “house” locates on each country. Each house has unique experience, so I cannot pick my only one “house”. If I lost my house, I would probably ask help to my relative for living place. And that living place will be my next “house”.

Emilyw_boydbence

I agree that we should make a place for the homeless. We need
to help them get back on their feet so they can get a job again. Even if we
don’t make a place for the homeless we should still try and lower the prices of
places to live. Benito Santiago says, “Being in
this space has allowed me to focus on my art without having to worry about
survival.”( http://ww2.kqed.org/news/2014/07/11/priced-out-artist-turned-housing-activist-describes-his-ellis-act-eviction
) When he found his apartment, he found his home, and an amazing job that has
helped him get back on his feet. So if we do make a place for the homeless it
would really help them have a better, fuller life.

http://www.datpiff.com/Wethecoons Robert

Forcing people to relocate is horrible

RAQUEL

I can defiantly see why the increase in prices of homes can make people lose the feeling of belonging and calling a place home. You should feel wanted and feel like you belong.

DarianaG_BoydBence

I totally agree with you Raquel, people should feel wanted and feel like they belong they should not feel rejected like most people who feel that way when they’re loosing their homes and moving away from their family and friends.

SashaGrinevich

Home is were I am happy, I can grow, and learn. Home should be a comforting thing. It’s sad they many people don’t have a home. I think we should build more affordable homes and find a solution to this problem.

ChrisD_boydbence

Im glad you feel that way and you right about two things. There should be comforting in homes and there are so many people that are living in homeless shelters and i think us U.S citizens should come with an idea to help poverty more. I also want to say this. Whenever or wherever you want to call home, if you are an average American citizen with a smart phone, then you would call your parents at home. That would be my definition of calling home. In life as a student, you belong in a home with good parents and going to school and getting a good education as well.
BrennaM_boydbence

Sasha, I totally agree with you. Home is a place where you are comfortable being yourself and yes it is very sad that people don’t have homes. But home isn’t just a house with a roof on the top, it is where you are loved and surrounded by family and or friends. Everyone deserves a home no matter how much money you have or who you are. The thing about our society is that we are selfish and only care if we have a home. “She says he moved the family to Buena Vista largely because of the schools”. (http://www.npr.org/2013/10/15/227807022/silicon-valley-trailer-park-residents-fight-to-stay)

In this sentence that Kqed gave us shows that just because they’re family moved a lot doesn’t mean they weren’t home. No matter where you are if you are with people who love you and care about you, you are home.
TannerS_BoydBence

I agree 100% with you Sasha. Home is where you can excel at your highest rate. It is where people will support you no matter what. Some people don’t have homes and even if we make more affordable homes some people still wont have a home because they have no money. The thing is that home isn’t always a place to stay it is where you feel at your best. Such as me I love to be at the basketball court and just play because it is what I love to do it is my element.
Joshr_BoydBence

Sasha to add on to that, family also makes up a home. Without a family its like your own giant room. Its not a home, just a house. None of us would have been walking or talking if it weren’t for our family. But house also makes it a home, so that means more people need houses or shelters so they can find a family to live their life with.
MadisonP_boydbence

I agree with you Sasha, having a home is like having peace in your mind. A place where you can just come to even after a hard day of work or school. And sit down and relax. It is a place where you should feel happy and safe, someplace you just love walking through the door of. It is heartbreaking that some people don’t have a home and live for day to day on the streets, there should be a more affordable houses for everyone even those who are living off the streets.
Kabramson_boydbence

Sasha I would agree with you partially, maybe if your home is unaffordable then it’s not really your home anymore.As the people below said your home is supposed to be comforting right?So if you are being stressed out about paying house bills you should move, also so that you will be able to fit in with what type of people you are similar to economically and probably righteously.
lupenyg_boydbence

I agree with you Sasha. Home is place where you grow as a person and can be yourself, but how can you do that if your homeless. Making affordable homes can really improve many lives and their future. http://ww2.kqed.org/news/2014/07/11/priced-out-artist-turned-housing-activist-describes-his-ellis-act-eviction This site is talking about how the seniors in San Fransisco rents are going up, and since most seniors have retired it can lead to more people being homeless.
JakeB_BoydBence

Of course home is a place your thrive in. Home is a place you wake up everyday in thankful you’re in it. Why would why should anyone tell anyone otherwise. What happening in places the California is unacceptable.http://blogs.kqed.org/education/2014/10/17/where-do-you-belong/
AlexL_BoydBence

Sasha, I agree with you partially. I agree with how you feel home is a comfort place. But it isn’t just that easy to say that we build more houses. That takes money that we as people don’t have.
CharlieW_BoydBence

I totally agree home is one of the places mainly the entire world feels safe at or in. When people are at home they feel at peace with the world, at least I do. I love doing things at my hose I mean being home is awesome. “For nearly four decades, Santiago has called his apartment on Duboce Avenue home.” http://ww2.kqed.org/news/2014/07/11/priced-out-artist-turned-housing-activist-describes-his-ellis-act-eviction
JoshuaM_BoydBence

Sasha,I agree with you.But if want more affordable homes we would need more materials,and more workers.In the long run this may cost a lot of money…http://ww2.kqed.org/news/2014/07/29/san-francisco-could-regulate-landlord-tenant-buyout-agreements/
CarsonW_BoydBence

I couldn’t agree with you more. Your home should be safe and feel like a sanctuary from what bothers you outside of home. As long as their is a roof over someones head and they have someone that understands them, family for example, then they will feel happy and feel like they belong. Affordable homes could be a very appropriate answer to the issue, but who would supply the resources? These are questions we have to take into consideration when we make this sort of suggestions.

Dayle

For me home is very important. It is a formalist place were I can rewind and let the bad things of the sad sake off. I can’t imagine not having a place to snuggle in and read a good book, or a comfortable bed. I certainly can not imagine not being able to eat. To not know if my parents have made enough money to feed me, even when they are working tirelessly with no breaks. However for a lot of people this is a reality. And we need to change this.

DARIAN

it is unfair that people may have to leave the homes that they grew up in because a specific area wants to urbanize, and increase property values. you can’t put a price on the memories that they have there

LAUREN

For me, Home is somewhere where i can be myself. Home is where my friends and family are. This article was talking about how families had to relocate into neighborhoods that were more affordable for their budget due to increasing payments. This increase is basically forcing these families to live somewhere where their family and friends aren’t. somewhere where they aren’t yet established.

Mason Gilbertson

I belong with my family in SD they are spread out around the county but where I am now is not home to and never will be.

KJ

I dont think it is fair to have to move out of your home just so companies can make more profit. Since i just moved i know how hard it can to have your home and life taken away from you. I also think that afforable living should be found no matter if the area is rural or urban. A place should be set aside for lower income families to live where ever they please.

Batman

My great grandfather and great grandmother used to have a farm that paid good money and land that our family grew on for years, and my family called that land home, our true home that we had originated from. One day some people for the government forced them off that land because they had plans for it, and we had to auction off farm equipment before they took the land. They caused us to get new jobs and start all over. It wasn’t fair. Next thing you know, they built a mall in it’s place.
Akebalan Etzioni

19nzel

I belong in states that are very cheap with there houses because me and my family don’t really have a lot of money. I have lived in two states in my life and that is North Carolina and Ohio. Both of those states have a housing wages of under $14.50. I think that it is unfortunate that some people don’t have enough money to even rent houses in places like California because the houses are too expensive.

Kittens

I think that states can try and balance out price of things, and try to come to an agreement about things. There also needs to be information out there about when it’s going to happen, so people aren’t suddenly surprised on what’s happening.

19bshe

Many people have become homeless this way, I know someone who’s actually having trouble keeping her house. This is just one person out of the thousands maybe even millions of people who have lost or are going to lose their home. Most people don’t have enough money to pay for their house even when they’re working at a full time job that pays them. Most people don’t make enough money, take for instance the minimum wage, that’s not nearly enough to even rent a house! The problem is people can’t keep their houses because of reasons like this, and this is just one out of many reason why people are losing their houses!

RickyB_boydbence

19bshe, I think what you are saying is right since there are many people who are having trouble with their housing and that is a problem which needs to be solved as soon as possible. There is another big reason for the cause of expensive houses. For all their faults, the agencies were legally required to devote a fifth of their revenue to affordable housing — about $1 billion a year. And even as housing advocates mourn the loss of redevelopment, they’re hoping lawmakers will provide some alternatives.

naturalist

My problem with local housing is that some people don’t try to make the situation better, local housing is supposed to be temporary and not a permanent home. For example, if you got to college and don’t have enough money to afford a dorm, and you work part time local housing is a good choice because you are trying to make your situation better. But if you don’t have a job, and you are out partying everyday and not doing anything to try and live a successful life, that is what makes the waiting list so long. Local housing is a good, and a bad idea in all honesty.

Joel H

I can see why places like California have high costs on their houses, but they still should find a compromise. I think that raising the minimum wage is a good idea for more than just this issue, like other payment issues. But a big problem is their just aren’t enough jobs that supply enough money to pay these high house prices. So maybe the soulution is just getting more jobs, or raising the minimum wage. Either way something has to be done.

