How Bad is Homelessness in America, Really? By Daniel Neiditch ✓ Solved

In this section, we have read articles, watched lectures, and investigated issues related to the issue of homelessness in the US in an attempt to understand some of the causes of homelessness. We have also learned about the crippling effects homelessness can have on the diverse collection of ‘groups’ who experience life on the streets, and discovered ways organizations are trying to combat this long-term social problem.

For this assignment, please focus on informing the audience on the cause(s) of homelessness, effect(s) of living life on the streets, and possible solution(s) to help raise someone out of this impoverished situation. Be sure to build your body paragraphs around a single, specific point related to a C/E/S (cause/effect/solution).

The real danger in this assignment is going too broad with your focus, specifically in the main points of body paragraphs. Try to find a specific through-line allowing you to consider the issue without being too broad, and make sure TS’s are built around ‘single points’. For example, the homeless community in the US consists of the hardcore homeless, who suffer from mental/physical disabilities and addiction, homeless youth searching for a place of their own, women/children escaping damaging relationships, veterans lacking support searching for a new purpose, and the constant cycle of newly homeless – victims of the economy and circumstance.

To create a proper scope of analysis, it can be beneficial to narrow in on a specific demographic for your body paragraphs. Direction: Reflect and brainstorm on the subject of homelessness and what you have learned thus far. This should help you to focus in on specific points related to a potential cause/effect/solution in each body paragraph. It should also help you create/have a ‘through line’ connecting your points.

Please plan for paragraphs built around a single C/E/S and avoid jamming in all 3 to one paragraph. It will be crucial to incorporate 3 different sources as support through either paraphrasing or quoting. Taking time to plan your essay is very important, because of the amount of choice you have on this assignment. A carefully constructed outline will be critical. Requirements: Essay Outline due on Feb. 7th, Rough Draft on the 12th, Final Draft 14th. The essay must be 4-5 pages in length, feature 4-5 body paragraphs MLA format – in-text citations and Works Cited. Must include the use of 2 separate ‘texts’ as support in 2 separate body paragraphs.

Paper For Above Instructions

Homelessness in America is a multifaceted crisis that continues to plague various demographics, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its causes, effects, and viable solutions. This paper will delve into the circumstances surrounding the long-term homeless population, particularly focusing on those who are suffering from mental health issues. Subsequently, it will present potential solutions, specifically the Housing First approach, which aligns housing assistance with mental health support to foster stability and reintegration into society.

Causes of Homelessness: Mental Health Issues

A significant cause of homelessness among individuals is the prevalence of untreated mental health issues. Statistics indicate that approximately one-quarter of the homeless population suffers from significant mental health disorders (Brigette, 2020). Factors such as stigma around mental health, financial strain, and lack of accessible resources exacerbate this problem. Individuals struggling with mental illnesses may find themselves disconnected from their communities, often leading to homelessness as they reject social structures that do not understand their condition. Additionally, the inability to obtain treatment for their disorders leaves many facing a chronic condition of homelessness that further complicates efforts for recovery (Neiditch, 2015).

Effects of Living on the Streets

The effects of homelessness are pervasive and often detrimental to an individual's physical and mental health. Living on the streets exposes people to risks such as violence, health complications, and substance abuse (Neiditch, 2015). For instance, studies have shown that homeless individuals have a higher incidence of chronic illnesses and mental health disorders, further exacerbated by the lack of stable housing. Living in unstable conditions fosters despair and hopelessness, generating a cyclical effect where the longer an individual remains homeless, the more difficult it becomes to achieve stabilization (Kenny, 2017). As shown in several case studies, this situation impacts not just the individual but also the broader community, leading to increased public health concerns and strained social services (Neiditch, 2015).

Solutions: Housing First Model and Social Support

One of the most viable solutions to address homelessness is the Housing First model, which prioritizes providing individuals with stable housing without preconditions (Kenny, 2017). The Housing First approach posits that once a person has a secure place to live, they can more effectively address other challenges such as mental health issues, substance abuse, and unemployment. Evidence from various communities that have implemented this model shows a significant reduction in homelessness and improved quality of life for individuals (Kenny, 2017). For instance, the Milwaukee County Housing First pilot project indicated that after one year, the average cost to house individuals was about $30 per day, and 99% maintained their lease for the full year (Kenny, 2017).

Moreover, the integration of supportive services such as mental health counseling and job training with housing solutions leads to long-term success rates. Continuous support helps individuals redefine their success, participate in society, and break the cycle of poverty. By investing in these foundational resources, communities not only alleviate homelessness but also reduce costs associated with emergency services, such as hospitalizations and policing, making Housing First a fiscally responsible solution (Neiditch, 2015).

Community Support and Awareness

To further enhance the effectiveness of programs like Housing First, community participation and awareness are crucial. Public campaigns to reduce the stigma associated with homelessness and mental health can foster safer environments for individuals looking to reintegrate into society. Advocacy for increased funding for housing programs and mental health services is also imperative. By bridging the gaps between policymakers, local organizations, and the affected individuals, communities can create comprehensive support systems that address both immediate needs and long-term stability (Kenny, 2017).

Conclusion

Addressing homelessness in America requires a multifaceted approach focusing on the specific causes and effects of the crisis, particularly among vulnerable populations such as those with mental health issues. Utilizing models like Housing First, which provide immediate housing and subsequent support services, can significantly enhance the chances for individuals to stabilize, recover, and thrive. It is essential for communities to rally together, educate the public, and advocate for sustained funding to tackle this persistent social challenge effectively.

References

• Brigette, J. (2020). Mental Health and Homelessness. Journal of Health Policy, 22(3), 45-56.
• Kenny, E. (2017). Why Housing First Works: The evidence for a more humane approach to homelessness. Mother Jones. Retrieved from www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/02/housing-first-solution-to-homelessness-utah.
• Neiditch, D. (2015). How Bad is Homelessness in America, Really? National Alliance to End Homelessness. Retrieved from www.endhomelessness.org/homelessness-in-america.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2011). The Future of Homelessness: Rapid Rehousing. Retrieved from www.hud.gov/rapidrehousing.
• American Public Human Services Association. (2015). Integrating Health and Human Services for Homelessness Solutions. Retrieved from www.aphsa.org/content/dam/aphsa/pdfs/NWI/Utah%20Chronic%20Homeless%20Approach_Apr15.pdf.
• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (2015). Housing-Related Activities and Services. Retrieved from www.cms.gov/housing-services.
• Mother Jones. (2015). Utah’s Reduction of Chronic Homelessness by 91 Percent: Here’s How. Retrieved from www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/12/utah-reduced-chronic-homelessness-by-91-percent-heres-how.
• National Alliance to End Homelessness. (2016). Understanding the Homeless Population in America. Retrieved from www.endhomelessness.org/homeless-population.
• Thorpe, L. (2013). The Impact of Homelessness on Health: A Study of Pittsburgh's Homeless Population. Blackwell Publishing.
• Walsh, A. (2019). Housing First: A fundamental human right. The Washington Post. Retrieved from www.washingtonpost.com/housing-first.