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Homelessness And Criminalization Essay

1373 Words6 Pages

Homelessness is a very prevalent issue worldwide, with millions living on the streets or in inadequate housing. According to the United Nations, around 1.6 billion people struggle with inadequate housing and living conditions worldwide. In the United States alone, the number of homeless people is estimated to be over 580,000, with even more experiencing homelessness at some point during the year (National Alliance to End Homelessness). Criminalization is an increasingly popular approach to solving this issue. However, this response fails to address the root causes of homelessness and instead punishes individuals for being unable to afford necessities such as housing. Criminalizing homelessness proves ineffective and inhumane, often leading …show more content…

Within a span of seven years, from 1987 to 1994, Finland was able to reduce the number of homeless individuals in their population by half (Khadduri, Shinn). This principle provides housing for homeless individuals and then offers treatment and support to help them get back on their feet. They do this by providing government-sanctioned infrastructure for the homeless to reside. Those residing in these homes are given the opportunity to learn how to support themselves. Afterward, they would then be assigned tests to demonstrate specific lifestyle skills to receive better living spaces provided by the government, this process is known as the “staircase method”. This approach has proven more effective than criminalizing homelessness, which only further marginalizes the homeless population. Homeless individuals are already struggling to find a home, and when they are criminalized for it, finding housing is even more difficult. According to Code for America, it is “much harder to find housing when you’re living with a conviction. Most landlords require background checks as part of their application process and will not rent to folks living with records, and that means housing options are limited.” Therefore, the criminalization of …show more content…

By criminalizing homelessness, we are punishing people for being unable to afford necessities, rather than addressing the root causes of homelessness and providing resources and support for individuals to break the cycle of poverty. According to a report by the National Alliance to End Homelessness, among people experiencing homelessness, 42% are employed, suggesting that employment alone is not enough to guarantee housing stability. Stable employment can have a significant impact on an individual's ability to secure housing and improve their financial situation. When individuals have a reliable source of income, they are better equipped to afford necessities such as rent and food. Furthermore, steady employment can provide a sense of stability and a routine, which is crucial in maintaining good mental health and avoiding situations that may lead to homelessness, such as drugs. By investing in job training programs and providing access to employment opportunities, communities can help individuals break the cycle of poverty and homelessness. Ultimately, stable employment can provide a foundation for individuals to work towards securing housing and improving their financial situation, creating a pathway out of homelessness. According to Lucius Couloute, assistant professor at Suffolk University, formerly incarcerated individuals are ten times more likely to

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