RickyB_boydbence

I agree with you Joel, there is a reason for the prices of housing in California to be so high but there are people living there who are not very stable in terms of income. For them something needs to be done. I think these problems have started much before. Three years ago the governor of California, Jerry Brown, eliminated the redevelopment agencies that used to help finance low income housing construction (http://blogs.kqed.org/education/2014/10/17/where-do-you-belong/).

The government is going to have to do something since there are people refusing to leave from the place they stay in, this will become a huge problem sooner or later. The people protesting also have there own reasons to do so. The park’s low-income, mostly Latino residents are fighting to stay in their community and to keep their kids in one of California’s best school districts (http://www.npr.org/2013/10/15/227807022/silicon-valley-trailer-park-residents-fight-to-stay).

19asol bobby unicorn

Home is a place were one can thrive. Were you can learn and grow. Because of expensive housing and renting, people don’t get this chance to thrive. What we can do: every state should be balanced. With affordable housing and expensive housing. With good schools and jobs. We need to give the sun for other plants to grow.

QiSheng Zhu

They should make the rent cheaper in Oakland because we already have a lot of homeless and the housing is so expensive.

Libby Chuong

Home is a place where you stay and live in. It shouldn’t cost so much just so you can stay there. People don’t have enough money to pay for it. There isn’t so a lot of jobs for people. If they want to pay for the house they have to probably get another job to afford the houses.

Terri Tu

They need to lower down the prices for renting, I’m serious, some people are so close to being homeless.

allison truong

The article says that recently there have been a few new affordable house that have been buil, but sadly, landlords are getting out of the business because the rents are too low for the low income residents. I think that this is a good call of action, but there must be a change. The economy should lower all of the needs of houses, so there won’t be a high chance of people losing their jobs.

Raven Gann

To afford anything now people need a good job, but some people are unable to reach these standards when it comes to housing. We should lower the price of housing so we can reduce the amount of people who are homeless and the amount of people who live in crowded situations.

Derek G_BoydBence

Raven, we can’t just lower the housing prices. The landords need money too. The economy is rising so we all need to pay our share and if the landlords can’t pay theirs, then they end up on the street themselves.
Emilyw_boydbence

Raven, I agree with you! I think that we should make the
price of housing lower so that not so many people would be homeless. It is hard
for people to try to find a job and an affordable place to live at the same
time. In the story of Benito Santiago, he found a
job and a place to live and he has lived there for 37 years. It is his home.
But they have decided to raise the prices to $4,000 dollars, which, is over 5
times the price that he was paying.( http://ww2.kqed.org/news/2014/07/11/priced-out-artist-turned-housing-activist-describes-his-ellis-act-eviction
) We need to make the prices more reasonable for people to live safely and affordably
where they can easily find, not any job, but a job they love.

SL

there were so many homeless person out there. they should lower the price of renting houses so many could effort it

EmilyE_BoydBence

SL, we cant just lower house prices. There are plenty of places where the house prices are low so the people that cant afford expensive houses can get one. I know this sounds bad but I think that the homeless people need to figure it out on there own because more then half of the homeless people did that to them selves. They thought that they were being cool and doing drugs and drinking but that got them no where in life. I really don’t feel sorry for that group of homeless people.

Rodolfo Sanchez

They should make more affordable houses because where will kids grow up at, homeless people will live around your area in tents. Do you really want homeless people live around your area asking for food?

EmilyE_BoydBence

Some places do make affordable houses. Its not like everywhere the house prices are high. For example on this website http://wallstcheatsheet.com/stocks/10-cities-with-the-cheapest-home-prices-in-the-u-s.html/?a=viewall it gives several places like Jackson, Mississippi where the house prices are quite affordable.
BakhtawarY_BoydBence

Rodolfo, I agree that there should be more affordable houses but not all places are very expensive. It is the economy of California (in particular) that is giving high prices on houses. Living in an area with Disney Land, Amusement Parks, TV shows, Music labels, beaches, climate, professional chefs, and celebrities; in that area it will be expensive.
In this picture, I searched up in the internet “places with cheap houses and i got about 75 million results.

Don’t get me wrong, I feel like people who are homeless NEED a home FAST. Others should be there to help them, more organizations should be made to help find to build homes. People are sadly gonna be homeless in many places, but I feel like what we can do as people who are fortunate enough to live in a home give that luxury they don’t have.

12345678910

It’s sad that we can’t even find an affordable home nowadays.

OTF YS_40

Home is a place were one can thrive. Were you can learn and grow. Because of expensive housing and renting, people don’t get this chance to thrive. What we can do: every state should be balanced. With affordable housing and expensive housing. With good schools and jobs. We need to give the sun for other plants to grow.

But that’s the point. People don’t get to keep what they work for. To an extent in America yes, we get to keep the money we work for. But taxes are paid and they are not fair. Because there is not a flat tax, each section of society pays a different amount according to there own yearly income.

Zicheng

I believe it will go better when more non-profit organizations help people out before they lose home or don’t know what to do if they want to do something about housing such as buying a house or renting a cheaper apartment. I can understand the reason that housing in California is more expensive than other states because many new immigrants come to California first. However, it will work out, it is just the problem of time.

Guest

i think that cali should stop raising the prices on housing

abel

the rich is getting more richer and the poor is getting more poor

N.S.T.

I think cali should stop raising housing prices

Brett C_BoydBence

The problem with stopping the raising prices of households in California is that with major cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles have increasing economies the prices of house increase to match the economy. The Ellis Act, “a state law designed to allow a property owner to leave the rental business, thereby vacating rental units,”(http://ww2.kqed.org/news/2014/07/11/priced-out-artist-turned-housing-activist-describes-his-ellis-act-eviction) it was supposed to help families with property and no one to give to sell it. It was never intended to allow greedy people to suck the money right out of people. This is a real problem and we cannot allow people to go homeless so other can get large amounts of money.

Cites used:

“Priced Out: S.F. Artist Turned Housing Activist Describes His Ellis Act Eviction.” KQED News. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2014.

irvin

Now I can see why places like California have high costs on their houses, but they still should find a compromise. I think that raising the minimum wage is a good idea for more than just this issue, like other payment issues. But a big problem is their just aren’t enough jobs that supply enough money to pay these high house prices. So maybe the solution is just getting more jobs, or raising the minimum wage. Either way something has to be done to make it right for everyone.

DarianaG_BoydBence

Irvin, I totally agree with you Irvin, I think raising the minimum wage is a good idea too but you must understand that the government might not want that or may not have enough money. Here is a link in which it provides you information on how California’s housing is market is failing to meet the needs of low-income families. http://www.chpc.net/dnld/CHPCHousingNeedReport020814FINAL.pdf

sunweezy

What did they do with the money they took they shouldve just never took it

Hampton

I think that this is wrong. Since I don’t live in California I cannot related to these people being kicked out of their homes, but I do know that people should not be put in this situation of “Pay a lot more for a just as good apartment or be homeless”. If it was the government that took out the 1 billion funds to rehousing then I think that it is the government that should fix this issue. They could create a program dedicated to increasing the amount of homes or decreasing the prices of existing ones.

DarianaG_BoydBence

I agree with you Hampton, the government should fix this issue they caused this problem they must fix it people should not be kicked out of their own homes just because they can’t afford the home.

19msly

Home is a place where you should feel comfortable and safe. You should not be afraid of being kicked out of your house, however, we can only provide so many affordable housing units because the money has to come for somewhere. We have to prioritize. Should be but sending our taxes to affordable housing units, or should we put it towards creating more jobs? Unemployed people are not going to help our economy, but neither are homeless people in the streets. If our taxes went to creating new jobs, then people could buy their own houses. We can all agree that there is no way to completely abolish poverty in this country, but I believe that the best way to get the most people out of poverty is to create more jobs weather those jobs may be garbage men or working at chains such as subway.

Brett C_BoydBence

I agree there is not true way of getting rid of poverty in America, but their are ways to decrease the number of people living on the streets. As you said we can create more jobs, but the problem with that is that most workplaces don’t need large amount of people because they already have people and we can’t move all of these people to areas to places that need jobs so it is extremely hard to get everyone a job. Even if the government makes more jobs companies would move due the competition and people could not be able to move so they will go homeless. There is no simple answer to solving this problem.
JoshuaM_BoydBence

I agree 19,It’s hard to live and people just sometimes need help…Yes unemployed people need our help!I agreed fully! http://www.npr.org/2013/10/15/227807022/silicon-valley-trailer-park-residents-fight-to-stay

DarianaG_BoydBence

Where do you belong? I believe you belong in a place you
call home. I believe home is a place in where you feel safe, happy, you love
every second you’re there. I believe my home is at church I feel safe and happy
there because every time I’m there I can enjoy my life and enjoy the time I’m
having with my friends learning more and more about God and having a
relationship. Where you belong is places where you want to be there and you
feel like you belong there and you’re accepted. I believe I belong at church
because I feel like if I wanted to praise the Lord nobody would care because
they want to do that too, I belong there because I am accepted there for who I am,
I belong at church because I want to be at church I have the desire to go to
church and praise the Lord.

Anna

I recently visited San Francisco this past summer and I have never been to a city with so many people who had to sleep on the streets because they didn’t have a place to call home. It was really hard to walk around the city knowing that these people lived on the streets and I was just going to be there for a week and a half and even I had a house that I was staying in. I wish there was something in place that didn’t make families homeless when they have been living in one place their entire life and they are hardworking.

