Ending Homeless in NYC by Khalisah

Ending Homeless in NYC by Khalisah - June 2026 Scholarship Essay

If I could create a meaningful change surrounding one issue in my community, it would be to end the erupting homelessness issue in NYC. I frequently encounter homeless individuals living on the streets and panhandling. I always want to help them, but most of the time, I don't have enough money to give. Many believe that it is solely an issue in Manhattan, but it's a major problem among all boroughs. I remember seeing a homeless man with blankets sitting outside not far from my home. He made a small fire from sticks burning very close to his face to keep warm while sitting on a small blanket. He had a sweater hanging on a bicycle behind him which I assumed was his method of transportation. I would see this man everyday on my way to school, and I watched countless people just step over him and pretend that he doesn't exist. Any time I would see this action my heart would break a little more, as it appeared that no one held any empathy for this man.
I also use public transportation, and I've seen homeless people sleeping in the subway cars and in the stations. Every time I ride the bus or train I witness a homeless person begging for money or food. In some corners, benches have been replaced with "leaning bars" to prevent homeless people from sleeping on them. Its changes such as these that truly make me emotional, as it proves that those in power in NYC do not truly care about their citizens in need. Others use cardboard or nothing but the cold concrete for their bed. These situations made me realize the severity of homelessness in my state. It is heartbreaking to see these individuals struggling with nowhere to go and receiving little help from government programs. As the intense summer heat comes in and the weather continues to change rapidly, my mind is always going to homeless people with nowhere to stay. Every time there is a rainstorm there are awful floods in various parts of the city, all parts that hold homeless people. With every crack of thunder that I hear during these storms, I can only think of those who are trapped outside and forced to endure these circumstances. Every time I step outside during a heatwave, or even when I am inside feeling the cool breeze of my fan, I just stop and think of those less fortunate than me who are not able to escape this heat.
To begin raising awareness about this dire issue, I participated in the Global Health Leaders Conference with Johns Hopkins University, which gave me new insights into how homelessness has affected my community. I have also done small things like packing goodie bags with food or clothes for any homeless person we run into when me and my family leave the house. It's not much now, but I've seen the impact it can have on these individuals. If given the chance, I intend to work with organizations that aim to reduce the gravity of this issue, hoping to inspire others to follow in my footsteps.