...Ending Homelessness Even though there are millions of Americans who sleep under a roof every night, as many as 500,000 people sleep on the streets in the United States (Semuels 1). Clearly, homelessness is an issue, not only on the national scale, but also globally. As a first step to ending homelessness, we should reach out to homeless individuals through our law enforcement and provide aid to them, if they want it. Several debates are made towards homelessness, but there are two general opinions about homelessness. First, many people assert that to end homelessness, all homeless individuals should be helped. How, exactly, these people are helped stands undefined, as there are many different ideas of this. However, this notion of helping the...
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...Running head: HOMELESSNESS Homelessness in America Victoria M. Williams SOC 331, Social Justice & Ethics Cari Lynn Beecham-Bautista, Instructor November 23, 2015 HOMELESSNESS Homelessness in America Homelessness is a multifaceted social problem that is difficult for America to solve. Over the past three decades, there has been an increase in the homeless population in America (“Opening Doors Plan,” 2015). Even when America’s economy is progressing, there is still a high number of citizens who are facing homelessness (“Opening Doors Plan,” 2015). A lack of federal financial assistance, fragmented services and the difficulties in accessing these services have played a major role in hampering the solution to this social problem (“Opening Doors Plan,” 2015). As a result, these factors have necessitated a shift in federal, state and local policies to end homelessness. America has learned that homelessness can no longer be viewed as a short-term crisis where an abundance of emergency shelters can solve the problem. The demand for emergency shelters has always exceeded the supply for them. In order for justice to occur, there is an urgent need for more preventive measures and long-term solutions to end this problem. Homeless individuals and families are a vulnerable population whose rights have to be protected. A just response to America’s homeless problem has to include prohibition of criminalization laws, permanent housing with supportive...
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...Homelessness in America Student’s Name Institutional Affiliation Homelessness remains to be a complex problem in the American society given the ever increasing number of the homeless people as time goes. There is a need for the government and the American society at large to help the homeless since it is shameful for society as wealthy as America to have homeless people in the society. On the other hand, there are several people who are perceived to be homeless in the streets of America's cities but are capable of sustaining themselves. The opponents of assisting the homeless argue that such people have the potential to sustain themselves if the government and the society’s support system are withdrawn and therefore, assisting them only burdens the government and the society. For all the stakeholders to develop an effective homeless policy, there is a need for the development of mechanisms that will lead to a proper identification of the homeless. Identifying the correct population of the homeless people involves coming up with a proper definition of homelessness. Different definitions of homelessness are widely used in America. Those definitions are controversial since different stakeholders use a specific definition of homelessness to justify their action. One of the most effective and all-inclusive definitions is called the point in time definition. It is a one-time survey of all the institutions, the shelters, and all the other places on the street with a high tendency of...
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...Prevalence of Homelessness Among United States Veterans Martha Clark Adventist University of Health Sciences Abstract The purpose of this paper is to critique the article “Homelessness among a national representative sample of US veterans: prevalence, service utilization, and correlates,” which is a case study on the topic of homeless veterans in the United States. This article finds that low income, younger age, and poor mental and physical health had significant impact on whether a veteran would spend time homeless. The conclusions found in this article will be examined and compared with other related articles and data. This article shows that there is a correlation between veterans of foreign wars and periods of homelessness....
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...Ending Homelessness among Veterans through Housing Programs Services Mary R. Flores Southeastern University Introduction Homeless veterans have consistently existed in the United States. However, just after the Afghanistan and Iraq war, the issue has become more noticeable in the news. The National Health Care for Homeless Council defines homelessness as the absence of a normal and adequate night-time place of residence. According to the ‘National Alliance to End Homelessness’ program, 49,933 of veterans and their families are currently living without having their basic needs met (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2015). To know whether veterans participating in the Housing First program with the Housing and Urban Department-Veterans Affairs Supported Housing (HUD-VASH) receive housing services more rapidly and keep up long term housing stability, it must be compared to the Veterans in Treatment As Usual (TAU) approach to HUD-VASH. Connection to housing service programs is critical to veteran’s successful re-integration to society after deployment. This is exemplified by the success of Housing First (HF) and the different outcome of veterans who use similar program such as Treatment As Usual (TAU). The HUD-VASH program first started in 1992 as a teamwork effort between the Veterans Affair (VA) and the HUD. HUD provides housing to homeless veterans through a resident-based program named ‘Section 8 vouchers’, while the VA provides supportive services. ‘Section...