Brett C_BoydBence

It is sad to see homeless people on the streets and most of them we kicked out of their houses by laws similar to the “Ellis Act” in California. Over the summer this year I went to San Francisco and Boston and I would see homeless people on almost every road I walked on. The problem with helping these homeless people is that some of them are not American citizens so they can’t get any type of money from the government and the ones that are citizens may have physical injury so even if we get them a home they would end up back on the streets again. The problem is just depressing and it makes you glad for what you have in life because not everyone has what you have.
EmilyE_BoydBence

I cant really agree with you on the part that all homeless people are working hard. It says on http://www.nytimes.com/1989/05/30/us/drug-addicts-among-the-homeless-case-studies-of-some-lost-dreams.html that 75% percent of homeless confessed that they were an alcoholic or a drug addict. It also says that 25 to 30 percent were employed while being homeless, but they are spending there money on drugs and other things. If they really wanted a place to call home most are able to get it.

Elijah Morris

@KQEDedspace I believe that this is a very pressing matter in Sanfransico, New York and other very large growing cities. I do not think it is very relevant to us me and my classmates living in Georgia. housing and rent is increasing but that is due to normal inflation which we shouldn’t worry about. #WhereDoYouBelong

AriannaT_BoydBence

I call New York my home. It’s where I grew and
learned, it’s where I saw the world for the first time, and it’s where I love.
Everything about New York is just mind-blowing. You see so many different types
of people and cultures. You can just walk around Central Park and learn. “New York
City’s (NYC) unique mix of energy, creativity, internationalism, influence and
street smarts makes for one of the great world cities”, (http://www.globalsherpa.org/new-york-city-nyc)
In a way, I feel out of place here in Texas. No matter how many years I am going to live here, whenever I visit New York, I feel like I’m really home.
Where I belong is where there are people that I can relate to and I feel comfortable
with. New York again is that place. Pretty much my entire family lives there,
and the only family I have here in Texas is my brother and mom. When I go to
NY, I feel so at home and comfortable with them. I am happy every second I’m
there, I feel safe with the people I love.

RebekahP_BoydBence

Right now in my life I call Coppell, TX my home. It is where I live in and where my house is, but I do not believe it is where I do belong. In my opinion, a home is where I can express myself through my passions and dreams and where I am supported. Coppell is a small town that doesn’t although me to explore my potential to the fullest. Not every single house is a home. The peers around you, your community and your culture all factor into finding your home.
I belong in a place that I’m accepted for my choices and challenges me in life. I
belong in a place that offers a sense of contentment and pleasure. I believe I belong in my school, New Tech High. (http://www.coppellisd.com/newtech) I am a very introverted and creative person, which means most of the time I like to work independently but I can
also put together my creativity to collaborate with others. In this school, I am accepted for my passion, which is graphic design and photography. No matter if I am doing a rough job in a class or I am passing it with flying colors, I am always pushed and challenged.
It is not a simple task to figure out your home and where you belong in life. You have to figure out what you want your career to be and if you want to do that one thing for the rest of your life. The one thing you find that you belong to needs full dedication. You have to put everything on hold in order to stick to it because if you just go at it half way you will not get a desired result.

ktcoolguy

I feel as if these increased housings because of greedy land lords is morally wrong. Just to increase your wealth , you are making people homeless because of non affordable housing will just not only effect those parents but also there children, crime rates, and overall economy. People that become homeless won’t be able to provide for their kids in educational or essential life needs such as shelter, food, or even simple things like water. Crime rates will start increasing because of homelessness and the need for money causing people to make bad decisions. And then the economy just starts going down with people moving out, education lowered, and crime. Yes, this a far stretch of how things could POSSIBLY get but its still some things we have to look at before letting land owners become greedy and over charge houses and making people homeless. the government should put laws and bans concerning price of housing or anything to help people get what they need. #kt_coolguy

Derek G_BoydBence

ktcoolguy, The landlords that kick people out are just greedy, like you said. But some do it basically because having the people at his building is reflecting badly on him (ie: Doesn’t pay rent). So maybe sometimes the forcing of someone to move out is, in fact, justified.
BakhtawarY_BoydBence

ktcoolguy, I disagree with you. First of all you can not say land lords are morally wrong. You do not know what a land lord who lives in San Fransisco’s morals are or the land lord living in Sacramento. Yes, I think it is sad people are going homeless. But even if anyone could, no one can make that California’s economy less expensive then other states. It has always been like that.
For example, when you type in “California Houses” you will get lots of expensive houses because of the business, and economy. But if you type a different state for example, Texas, You don’t get that same houses because the economy within prices can be lower. (not dealing with state size or anything) but California is known to be a populated state and because SADLY there is people (I sympathize for) there is nothing we can blame for this. All we can do is start something new to help, like an organization with the state that helps home owners pay when they move in, get a job, get their shippings. All depending on their situation. We shouldn’t fight a certain thing or group of people, but start something that can help.

riya

Many families seem to be suffering from not having homes. I think that the states and California need to find a way to create homes without inducing inflation. Non-profit organizations can help build houses, and make charities for people who are struggling. If I had suddenly lost my home, I would be shocked; I believe my parents would try their best to take care of the situation, but honestly, I’ve never been put in this situation, so I don’t know how I would respond. But, What I call home has been and will always be where my family is. It won’t matter the location as long as we are all together. I belong where my family is, and I believe that will always be Georgia, my hometown.

AlexD_BoydBence

I like the point you made about your family being your hometown, Riya. Family is a major key. But sometimes when you’re all grown up you might have to leave them to go make your own future. But if you truly believe your family is where you belong then that is alright, everyone has their own dreams.

Derek G_BoydBence

Right now, home is in Coppell, Texas. It’s where I was born, grew up, and where I live. Home is a place that I can follow any path and be supported. I am always supported here in Coppell. But it is not where I belong, I belong somewhere where I have already made my way, the place at the end of my path from home. Sometimes, where you belong IS home and that means you either “walked the path” or you are delusional. Here is an example of people that are where they belong and want to stay there. (http://www.npr.org/2013/10/15/227807022/silicon-valley-trailer-park-residents-fight-to-stay) If you’re where you belong, then would you really want to leave?

Paige

I believe less congested areas in California should have a lower price, and if salaries are decreasing, so should the cost of living. California has many congested, populated cities like San Francisco, Sacramento, and L.A. These areas are filled with many successful, wealthy people, so it would make sense to have a higher price of living, but they forgot the “other” of California. The so called normal, every day people because not everyone in California is a celebrity. The middle and lower class need a place to call home too. Not everyone has the talent or luck to be famous and wealthy. The government could even look at a person’s status in society and determine prices they should pay. The government could even make areas for each type of class like neighborhoods in each city. Then each class would know where they could find living in their price range. Every person needs a home. “Home is where the heart is.” as Mrs. Hartter puts it. Home is where a person belongs and to lose that would be like losing the most important person in someone’s life. People put so much into a house to make it their home: love, care, hard work, etc, and to have that ripped away is like ripping out a person’s heart. A piece of them is gone. I have not yet figured out my home yet. I haven’t found a place I belong and fit. I believe a home is where our accepted and get nothing but good out of. I have my whole future to make/ find my home. My home may even be a person because it’s not always the house a person is attached to but the memories. I’m hoping I find my home, the place where I belong, when I move to London after high school. I’m hoping that is where I will fit in and find my place, my acceptance.

AlexD_BoydBence

Paige, this is a very good point. I like how you pointed out that there is another side to California. People struggle everyday with money and the famous areas congested with people also have people struggling. Life is rough and the economy isnt helping.

Guest

Home is where you feel safe and comfortable with your surroundings. You love being
there and it’s where you want to be all the time. I believe my home is when I’m
with my best friends, the twins, Genevith and Brissa. When I’m with them, time
literally goes by so fast. With my best friends I’m actually enjoying myself and
I’ve never laughed so hard until I met them. When I’m with them I don’t need
anyone or anything else. Your home is where you’re accepted the most and I’ve
never felt most accepted other than with my Genevith, Brissa and the twins.
Over the past few months it was kind of a bore since Genevith and Brissa go to
CHS, but we still hang out and it’s not awkward at all, I always feel at home.
I belong with them and I’m very satisfied with the idea.

alishaha_boydbence

Home is where you feel safe and comfortable with your surroundings. You love being
there and it’s where you want to be all the time. I believe my home is when I’m
with my best friends, the twins, Genevith and Brissa. When I’m with them, time
literally goes by so fast. With my best friends I’m actually enjoying myself and
I’ve never laughed so hard until I met them. When I’m with them I don’t need
anyone or anything else. Your home is where you’re accepted the most and I’ve
never felt most accepted other than with my Genevith, Brissa and the twins.
Over the past few months it was kind of a bore since Genevith and Brissa go to
CHS, but we still hang out and it’s not awkward at all, I always feel at home.
I belong with them and I’m very satisfied with it.

Nia

There are laws in some states in which new development or redevelopment must have a portion of housing that is “affordable” to low and moderate income families. States like California should enforce this law or make this a state law to help with this issue. I feel like this is unfair to people that have lived in a place their whole lives, and can suddenly not afford their house anymore. These people either become homeless or are forced to move to another area.

