The article “The State of Homelessness in America” provides
Solutions such as long term housing, harm reduction services, substance youth treatment and mental health services. These solutions are offered but are uncoordinated or unattractive to the homeless youth. The lack of these efficient service contribute to chronic
In the United States homelessness has been a substantial problem for decades. The reason for homelessness is greatly debated especially
If we work together, share our knowledge, and pool our resources, we can develop and implement more effective programs to reduce and eliminate homelessness. Best Solution The best approach is to help with substance abuse and mental health. According to an atricle written by Peter Tarr, “Most researchers agree that the connection between homelessness and mental illness is a complicated, two-way relationship. An individual’s mental illness may lead to cognitive and behavioral problems that make it difficult to earn a stable income or to carry out daily activities in ways that encourage stable housing.”
Frankish et al. (2009) explains “there is no single pathway to homelessness, but rather homelessness is the result of a complex interaction of factors” (p. 24). Individuals who experience multiple factors with the potential to contribute to homelessness may be more vulnerable than others. Some of these vulnerable populations include indigenous people, victims of abuse, those suffering from mental illness, substance users, people with disabilities, and low-income earners or individuals already living in poverty (Gaetz, 2010). Since the impacts of homelessness typically worsen the longer one spends without adequate housing, it is important to consider which populations are most likely to get stuck in the cycle of homelessness.
As time goes on, the rate of homelessness rises as the population rises. Homelessness then was mostly caused by a family’s history of being homeless, drug abuse, mental disorders, and tyrannical leaders forcing his people into poverty. In modern times, several organizations are now trying to end homelessness by building cheaper housing projects more affordable to the poor and homeless shelters; these projects usually cost a fair amount of money.
But there may be a solution. Housing First is an assistance plan that offers permanent housing as the way to end homelessness (“Housing First”). This approach provides the one element that separates the homeless from the housed, stability. This alone can reduce addiction and improve health and mental illness. This program even makes it cost less to let a homeless person live in permanent housing, than it does to let them temporarily stay at a shelter.
Group Project Health disparities are common contributors to homelessness. A homeless person’s risk of being ill or injured increases between two and six times that of persons who are housed (Wright, 1990). The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) (2011) estimates 26% of homeless adults living in shelters are living with serious mental illness and nearly another 46% live with severe mental illness and/or substance use disorders (“The 2010 Annual, 2011). Homeless populations are at increased risk of; injury, hypothermia, dermatological problems, violence, and infectious diseases such as; hepatitis, tuberculosis, and HIV. (Kushel, Evans, Perry, Robertson, & Moss, 2003).
Also, it can lead to juvenile delinquency, troubles with school, and “a greater risk of experiencing mental health problems” (Aratani, 2009, p. 7). When determining what programs and other resources are best fit to help end youth homelessness, it is important to understand the causes and impact of homelessness among youths in the United
Homelessness is one the most ignored problems in the United States with citizen and politician. Homeless people are walked by and ignored. Nobody ever thinks that they will be homeless. Due to the economy, people live paycheck to paycheck making house payments very difficult. Most people will want to believe most homeless people are drug addicts or alcoholics, but most people will be surprise to know that it is no all true.
With the increased use of housing-based assistance programs being created, there is a positive outlook for homeless looking for assistance getting back on their feet by acquiring affordable housing. The ability to apply and gain benefits through state and federal programs is helping to provide food and some financial assistance to the homeless population as well as a community outreach programs being deployed in cities all over the country. New opportunities for employment and training are available for those who are homeless and looking to get back into the workforce and get off the street. The road ahead for the homeless population is, of course, paved with struggles and detours, but with the continued efforts of our country, states and communities we can work together to aid in the reduction of homelessness with the continued efforts in creating and maintaining affordable housing programs, assistance programs, and workforce development
Disabled individuals, veterans and families are some of the demographic that is affected by homelessness. Physical ailments such as malnutrition, lack of hygiene, undiagnosed diseases and/or disorders can be detrimental. Mental disorders such as depression can develop due to the harsh circumstances of living on the streets. The lack of support, affordable housing and medical care that homeless individuals are receiving are prime examples of the need for compassionate and dedicated social workers to assist homeless individuals in regaining hope, purpose, and to evoke the strength within themselves. Living in shelters or public areas, homeless individuals are extremely resilience.
By connecting the people experiencing homelessness to housing and the services needed, so that they may have a platform from which they can address other issues that may have contributed to their homelessness, such as employment, health, and drug abuse. There are two housing models that have been proven to effectively end homelessness. Permanent supportive housing, and rapid re-housing. Permanent supportive housing, is long-term rental assistance and supportive services. This type is targeted towards individuals and families with physical and mental health issues or substance abuse that have experienced long-term or repeated homelessness.
This reflection paper is focus on the evaluation of programs using “social science research methods” and results to “determine whether a public program is worthwhile” (Holzer and Schwester, 2011, p. 260). As my group presented last week, performance measurement and program evaluation are “complementary activities” (MacDavid and Hawthorn, 2006). For example, performance measurement provides empirical evidence in the progress of Hawaii Homelessness Programs, whereas program evaluation provide meaning to the result of that homelessness performance measurement. According to MacDavid and Hawthorn (2006), performance measurement sometimes can be referred to as ‘result-based management’ and information from program evaluations and performance measurement
I am disgusted by their dirty faces. They are like mangy mutts, always on the streets looking for handouts. They can’t even take care of themselves yet they expect people me to help them. I am far too busy looking after my own family. My theory is that if I don’t see their dirty faces, then they aren’t a problem.