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...Homelessness in America Overview Homelessness in America is a particularly complex problem, vulnerable to changing political realities, demographic shifts, and seismic cultural events such as the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Researchers and policy advocates have debated nearly every facet of the phenomenon, from the number of homeless to the causal factors to solutions for homelessness (Hodges, 2010). Each year, more than 3 million people experience homelessness, including 1.3 million children. According to national studies, even more Americans are at risk of homelessness. The impact of homelessness on families and children is devastating. Millions of low-income American households pay more than 50 percent of their income on rent when estimates say the figure should be no more than 30 percent (Surveys/Studies/Stats, 2012). There are several situations that may lead to homelessness but some of the more common reasons are: a missed paycheck, a health emergency, or an unpaid bill. These will create a crisis, pushing people out of their homes and in to homelessness. Despite diverse causes, almost all forms of homelessness are tied to poverty (Karger & Stoesz, 2010). Although there are policies to govern the issue of homelessness, there is room for reform and amendments in the legislation. Definition The level of significance we ascribe to homelessness very much depends on how the term is defined. In conducting the first census of the homeless in 1933, sociologist...
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...Homelessness in America seems to happen with alarming frequency. Homelessness affects millions of Americans each year, with approximately one third of the population suffering from severe mental disorders. It is a devastating experience for families. Every year, the United States conduct an enumeration of homeless people around the nation. These reports of homeless people conducted by the National Alliance to End Homelessness are based on the definition set by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in what is commonly known as a “point-in -time” count. Point-in-time counts are the only measure that captures unsheltered persons experiencing homelessness. Last year's point-in-time count is the most recent national estimate of homelessness in the United States. As of January 2013, the national count of unsheltered people experiencing homelessness decreases by 11.6% between 2012 and 2013. There is a common misconception that homelessness is an issue that only pertains to single men and women, but in reality over 600,000 families a year will experience homelessness. The problems of family homelessness are not solely restricted to urban areas; rural area and suburban communities are increasingly plagued by the problem. The three main reasons for the abundance of dispossessed families within America are the following: 1) the lack of affordable housing, 2) poverty, and 3) mental illness. In today's society, these causes are the main contributors towards...
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...Homeless Youth General Education Capstone October 14, 2013 Homeless Youth Homelessness affects many youth today; 46% runaway because they express their gender identity, and or sexual identity because their family rejects them, 43% are kicked out by parents also known as thrown away. Youth also take more things literally then adults, so they feel misunderstood especially when they are opening up about their sexual lifestyle. Homelessness in youth is worldwide and needs a world wide solution. Just to name a few countries that have issues with youth and homelessness; Russia’s homeless population has decreased some since the 1990’s but according to Anna Rudnicki the totals are still around 3,000 – 10,000 homeless street kids. (2013). In Australia the homeless youth rate is “estimates that 50,000 Australians under the age of 24 years are homeless with numbers increasing” With numbers increasing Australia needs to find a situation that will help lower their numbers and help get these teens off the street, Since health issues can become an issue. Another area with a heavy population of homeless youth is in Canada. Every day in Canada you can find homeless kids. “Canada, on any given day it is estimated that there are 150,000 homeless youths on the streets” (Rogers, 2012). Rogers’s states that this is an estimate since most homeless youth do tend to avoid shelters. With every country and every town we can find a teen that is homeless, while being homeless the can become sick, and...
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...I strongly believes that there needs to be more done in the state of North Carolina for the homeless. Teresa M. Holmes HS5401 March 14, 2014 Dr. Edward Muldrow Abstract The homeless population is aging faster that the general population in the U.S. As this vulnerable population continues to age, and having to address the health and housing needs is becoming increasing important. This will address overlooked concerns of homeless older adults, including their poor health status and unique care needs, the factors contribute to homelessness in this population, and the costs of homelessness among older adults, including to the U.S. health care system. The majority of homeless populations are people of color. There has been little study of racial differences among the homeless population, and racial finding have not been reported separately for homeless man and women. There is a study which the (MCKV) The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvement Act of 2001 which provides funds to local educational agencies (LEAs), is almost a decade old, yet no evaluations of its academic effectiveness have been reported. Social networks analysis has utilized mathematical models and graphical constructs to examine information exchange and diffusion. Poverty has existed in some form in American society and individual shortcomings and inadequacies in explaining the raise of the homeless over the past several decades. Poverty has existed in the some form in America society since...
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...Homelessness, Poverty and Politics in America At no time in American history is the poverty and homelessness problem more salient than it is now. Jabs and insults are hurled at political opponents like dirty bombs are hurled during war. Words like “food stamps” and “working poor” and “47%” become a regular part of the national rhetoric and almost seamlessly, they enter the ugly arena of bad words that people use to denigrate and demean. Meanwhile, the nameless and faceless majority of people living at or significantly below the poverty line still yearn for a voice. In days past, impolite rhetoric was covered up with a thin shroud of political correctness, today, there’s no such need as social media opens the floodgates for frankness and politics gets dirtier and uglier than ever. And still, the homeless men, women and children in America have no voice. On the left, President Obama’s administration reminds America that the 47% of people who rely on government programs of some kind and who legitimately need assistance are a group of people forgotten by the right. On the right, Governor Romney’s obsession with cuts and reductions on everything from taxes (paid by the top 1%) to government programs (that benefit everyone else) sound a lot like the fiscal policies espoused by President Bush and President Reagan three decades before that. Reagan has been credited with exploding the homeless problem in the United States (BBC News, 2004; Kengor, 2012) and yet there are many whose...