Alexander Pranske

Nia I kind of disagree with you, the landlord has the power to do what he wants, he owns the land. Not the government. Also its not like he’s keeping everything, he has to pay taxes, feed his family and do everything else that a normal person does. It’s not like they are completely different.

TannerS_BoydBence

Home is where you feel most comfortable to express yourself and not to be insecure about yourself around the people that surround you. Although I live in Coppell, Texas where I call home is where I was born, Shawnee, Oklahoma. The reason that This place is home to me is because of my family. My whole family besides a few relatives lives in Oklahoma. It is also where I was born and raised. Without my family I am nothing, this is what makes this place so important, its what makes it home to me.
I belong in Coppell where I live as of right now. All of my friends and life is in Coppell, with basketball and my immediate family as well as a great school system. If I went back to Shawnee it will be much different than where I am now. I will have to get used to a new life style and find new friends.

BakhtawarY_BoydBence

My home is praying in a circle with my theatre/choir family.

My home is walking on stage and trying not to give direct eye contact to any one in the audience because they will feel uncomfortable.

My home is wearing lots of sunscreen and make up because the stage lights are so bright.

My home is finally getting to show hundreds-thousands of people what I have been perfecting on for months.

My home is singing that note as loud as I can because I rehearsed it 50 times, before I got it right.

My home is hearing an applause and can’t stop smiling because that feeling is beautiful. My home is performing.

I feel like that is such a powerful thing us humans can do for ourselves and one an other. I have always been comfortable putting myself out there, and when I am in the moment of singing, acting, dancing, the worries I have on a day to the day basis and my stress goes away. I am in that perfect moment where time stops and where all I need to worry about is how long I should hold down my bow with my cast mates. Home is where you are scene, and you don’t worry. You don’t think about what to do next since it comes so naturally.

Something I have always wanted to with my life is help others in MY own way. I feel like when you perform music (in particular) you can help people feel connected to you. “people need the arts to help them cope with the tough times.” ( http://www.artsincrisis.org/performing-arts-are-still-important-no-matter-the-economy/ ) They won’t feel alone, because when you put yourself out there they learn that you feel as they do. You may not know it, but in every vulnerable performance someone in the crowd is connecting somehow. I feel like my home is unique. It is a mix of helping others, but helping myself. This is my passion and I have been building a talent for this since the 3rd grade.

I belong in a place where I know I can not only help make a change for others, live my passion and what I love to do, but also help keep people connected with each other. I feel in place knowing I have figured out what I want do, I can do it, and I can benefit more then myself from this.

BrennaM_boydbence

My home is where I am cared for and where my loved ones are. What makes me feel truly at home is when I am surrounded by my loved ones meaning my family and closest friends. That is my home because that is where I can be myself without any doubts or regrets. “In general I think it can simply be a feeling of familiarity, comfort, and belonging”. (http://whatyoumightbemissing.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/what-makes-the-feeling-of-home/)

this is a great explanation of what I consider my home or being at home. When I am around people I care about and who care about me it makes me feel comforted and makes me feel like I belong there.

I belong with people who love me for who I am and except me for being me not anyone else. Everyone belongs somewhere that they feel loved and appreciated all the time. You obviously won’t feel like you belong with people you are total opposites of. For instance I never feel that I belong in the car with my friends parents. I don’t feel comfortable and or myself. To feel like you belong surround yourself with people you enjoy being around and treat you right.

Jeremy

The cost to live in areas like that shouldn’t be so expensive for everyone. Senior citizens deserve to live there for a cheaper price and people trying to rent places to live. Many senior citizens have lived in that area before, and now are forced to pay more than before. Also, people who are renting have to pay a significant amount because landlords can sell some of the housing which makes few places to live, bringing up the cost of the housing. Why would you move into this area or continue to live here with these prices increasing unless this is the only place to get a job? People may not even have to go out to far from their previous residence if there were cheaper places available to live on the outskirts of the city.

alishaha_boydbence

Jeremy, I agree with you. I believe that they should sell the house for different prices based on their stands. You said it should be based on age, and I agree with you. I also believe that they should sell it based on what that buyers income and yearly net is. Some people don’t have money to buy their dream houses and I don’t think thats fair. I think if they have enough money to buy even half of it that they should get it. I also think the economy should raise the price of minimum wage since they made the houses a lot more expensive.

Cheryl

The majority of people aren’t rich- you have most in the middle or lower middle class, so to make these houses ultraly expensive is really dumb because the middle class can;t afford to pay the high rates. Pierce or whoever down there basically said the poor people should just move and talked about “the american drea” but he fails to realize the minorites who call these housing projects their home are often working 2-3 jobs and are still unable to afford the ridculous pricing the owners put on the property.

TylerW_BoydBence

Cheryl,

I agree that it is absurd to expect these little to no income people to be able to pay these ridiculously high prices for housing. “‘When I found out that the going rate for this apartment was $4,000 a month, and not $575 like what I am paying,’ laughed Santiago. ‘I mean, how am I going to afford that?’” You cannot be able to expect them to just pull all of that money out of thin air. If all these people are paying $575 a month you have to expect that there is a reason behind why they are there. Then you come in and say that the rent will now be $4,000. It is absolutely incognitive to think that they could even come close to affording that. It may be the American dream to you builder, but I got news for you if you take away those peoples homes they are gonna have to sleep on the streets. How would all of you builders like it if these people came and took your million dollar houses and said you can have it back if you pay us a billion dollars? You wouldn’t like it so let them have a choice to move or not. Either let them all stay or if most want to or even need to stay you should have to let them stay.

http://ww2.kqed.org/news/2014/07/11/priced-out-artist-turned-housing-activist-describes-his-ellis-act-eviction

Cheryl

Not to mention if we’re being honest urban housing projects are most populated by minorities who often work many jobs and are on government aid and still can’t keep up with the ridiculous prices. If you say the people aren’t working hard enough I think you’re wrong. I think the solution is finding affordable housing so people can still be around their jobs and their lives.

GavinH_ BoydBence

I agree that it is our job to help people in need no matter the cost. So there should all ways be affordable housing to provide. Maybe volunteer organizations should step up and take this challenge in San Francisco.

Emilyw_boydbence

I feel like I don’t
have one place I call home. I feel at home on a softball field, at home, and at
school. It is different for everyone, but home is where I am surrounded by people that I love being around and
whom I consider family. My house is a place I call home because I am so
comfortable when I am home. I can just relax and kick up my feet after a long
day of school. I also call the softball field my home. It’s a place where I
lose track of time and just have fun with some of my best friends. Sometimes
it’s hard but I love doing it and I feel at home there. While at school, I am
usually surrounded my some of my best friends who encourage me and make me feel
at home, even if I’ve just met them. I
call these places home because of the people there that love me, help me, and
encourage me to be a better person. Like it says in (http://thoughtcatalog.com/jess-krista-merighi/2014/01/this-is-how-you-find-where-you-belong/)
, “Where is home? Is it the ocean? Your favorite
coffee shop? Is it your old bedroom that is now an office at your dad’s house?
Is it a friends voice, or the familiarity of a city?” Different people feel at
home in different place because of different reasons. You never know where the
person standing next to you feels at home. It might be right there, or miles away.

I belong with people
that love me and except me for who I am. I belong with people that I am
comfortable around and I can just be me, and they won’t judge. Some people
never find a place where they belong. I am so blessed to have found such a
great place like New Tech, and all the amazing people that go to New Tech. Some
people don’t realize that they haven’t found a place where they belong. Belonging
somewhere depends on the person.

Everyone belongs somewhere different and everyone calls home a different place.

Mark

My brother moved from Michigan to California about four years ago and was paying a ridiculous price per month to live in a tiny apartment that was about 500 square feet. He has a great job there that pays well, but still struggled to pay all of his bills due to his monthly payment, which was about $1,600. Everybody would love to live in a state like California, with warm weather all year round and beaches along the whole state, however, the reality sets in when you look at prices of housing and realize that there is no feasible way to afford living.

Jon Baker

I would agree it is very sad that in very nice places that there is no where for low income families and people to go. I find it hard to believe that the government has cut the spending to help out these people in need!

AlexD_BoydBence

I agree with you Jon. Just because America is a very wealthy place does not mean it is like that for everyone. The rich are becoming spolied, alot of people and places do not get what they do. “Seniors and families are particularly hard hit.” This is not okay. Especially families. They need th emost. More than a rich couple upsizing houses.
sarahm_BoydBence

Jon, I agree with you! Think if you were put out there to try and make do there. It would be hard! The government thinks that they are helping, but really they don’t know the other side of the story. Even though Charities all around are put in place to set some of the costs for homeless shelters the government should help a little too!
TannerS_BoydBence

I agree with you Jon. The government should put more time into helping the homeless with homeless shelters or soup kitchens. The reason behind the more expensive areas is because they are more appealing to the majority of people due to either the city or certain attractions. This doesn’t need to be fixed because it is a part of our economy and it is how we pay for some things like building homeless shelters and soup kitchens. This does not need to change because of those reasons.

Megan

I believe that this is a very serious issue, with the rising prices of homes and apartment complexes, this increases the rate of homeless people. With our economy today and the rising prices of the households in the city many people are not even able to hold down a job to be able to afford their home and this issue is expanding not just throughout citys but eventully it wil expand into other regions or areas as our world and economy evolve.

