Nature And Nurture: The Issue Of Homelessness

Homelessness can be simply be defined by a person having no home to call their own. There is a variety of reason that this could come to be, whether it be the individual's fault or not. No matter how homelessness was brought on, it does not change the fact that having no home is a failure to meet basic human rights.

For years, homelessness has been a global issue. However, it was not until the 1980s when developed countries such as Canada and America started facing a widespread issue when it can to homelessness. Before this happened, people such as social workers, urban planners and public health officials were for the most part, able to find homes for individuals. This was a fairly easy thing to do, especially because there were many homes

To start with nature, genetics is a fairly big factor. For example, parents having a mental or physical illness may mean that the individual is prone to developing the same or similar illness. Whether it be physical or mental, it will make it hard for the individual to cope with certain situations. It could make it difficult for them to generate an income and therefore afford to house. Nurture can also affect homelessness. If someone grows up with a bad relationship with a parent or family in general, they may move out or be kicked out prematurely. Being at a young age without a house, it is very likely that they will not have enough money for housing. Having a rough childhood can also lead to mental health issues. When looking at homeless people, it is estimated that over 40% of homeless people struggle with mental illness, whether they developed it from a bad childhood, or from the struggles of living on the

However, some people have different thoughts on it. For example, Alex Himelfarb and Roy Romanow believe that despite popular belief, homelessness is not inevitable and it is possible for it to come to end. In order to do this, the government need to make more efforts. For years, the government has been making cuts to housing, which is not helping the homeless problem in the slightest. Currently, homelessness is costing the Canadian economy 7 billion dollars a year. However, if the government put in efforts to stop homelessness, it would only cost them a fraction on this, being that it would cost 4.4 billion. On the other hand, The Los Angeles Times Editorial board believes that it is not just housing that is the issue as to why homelessness is a problem. Individuals need more support when it comes to maintaining a steady income, their physical health and their mental health. It is not just the housing crisis that needs to be fixed, but support systems need to be put in to prevent homelessness as a