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...more clothing. According to the article by Angela R. Fertig and David A. Reingold, in 2007 there were about 754,147 homeless people in the United States, half having children. Fertig and Reingold also state, “Among those children living with a homeless parent, 80 percent are under 11 years of age (Burt et al. 1999; Burt 2001b)(2008)”. The majority of homeless families are unwed mothers or women from abusive relationships. Many times these women have a hard time providing for their children due to lack of education, familiar support, and limited social support. Health related issues are also a concern of the homeless whether with or without children. Many of these adults work, but their wages won’t cover housing cost and none provide health insurance. For the children that may be covered by Medicaid, many times the parent may have problems with transportation to and from clinics. For the adult homeless that are covered by Medicare, a lot of the medical expenses may not be covered and they have to utilize free clinics where available. Children that experience homelessness can overcome their challenges and become successful, but many end up with behavior problems that can have a negative impact on their education. (Walker-Dalhouse and Risko 2008). An article by Walker-Dalhouse and Risko, states “75% of homeless children perform below grade level” (2008). I’m sure the unique situation of the homeless child brings many challenges to teachers. Children need to be...
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...trustworthy example to follow which for many foster kids results in the resort to destruction, harm, or other poor decisions. Statistics from the policy circle cite that in this same time frame, by the age of 21, 25% of aged-out foster kids report having a child (Failure/future system). The cycle will only continue if more kids are being born to parents who are young, already struggling, and don't have a model of how to care for their children. We need to provide better support and education for these kids so our society doesn't spiral worse. Being in foster care has a large negative effect on the mental and physical health and well-being of youth. Research from Youth.gov found that the rough life experiences of those in foster care create problems resulting in mental illness, substance abuse issues, and lack of confidence. Research on the developing brains of adolescents and young adults points to the importance of vulnerability in teens and positive supportive relationships in the context of the...
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...which is four times the rate of children living with two married parents (ASPE Staff). Poverty is not the result of fatherlessness, but crime also. According to Rarick: “Boys in households with a father present had significantly lower odds of incarceration than those in single-mother families.” (11) Americans who wish to reduce violent crime and end poverty should take steps to improve families across the nation. The most effective of these steps is to reestablish marriage. “The institution of marriage acts as culture’s chief vehicle to bind men to their children.” (Rarick 14) Legislatures must create policy with the family in mind. To ignore the root of these problems any longer would be detrimental to...
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...Working in the downtown area of Atlanta, one will experience the homeless issue the city has. It’s a shock to see a city that has so many resources, have such a huge problem with homelessness. Makes one ask the question: Is enough being done? In the height of federal cuts, job layoffs and the economic hardships there is a higher demand for non-profit organizations that help the less fortunate but also the working poor. One of these organizations is Hosea feed the Hunger and Homeless. This organization is an Atlanta based non-profit that has been serving the city of Atlanta since 1971(http://4hosea.org). The organization was founded by Rev Hosea Williams, a leader in the civil rights movement, and his wife Juanita Williams (http://4hosea.org). The mission of this group is to raise public awareness about problems facing individuals and families that are living in poverty or at risk of slipping into poverty. Hosea feed the hungry is now been operating by Hosea daughter Elisabeth Omilami and her husband Afema. The second organization has been around for over 150 years and was started by William Booth and his wife in London in 1852. His goal then was to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the poor, the homeless, the hungry, and the destitute. The Salvation Army is just not based in the United States, but they are International. They realize that there are people in need everywhere. People not only need help financially, with homeless issues, but also sometimes the spirit...
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...215 Spadina Avenue, Suite 120 Toronto, Ontario M5T 2C7, Canada The National Center on Family Homelessness, 181 Wells Avenue, Newton, MA 02459, USA Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, USA Abstract: Outreach and engagement are regarded by many who work in homeless programs as essential services. Outreach on the streets and in shelters is often the first point of contact for people who are not served by traditional sitebased services and is often the first step in engaging homeless people in services. While outreach and engagement are critical components of the response to homelessness, consensus is lacking about the nature and effectiveness of these services. The purpose of this paper is to examine what is known about outreach and engagement for people experiencing homelessness. The authors review quantitative studies that examine outcomes and augment this understanding with information from qualitative studies and non-research literature. The latter provides information about the goals of outreach, assumptions and values, staffing issues, and consumer involvement. The paper concludes with implications for practice, policy, and research. Keywords: Homeless/homelessness, outreach, engagement, review. INTRODUCTION At a recent discussion among outreach workers in Washington, DC, one participant described the reasons for providing outreach to people experiencing homelessness: “Waiting for people to come to us didn’t work…so what we’re doing is going to where people...
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