Derek G_BoydBence

Megan, I agree. The homeless population is too high because of the rise in housing expenses. We need to fix this by voicing our opinions so that, maybe, someone might listen.
DarianG_BoydBence

Megan, I agree with you that this is a big problem in (http://ww2.kqed.org/news/2014/07/11/priced-out-artist-turned-housing-activist-describes-his-ellis-act-eviction) the article it says that “They wanted me out so they could turn the building into condominiums, said Santiago.” Its so sad to think that they would just kick you out because they want to change the place your living in.
sarahm_BoydBence

I agree Megan! We need to at least try and solve this issue. People losing their houses and everything they own is a terrible thing and while it happens everyday not everyone knows to much about it. It is sad to think that if you don’t have a high paying job you basically can’t have a house. We need to find a solution for this and make sure we can help those who have already lost their homes.
EliD_BoydBence

I agree with you Megan. True, that the economy today is just awful, we are in such a high inflation with our money, that now the penny is considered worthless. It used to be commonly used back then. And on top of that people with jobs are not getting paid enough to even be able to support themselves. It is just that America right now, it is kind of hard to live here with limited money since we have such bad economy currently.

Robonik_Isaac

We clearly have a problem if people can’t even afford a basic housing unit. It is clear that inflation over the years has resulted in increased prices all over the economy, while minimum wage has failed to keep up. This manes that even people who are working hard full time often have trouble affording basic needs. If the minimum wage were to be raised, than perhaps the working poor would have the money they need. This would help the housing market because people would be being housing, and it would also let these people feed back more money into the economy by purchasing goods, thus resulting in an overall increase in economic strength. Increasing the minimum wage would go a long way.

alishaha_boydbence

Robonik I agree with you! The economy should realize that if aren’t getting as much money as they used to then they obviously have a problem. I think its okay if they raise the prices of their goods but they should also raise the price of minimum wage or vice versa. I think another good idea would also be to get rid of the Ellis Act. “…the Ellis Act allows California landlords to evict tenants in order to go out of business and remove units from the rental market, usually with the intent of selling them.” http://ww2.kqed.org/news/2013/11/07/117540/Priced-Out-Ellis-Act-San-Francisco-eviction I don’t think this is fair and I also think it’s a bad business idea.
Chrisc_boydbence

I agree I think soon our society will go through a modern day great depression that will completely overwhelm our economy and our nation.
Alecb_BoydBence

I do agree but only to a certain extent, think about the peoples businesses if the minimum wage is raised then businesses could possibly go bankrupt or just not be able to afford to pay rent and shut down. This is a very complicated issue that is hard to wrap your head around because there really is no way of anybody winning. There are homeless shelters and I feel like that is well enough to be able to fix themselves up and possibly get a job at a fast food joint and get some money.
EliD_BoydBence

I agree 100% Isaac. I could not have said it any better. Inflation has been increasing but sadly the value of minimum wage has seem to have gotten smaller and smaller. And also like you said the way we are heading and where we are now, it is just going to get worse and worse. But everyone needs to be able to get paid more so then they can actually support the economy and then later get paid even more. And then would inflation decrease.

Grace

This is definitely a problem. California is the 3rd most expensive place to buy a house and it’s very expensive to rent an apartment too. This is a problem all throughout this country. If I were to lose my home I’d not know what I’d do. States should put together programs that can get people housing and help them get a jump start in their lives. There is usually at least a year wait until they can help you get housing but is that too long? House prices are rising while minimum wage is able to keep up which doesn’t really help the average person. Even if you are working every single day of the year, house prices are rocketing and the amount of money most people get is failing to be sufficient enough. I think increasing minimum wage would help people get back on their feet.

BakhtawarY_BoydBence

Grace, I agree with you! I feel like demanding to have lower prices on housing can be unreasonable because the prices of houses need to match California’s economy. But also looking from the perspective of home buyers in California most of them need help with the pricing. “. Several factors are contributing to the decrease in affordable rentals. San Francisco has strong rental control laws that cover 172,000 of the housing units in the city. ” ( http://blogs.kqed.org/education/2014/10/17/where-do-you-belong/ )

I really like your idea. If we start an program or a new plan that helps the state give others a head start. Along with how ever you move, unpacking, and settling in; I feel like people moving here already have enough stress. If the state of California, #3 in highest house prices help the costumers get on their feet when they buy a house, there could be people willing to move there more. Then when people want to move there more money will be going to the state. And that is what the state wants in the first place. The state (of California) needs money to match the economy, landmarks, and people.
alishaha_boydbence

Grace, I agree with you. It would be very hard to find a decent price for a house in California. California is in the south and since our land is weaker than the North’s, I feel like it should be less expensive. Indeed it is a problem all over the country. They are charging the houses way more than what it’s actually worth. I think they should come up with a better way to come with a profit so that its reasonable yet the real estate still makes a profit. In this article I read it talks about Benito Santiago and how he got evicted from his apartment after living in it for 37 years. (http://ww2.kqed.org/news/2014/07/11/priced-out-artist-turned-housing-activist-describes-his-ellis-act-eviction) In the bottom part of your paragraph where you talk about increasing the minimum wage I totally agree with you. They should find a compromise so people aren’t broken out of a home; I think they should either do what you said or get rid of the Ellis act.
DarianG_BoydBence

Grace, I agree with you but increasing minimum wage would decrease how much money the other workers get. If states were to put up programs for people that have lost their home that means that we would have to support those programs nut I know no a lot of people would do that because they have problems of their own. According to (http://blogs.kqed.org/education/2014/10/17/where-do-you-belong/) it sates that “The problem of being priced out of a neighborhood is particularly bad in high priced cities such as San Francisco. Rents in the San Francisco Bay Area are soaring due the strong economy. And there are fewer affordable housing units. ” This problem is occurring but who allows this to happen and if people can make a change why aren’t they doing it.
MaddyS_BoydBence

Grace, I’m on the same page as you. If I lost my home, I don’t know what I would do. The houses in California are getting more and more expensive, and that is making it a lot harder for people who don’t have as much income. Not everyone can afford extravagant. “Rents in the San Francisco Bay Area are soaring due the strong economy. And there are fewer affordable housing units” (http://blogs.kqed.org/education/2014/10/17/where-do-you-belong/). I don’t think is fair to keep cheaper houses from those who need it.

wemmie2002

I think that we need to fix this problem, and fix it fast. This whole issue could kill the economy. If people can’t afford their homes, than the landlords can’t make money. Another issue would be funding homeless shelters. If people are busy funding shelters, than homes will still be over priced. If we try fixing homes, than the shelters will be less comfortable. Finally, I feel terrible for all of the children. I love the safety and confort of home. I can’t imagine not having it

RebekahP_BoydBence

I agree with you wemmie2002. Every person should have a place to come home to. You shouldn’t have to worry about whether or not if your homes are going to be up for sale. There are people in mobile homes who can’t afford to live anywhere else. (http://www.npr.org/2013/10/15/227807022/silicon-valley-trailer-park-residents-fight-to-stay) There needs to be a place that can fund all of these people that are forced out of their homes.
Kabramson_boydbence

I would agree with you wemmie2002.Landlords should get smarter and move to a wealthier area if they want to raise prices on homes so that they know they can make money, not so that they can kill there business and make no money off of the poor.
sarahm_BoydBence

Wemmie I agree, this is a big problem and we need to fix it! It is a social and economical problem because the people are losing their homes and having to provide on charities and homeless shelters. Someone has to fund these charities and people will give their time to volunteer. In an article it states ” one of the largest and one of the few remaining affordable housing options here — is threatened with closure.” because the most affordable housing option might be closing down there will be more people and families on the street. (http://www.npr.org/2013/10/15/227807022/silicon-valley-trailer-park-residents-fight-to-stay)

lupenyg_boydbence

You know where your home is when you leave it and miss it. My home is my church and thats where I belong. My church has my family, my friends, my teachers, and experiences that I’ll never forget. One of my favorite things about my church which are the retreats. The retreats at my church which is St. anns are unforgettable. At these retreats you make new friends and you don’t just make grow in your faith but as a family. http://youtu.be/Dc43vCmOEAs You can watch a video from the first session of the most recent retreat and it shows how we grow. I have gone to this church for a very long time and I have made a family there. Another reason why my church is my home is because of the HSM. HSM is High School Ministry. Every sunday night all high schoolers that go to our church come together for 1hr and have a topic we talk about it in small groups. http://stannhsm.com/ You can see the different events you get to be a part of at the HSM website. During HSM they have speakers every sunday and even teens can share their story or how they have grown in their faith. These talks are very inspiring and motivating. When I go to HSM I get to see my friends that help me grow, and I get to see my teachers. This is my home because whenever i’m not there I miss it and my family is there.

kirand_19

Home is the place I curl up in when I’m sad, the place I laugh in when I’m happy. It’s a place of love, of comfort, and of warmth. I believe that everyone should have a home, rich or poor, young or old. Yet in America, 610,042 people are homeless on any given night. In order to rent a small home in Kentucky, the state with the cheapest housing in America, you must earn at least $12.69 per hour, working 40 hours a week every week in the year. This is providing that you spend 30% of your income on housing. If you make less than $12.69 an hour, you have to skimp on something: food, clothing, or housing. When sitting in our homes, reading on our iPads or laptops about housing issues like this, $12.69 doesn’t seem like a lot. But the truth is, it isn’t illegal to pay employees little more than half that. If you were the manager of a large store, you want to lower the prices on your goods, not raise them, and paying your employees less seems like an obvious, easy solution. So I think that the problem of homelessness resides in companies offering low-paying jobs. Sure, it would be great if everyone could go to college and acquire the knowledge needed to get a well-paying job, but this is not a perfect world. Some people are born into poverty, and it’s hard for them to pull themselves out. Maybe we should ask the owners of low-paying companies to walk in the shoes of a homeless person for a day, just to see what it’s like. If they had a little more empathy, they might pay their employees more. Or maybe we could spread the problem of homelessness on social media, and publicize affordable housing businesses asking for donations. This way, they could speed up their process or offer even cheaper homes. It’s up to us to do something, because everyone deserves a home.

BrennaM_boydbence

Kirand, You are correct that people should pay their workers more and stop just sitting around on our ipads or iphones and do something for people in need. But there is so much more than just living in a house. being home also means being with family and friends that love you and care about you. Being home is where you are comfortable being who God made you to be without being scared of being judged. Sure living in a house is what everyone needs and deserves but everyone also deserves to be loved and to feel like they belong.

Daniel S

I have a strong opinion that large corporations hold homes hostage. Property owners and Land Lords may raise prices on somebody’s home for more money. And that is a problem. I believe that somebody should always have someplace to call home. Somewhere to return to at night. Somewhere with running water, a toilet, and bed. Nobody should live without a home that has those functions. It seems to be a given right. The way I see the problem, more (and better enforced) laws should be erected to prevent greedy people from taking money and homes with them. I understand that this is not a question of wealth, it is a question of rights.

RickyB_boydbence

Daniel, I have the same opinion that large corporations are holding homes hostage. Land lords use their power unfairly because of their greediness. The state Ellis Act allows landlords to leave the rental business. They are then allowed to sell their properties. This forces thousands of people out of their rent controlled apartments (http://blogs.kqed.org/education/2014/10/17/where-do-you-belong/). The Ellis act is one of the major factors of people not being able to find a house to live in.

There is another place, where people have to live in mobile home parks. They may have to leave because of the owner of that area. The owners want to sell the land to a developer who plans to build luxury apartments for the high-tech corridor’s growing workforce (http://www.npr.org/2013/10/15/227807022/silicon-valley-trailer-park-residents-fight-to-stay).

Most of these occurrences are in California due to the heavy prices of Real Estate. The problem of being priced out of a neighborhood is particularly bad in high priced cities such as San Francisco. Rents in the San Francisco Bay Area are soaring due the strong economy (http://blogs.kqed.org/education/2014/10/17/where-do-you-belong/).
RebekahP_BoydBence

I agree with you Daniel, when you say that landlord will raise prices for more money. Even if their living conditions are poor they still deserve to have a place to come home to. In some mobile parks Land Lords will come and force people out of their homes in order to create better looking and better supporting homes. (http://www.npr.org/2013/10/15/227807022/silicon-valley-trailer-park-residents-fight-to-stay)
lupenyg_boydbence

http://ww2.kqed.org/news/2014/07/29/san-francisco-could-regulate-landlord-tenant-buyout-agreements/ I agree with you Daniel. Landlords are rising the prices on rents and some people just can’t afford that. That is the one of the main reasons that people are living on the streets. This isnt fair to most people.
MaddyS_BoydBence

Daniel, I agree that everyone has the right to have a home with water and every necessity that we have. It’s not fair for others to raise prices just for more money. “Another law change in the mid-1980s is also affecting the lack of affordable housing” (http://blogs.kqed.org/education/2014/10/17/where-do-you-belong/). It’s not okay for there to not be a lot of affordable houses for those in need. There are more people in need of a simple home than a $3 million home. Therefore, we need to have more places with affordable housing.
Alexander Pranske

I don’t think everyone should have a job, some people don’t work and don’t deserve a job, but I see where you’re going with this. Lots of people would take any job they could.http://www.bls.gov/web/laus/laumstrk.htm I just don’t know how we could determine between those people. Also it’s not a right to own a house, the landlords can be as greedy as they want, it’s not right but you can’t stop them from being greedy.
- Daniel S
  
  I do completely agree with you that the is no way to determine the intention of a landlord, but I do believe that there should be a limit on the ability to raise rates on the rent. Besides, the more people that come to America the more ad luck there will be on the job market. Really, this solution may depend on others such as promoting basic jobs and the limit to immigration. It is amazing how KQED creates circles within circles in these questions.

EmilyE_BoydBence

Home is where my family is. Its the place I feel safe and comfortable. A place where my family will make to most fun memories and the worst memories. At the end of the day its the place we all come back to, when everyone comes home at the end of the day you feel safe. You know that the people that you love and care about are okay because they’re sitting under the same roof as you.

I belong with people who understand me. Some people don’t understand my dedication towards sports. To me sports is everything. For example I play volleyball and my favorite thing is when club season comes around. Club is all about dedication. You get to meet people that are just in love with the sport as you are. Everyone just connects in a special way. I played for the Knights Volleyball Academy and there just a club full of people that I love to be around all the time because I feel like I belong with them. And thats an amazing feeling.

Joshr_BoydBence

I very much agree with you. I have a house, but its not my home, my home is with my family. If I drive out to see my grandma or my aunts and uncles I feel home. If I was the only person living in my house then it wouldn’t feel like my home just a building that I live in. Home is when you feel accepted and cared for from others and you live with them. The expression “Home sick” supports this idea. When people ask if Im home sick it doesn’t mean I miss my house, it means I miss living with the people I love.

RickyB_boydbence

The place where my interests are and the place where I like to be is what I call my home. If I like to do something in a specific place and if I am in the zone there, then I call that place home. Some places where I like to be in are the soccer field, fencing room and at my house. I really like to be in these places since when I am there I feel fresh and energetic. I have a sense of happiness and I basically enjoy myself to the limit. My fencing class is one of my favorite places to be, one of my homes you could say, because of how interesting the classes are.

Some of the reasons I go for fencing are because it improves flexibility, reflexes, speed, and agility that provides all rounded form of mental and physical exercise essential for total health and wellness. These qualities have made fencing a good youth sport. Fencing enhances sportsmanship, integrity that fuels the desire to excel in different fields of life. A fencer is able to make quick and strategic decision and has better focus and levels of concentration. Fencing can be played round the year, no matter if it is cold or raining outside. Fencing can be taken as a serious competitive sport, fitness regimen or a recreational hobby (http://gasparinfencing.net/benefits-of-fencing/). I think that everyone should have a home where his or her interest can be practiced and perfected.

I belong in a society where my interests are their interests and all of us have a lot in common. A specific example could be when I was in India. I lived there for eight years of my life and I have just moved to Texas this summer. So, the street on which my house was was the best society I have ever lived in. All of us who lived there had one passion in common, that passion was soccer. We used to be very busy during the day going to school and some who were older, to college but since all of us really loved soccer we had to play some time. So as often as we could get the time we would play.

During the day we were busy so at about 9 pm we would start then go on till 11pm or 12 midnight. We obviously could not go to a field that late so we used to play on the road. The longest we would have played may have been till 1:30 am, which is quite a bit for students who go to school and college. We did all this because we loved to and we really wanted to, despite our busy schedules we made time for playing because our interests drove it. I found this wonderful quote “Sometimes following your heart means losing your mind” (http://www.coolnsmart.com/passion_quotes/). This saying, according to me, totally applies to my friends and I. We must have been crazy doing what we were doing but then again it was all for our passion.

AlexD_BoydBence

Home is an overused word. Some people will say I am finally home when they get somewhere new or if they have just bought a new house. A home is built with experiences, memories, and people. An example of a home would be a place you’ve grown up in all your life. Like me for instance, I have lived in the same house my whole entire life and I have built a tremendous memory log. This is the place I call home. I do intact believe I also belong here, or a place just like this. When I grow up all I want is for it to be similar to my childhood because I wouldn’t trade my memories for the world. I belong here, only in a place like this. Not in the big city, or a country house miles from people. Here.

GavinH_ BoydBence

I have a home, home is where I am loved but
America is full of families and kids that disserve to belong in a home. See in
my opinion every American should have a place to call home not matter what. I
thing America or in this case San Francisco should all ways provide homes for
the homeless. It is America as county to provide for its citizens. I Am proud
for the small organizations that provide cheep homes for families below the
poverty line. San Francisco has made the ultimate mistake. They should think
what would there or any other family want if they where there homeless and need
a shelter.

TylerW_BoydBence

Home. It’s the place we feel safe, the place we love, the place where our lives take place
everyday. Home to me is not just the house I live in; it’s the people I interact with. It’s the familiar sights, sounds, and smells. You know after a long trip you are home. You get off the plane or step out of the car, you look around and you say, “Finally, I’m home!” It’s your community, your friends, teachers, and family. My home is in the community of Coppell, Texas. “It hurt a lot to know that the only place we knew,” Keighran said, “where we lived and grew up here in the Bay Area…” Home is not a house it is the community that’s held us together.

http://ww2.kqed.org/news/2014/02/24/redevelopment-hurt-affordable-housing/

Belonging. Everyone everywhere wants it. They all want to fit in somewhere and somehow. “Because as humans, we need to belong. To one another, to our friends and families, to our culture and country, to our world.” If we feel like we do not belong then we all resort to loneliness. We see as if the whole world is against us and we completely taking this world on alone. I know where I belong always. I never feel lonely because
I am confidant and know what the task at hand is and I can handle anything that
is thrown at me. Every person on Earth could be against me, but I know who I am
and I know what I stand for. I belong on the golf course, in my church, and in
my classroom. On the golf course I forget everything and lock in and focus on
the hole that I am on. In the church I can lock in and understand what the
songs and pastors are saying and be able to apply it to my life. In the
classroom I can improve my knowledge, lock in, and complete the tasks at hand.
What do all of these have in common? I can lock in and tune the world out
because I belong there. I will never be done learning. No matter what I am
doing.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/01/health/enayati-importance-of-belonging/

DarianG_BoydBence

My home is where I can be myself and no one can judge me its a place where I don’t have a reason to hide who I really am. My church is where I belong no one can judge me because no one is perfect there. At church you can feel the love everyone has
for each other and how much they care for one another. My home is a safe
place where I can have the things and people I love in one place. It’s a place
where I dream, sing, and rest from the stress outside and think about God and
my relationship with him. In (Ephesians 2:19-22) it says “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief corner stone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being
built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.”

I can no longer say I feel alone because when I’m at church and in the presence of the Lord I feel complete and where I belong I can relax and let all my worries go away and feel complete with no worry in the world. In (Colossians 2:5-7) its says “For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” At church you understand each other and everyone knows a small part of every ones life. I think that’s why I call it home and a place I belong in because I grew up there my sisters and brothers in Christ watched me grow and transform into the teen I am today and they’ve seen how in love I am with God and how much I want to learn more of him I also think that’s another reason. We are all searching and want the same thing to Praise, Worship, Come Together, and Love Him Our Jesus Christ the Lord.

MustafaA_BoydBence

We have a feeling of where we belong. I belong in Coppell, TX. Here there is a very warm climate, a really good school, and good houses. I belong in this place because I like the neighborhood. The climate is very nice. The winter is pretty cold. The schools at Coppell are one of the best ones. This is also very important to me.

FreddyJackson

Building affordable housing for low-income families is important to lift people out of poverty. For many jobs, you can’t be hired unless you have an address. The housing doesn’t need to be luxurious, but it does need to have the necessities. In Toledo where I live, we have lots of empty decaying old factory buildings and warehouses. These could be remodeled into affordable living space. There could also be programs where low-income people learn how to do basic construction and home repairs, so that they can help build or restore a place for themselves.

MadisonP_boydbence

Freddy that is a great idea. I know many places here in my community that we have many places that could easily be turned into housing for low income. This will improve the well being of others and giving everyone we possibly can some type of home.
RebekahP_BoydBence

Freddy I agree with you. Some places that people live in do not have the necessities to live in. They are just places that provide walls and floors. Some builders decide that they want to take away some mobile homes or poor built houses to make luxurious homes. (http://ww2.kqed.org/news/2014/07/29/san-francisco-could-regulate-landlord-tenant-buyout-agreements/) Landlords will force people to move or pay the high rent for the new homes. Many people are forced to live on the streets instead of their home.
lupenyg_boydbence

I agree with you Freddy, we should build houses for people with low income but they dont have to be a really nice house just a house that gives you the supplies for survival. http://www.npr.org/2013/10/15/227807022/silicon-valley-trailer-park-residents-fight-to-stay This family doesn’t have the nicest house but it does the job. These people dont need luxury they just need a roof to live under.
MaddyS_BoydBence

Freddy, I completely agree with you. People need an address in most situations to even have a career. People don’t have to have a huge place to live. We just need a roof and a sense of safety. “Now, Buena Vista Mobile Home Park — one of the largest and one of the few remaining affordable housing options here — is threatened with closure” (http://www.npr.org/2013/10/15/227807022/silicon-valley-trailer-park-residents-fight-to-stay). Take them for example: they don’t have much, and they are being deprived of that. I think everyone should have a place to live with a feeling of security.
GavinH_ BoydBence

I agree on every thing you just three but I don’t agree on that last part about the program. I think instead of this ” program” that a volunteer non profit organization can be made or one already that exist to do a satisfactory and a affordable remodeling of old and abused houses. to make them livable agin.
Kabramson_boydbence

I would slightly agree with you Freddy, although building low income houses is a good idea the government is looking for more money that is why they are raising the prices not so that they can keep making around the same amount of money with lower priced houses.I can agree on your idea about starting a program for people who want to learn how to do basic construction, this would be very effective even people who are not moving and just want to learn.
CharlieW_BoydBence

No matter the course you need to get a home. I know that many people are homeless but that does not mean that we have to turn our backs on them. We need to lend a hand to the homeless to make sure they have a roof above their head. “Tenant rights groups report that for every eviction in the city right now, there are as many as seven buyouts.”http://ww2.kqed.org/news/2014/07/29/san-francisco-could-regulate-landlord-tenant-buyout-agreements/
Alexander Pranske

That would be a good idea, but just think freddyjackson, who would pay for this stuff, if the government was to pay for it, then that would mean more taxes. I think the solution would be to have special jobs for the homeless, until they can buy a house, then have them get a different, higher paying job.
AriannaT_BoydBence

Freddy, yes families could rebuild houses and apartments, but remodeling can be very costly and sometimes could cost even more than the living spaces. Since people are getting pushed out of there apartments, they most likely won’t have enough money to buy a place and possibly remodel it. “The state Ellis Act allows landlords to leave the rental business. They are then allowed to sell their properties. This forces thousands of people out of their rent controlled apartments,”(http://blogs.kqed.org/education/2014/10/17/where-do-you-belong/). These landlords are allowed to sell their properties, and pretty much take the renter’s money. After they move out, where will they go? Some people do have family that they could live with, but the other won’t have opportunities to find a new place or like you said, take programs for basic construction.
EliD_BoydBence

Another way to fix the situation Fred, is to maybe instead of helping the houses for the poor, (because that would probably ruin the economy a little bit) how about helping the poor to get houses. Meaning that we need to somehow provide jobs for the poor so they have more income to pay for actual homes.
JulietteS_BoydBence

I don’t agree with you. “Never make your home in a place. Make a home for yourself inside your own head. You’ll find what you need to furnish it – memory, friends you can trust, love of learning, and other such things. That way it will go with you wherever you journey.”(Tad Williams) No matter where you live doesn’t necessarily matter. As long as you have friends, family, and memories with you they will be your home. No matter the income. No matter the poor housing. A place is where your loved ones are at.
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/t/tadwilliam161941.html
CarsonW_BoydBence

Of course these programs can be made into play. These are valid points you are pointing out and these could be eventually made possible. There are many people/organizations that could potentially make this happen and if I could in any way support these programs I would, for the good of the people in poor communities.

EliD_BoydBence

A home to me is basically where you live your life, a place where you are familiar with and where your family is and where you go at the end of the day. Home is where you sleep with security knowing you are going to actually wake up later. A home is where you have a roof over your head and where you can place your memories and also create memories.That to me is home.

And without any of those things, it is simply not a home. All it is, is a place that you take refuge in, simply not a home.

And my home is in Texas, it is where I do have security, a family, my memories, a place to live my life. It’s where I can’t be judged. And I fit best there, I belong there. But of course when I grow up there will have to be some changes as that is a part of life. Change. But that won’t be an end to actually having a home.

CharlieW_BoydBence

I call my room home, because its is only place I can be myself.
When I am not around other people I can really just be my self. My friends think of me as weird but the truth is I really don’t know how to act around other people. So that is why I call my room home, it is the only place I can be my self. Playing video games and talking to friends laying in bed man if that is not life than what is.

I belong in a place where people take you in for what you are.
I never liked meeting people that were rude or mean to people or myself, but we can’t change how or what people are but we can try. In some days I think that the world is just perfect and that everyone is a peace, but that is wrong. Whenever I say this I always come at peace with myself, “do in what you think and believe in what you do.”. This was awesome for me I can finally express my self.

Guest

A response to what you said in the first paragraph is that ball is life

MadisonP_boydbence

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/home?s=t

To define the word home, would come out to be “a place where one’s domestic affections are centered.” A place where you feel the most peaceful, where you feel the happiest and most of all where you can be yourself. Most people’s home are just a few blocks away, down so and so road. Others are in another town someplace like grandmothers, where they grew up feeling safe and secure. But for many, like myself, there true home isn’t as easy to get to. It is many miles away and sometimes feels like it will take eternity to get there and finally be happy.

For me like I had said my home isn’t just threw the forest and across the river. My true home is in New Jersey. All my family is up there and its where I feel my most happiest. I moved here to this horrid place by force of my parents who has soon slipped away in the hand of divorce. Leaving almost every part of my happiness to shattered glass. I occasionally leave this jail cell and visit my true paradise in the summer but now as the years have passed I have seen it less and less.

When I am here as I am now I feel so lost, like disconnected. Sometimes I get lost in the disconnection and find myself wondering why? Why am I not where I am truly happy?

I belong where I am happy, I belong where I don’t constantly feel lost or hopeless, where my heart constantly soars insteads of sinks.

But there is a light coming soon to the end of the tunnel. I only have three more years of high school and right when I get handed that diploma I am off. I am leaving and I am never coming back.

Alecb_BoydBence

I live on the court, and that is why I consider the basketball court my home. I consider home somewhere where I can express myself and be passionate about what I so. I also have a house, that is where I sleep, eat, live, etc. I personally know of people who are homeless because of the passion he was chasing for, he ended up selling everything he had to be able to pay to go to England and chase his passion. He says that he is home, he doesn’t have a house but he is home. Reading the element has taught me that wealth isn’t only about money.

The basketball community is where I belong I live off of competition, it is my drive to stay healthy and perform at my best. The athletic community is where I belong that is my home. Ball is Life.

MaddyS_BoydBence

Home is where I can be myself without feeling any shame and be with the ones who love me. I’m not a very quiet, reserved person; I’m outgoing and I have lots of personality. When I feel like I can’t express that, I’m very uncomfortable. If you are uncomfortable, you aren’t going to feel at home. If you think of your literal home, you feel comfortable sleeping and changing clothes and everything. Obviously, it’s not as comfortable to be on a public train and do that because you don’t feel at home. “The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned -Maya Angelou” (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_home.html#khlBeTahh0UuGCwv.99). I believe in this quote so much because it’s just amazing how true it is. We feel at home and comfortable wherever we are okay with showing our true colors. For me, the place I feel most accepted for who I am is my school. I know that it’s not most people’s choice for a “home”, but my school isn’t a traditional school. Everyone is accepted for being different, having different ideas and interests, and learning different.

I belong wherever my talents and originality are appreciated. I feel like everyone should be in a place where they are encouraged to do what they love. Personally, I love band and learning about different things. So, I love being in all of my classes to expand my knowledge of different things. I also love being able for people to really enjoy what I love to do.

AlexL_BoydBence

Home is my comfort place. A place where I can be me and no one else can change that. Its sad that most people don’t have a home or even a place that the feel at home. Theatre is my home because I feel accepted. http://www.coppellhstheatre.com/

JakeB_BoydBence

What I call home is mediocre, I like a mediocre life. It’s who I am. I like to go to a school to around 400 people and have mediocre weather. I’ve always been that kind of person in life. Never really wanted that much of anything before. This is where I belong. That’s what I want to live my life by. Nothing more nothing less.

Joshr_BoydBence

I call my church, my family, and my house home. Without even one of these I wouldn’t be home. Home is a place I feel welcomed, relaxed and accepted. When people ask if I’m “home sick” it means do I miss being with my family. Not that I miss my house or my TV. I also have made my church home. Everybody there is welcoming and kind which makes me feel the same way as when I’m in my home. http://grapevine.fellowshipchurch.com is a part of my life and will always be a part of my life. We all imagine homeless people living on the streets with ragged worn down cloths, but thats just one type of homeless. I see homeless as people without family or somebody that welcomes them with open arms. However america doesn’t seem to open their arms for homeless people because if it did we would see no one living on the streets.

Amandad_boydbence

Coppell Sports Medicine is where I call home , with the great family atmosphere that bleeding (get it bleeding) from everyone in our family. The moment we all have together are unbelieveable from us being around each for 2-3 hours every other day. This year Coach Jones and Carson were granted with about 30 of student trainers because their would be no sports medicine without us.The fact is “Back in the 1950’s, Abraham Maslow constructed what he called a hierarchy of basic human needs that all of us have to have met in order to flourish and grow” this shows in black and white that we need group of smart, talented, crazy and fun-loving people to grow in what I have come to love with passion. Sports Medicine as changed my life the same way Figure Skating did. I met new people that I would never probably know and this has opened new world in my brain. That is giving so much information on medical needs in not only athletes but just regular people. I know for the next 3 years are going to be the best years of my life!

http://www.debelkin.com/NEED_BELONG.pdf

Where I Belong is on the Ice. Figure Skating has given me so much in life from landing jumps at expert to making relationships with people that share the same passion as me that want to make it to The Olympics! When I am on that ice feeling amazing, the line from Let it Go sung by Idina Menzel says “The cold never bother me any way”. I seriously believe that line was said for all the figure skaters because being on for almost 4 hours every other you have to love what you’re doing to do that! Even when I fall I have to get back up and try again. When Santiago said“I’m going to stand my ground and see if I can make a difference,” reminded me of my crossover problem. When I just starting I could get my backwards crossovers, I was practicing and was doing good right then I completely wipe out on the ice because tripped over my own skate. This girl was laughing at me, saying to people that I am worst people in the class and never will make it. Once class was over I went into the changing area and made a promise “That I will never quit just because someone says so”. For the next week I worked my hardest to show her that I can make it and prove her wrong. Once class came again, I showed off on my backwards crossovers. My teacher cheer along with the other girls but that girl just had a dead stare at my face. This showed to me that a belong here and it wasn’t because someone made me feel belonged but just feeling of that this the place where I want to be!

http://ww2.kqed.org/news/2014/07/11/priced-out-artist-turned-housing-activist-describes-his-ellis-act-eviction

SeanH_BoydBence

Where I call home is where my family is and where I can be most comfortable. And obviously where the wifi is the best. But besides that, family and comfort decide where my home is. Where I belong is another matter, I would say that I would belong at the police station(not for bad reasons) but I like to hang out there and talk with the officers and get a feel for what they do.

sarahm_BoydBence

Home is where people you love and the things you love to do come together. It can be represented as many things. The place you live, with the people you love, the thing you love to do, it can be anything.

Where ever my friends and family are is where I call home. I know that its not an actual “house”, but without them where would I be today? If I didn’t have any friends then I would just sit at my house doing nothing. If I didn’t have family I wouldn’t really have a permanent home. Sure I could go through foster parents and someone will adopt me eventually, but a real families love is unconditional. To me I think if I got different treatment for being adopted I would hate it. I really don’t know what I would do with out my friends or family. Even if my family is annoying sometimes you ultimately have to remember that their love for you is special and you shouldn’t ignore it.

I think I belong with my basketball team because they are my friends and family. We spend so much time with each other and our relationships with each other are special. I wouldn’t have any relationships with anyone else like I have with my team.

Alexander Pranske

My home is Coppell. It’s the place that I grew up and where I hope to be able to stay, it’s a safe neighborhood with very friendly people. https://sites.google.com/a/g.coppellisd.com/coppell-sports-medicine/ I have spent so much time at sports medicine, it’s pretty much my second home. I think it’s where I belong and where I might end up in the future. This is where I belong, it’s always fun when I go there and the people are very nice. I will spend like 3-5 hours every other day so they are pretty much my family. The coaches (coach jones and Coach Carson) are the best teachers you will meet.

JulietteS_BoydBence

The place I call home is where my loved ones are at.” Never make your home in a place. Make a home for yourself inside your own head. You’ll find what you need to furnish it – memory, friends you can trust, love of learning, and other such things. That way it will go with you wherever you journey.”- Tad Williams (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/t/tadwilliam161941.html) My parents are divorced. Understanding the fact that they can’t ever get back together, I love them both. Up until I was in the seventh grade I hated both of my parents. I always questioned them why they decided to get a divorce. When all along I knew the reason why. This hatred stopped when I visited my father for the first time in six years. When I saw my dad he was single and living with my grandparents in Georgia. Obviously it was awkward between us but as the time passed we got closer and I found myself forgiving both my parents. I love them both and where my loved ones are at is where I call home. I belong with them, my family. If I get confused or lost or if I feel alone I will always be able to turn to my family and to ask them for help to guide me to my path.

JoshuaM_BoydBence

My home has been…in a numerous amount of places.If we go by a traditional definition it is a place where he lives.I think that a home is a place where one can come home after a long day at school,work, and put their stuff away and just…relax. Just lay down and relax.Wherever that may be.However some other people may call their home the place where they call home…so I guess my home is in El.Paso Texas. (http://home.elpasotexas.gov/)

As much as I like Coppell I don’t really think this place is exactly where I belong.I mean it’s a nice place but it has some problems…such as being a small town.I love Videogames and I hope that when I grow up I will be able to find a job relating to them but..I can’t do that in Coppell.Coppell is a nice small town but I just don’t think I belong here…It’s not a simple task to say where you belong but the answer for me is “I don’t know”.

CarsonW_BoydBence

Your home is simply where you live. Your home is where you can relax, where you can isolated from what you call”bad”. Your home is a comfortable place, where you can be you. It’s where your friends and family are. In my home I feel safe and warm to where I can feel calm and centered. As long as I have my family and a roof over my head, I have a home.
I belong where my family are. If my family is with me, and we are healthy and happy, then I am okay where I am. I am a little weird and different, but that’s okay. I like being me, because I like ti feel that I have control over my life and my family will understand and then, I will belong.

AdenK_BoydBence

I personally think of my home to be the place holding my most powerful memories, namely my house. As to where I feel I belong, that’s my community, where my friends are. If these were taken away, I’d be upset too. Making someone endure such a loss all for some money is simply wrong. Yes, eventually you’d gain these feelings for your new home, but the memories you leave behind can’t be replaced.

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Where Do You Belong?

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