SOC 203 Social Problems

SOCIAL PROBLEMS 5

Social Problems: Homelessness

Chanda Crews

SOC 203 Social Problems

Instructor: Jennifer Rosen

January 14, 2018

Homelessness

Homelessness arises from a situation where an individual lacks a permanent dwelling as a shelter such as a rented apartment or a purchased house. Homeless persons often live in streets and alleys in towns and cities. Such a situation subjects them unsafe and unhygienic living conditions. Undoubtedly, homelessness is a social problem. Therefore, this paper will outline its implications and how it can be addressed.

Description of the Social Problem

According to Lancione (2013), homelessness is a situation where an individual or a family lacks a regular or preferably fixed nighttime residence. Therefore, homeless persons opt for living in a public or private location which was not designed for human beings to sleep. In his research article, Lancione (2013) frames homelessness as a problem by stating that it is associated with the poor, drunks, addicts, the dispossessed, the mentally ill and rubbish collectors. The association of a person’s life with any of the mentioned terms implies that the individual is undergoing a degrading quality of life and therefore needs interventions to prevent further implications which may result in sickness or death.

Scope and Consequences of the Problem

Galeo (2016) shares methodologically sound conclusions to the consequences of the problem by stating the individual implications of homelessness which include having a higher rate of premature mortality due to causes such as unintentional overdose, extreme weather conditions, and injuries. For instance, in 2016, 239 homeless people died in New York City alone (Cheney, 2017). They also experience reduced quality of life brought about by chronic pain, poor sleeping conditions, insecurity and unsanitary conditions. Social implications include fear and uncertainty by members of the society since homeless persons are associated with drugs, mental illness, and petty theft. Another social problem is the decline in value and serenity of a location where homeless persons have set up their residence. Such areas often become unattractive due to the accumulation of filth thus reducing their appeal.

Society’s Responses to the problem

Sanchez (2010) explains that society, particularly faith-based organizations have responded to homelessness using funding schemes from donors and well-wishers which were used to facilitate the purchase and construction of homes. The US Government formed the US Interagency Council on Homelessness which was provided with funding meant to facilitate programs for the homeless such as enlisting them in Medicaid and Social Security Disability Insurance. Unfortunately, the interventions are not sufficient since homelessness is still a persistent issue despite the solutions being commissioned in the 1980s (Sanchez, 2010).

Alternative to the Problem

An alternative solution to the homelessness problem can be the implementation of housing assistance plans where grants are issued for the construction of low-cost budget homes can accommodate one or two persons. The housing units can be shared among two to three homeless persons. The homeless persons can be enlisted among the workforce that constructs these homes. The solution can be effective since it will consume fewer resources and will remove homeless persons from the streets. However, the solution is pegged by the possibility that it may create an influx of homeless persons who want a home provided freely by the government thus increasing dependence on government welfare programs.

Conclusion

Homelessness is a problem that should be prevented rather than resolved when it becomes prevalent. The government should focus on ensuring rent prices remain low and economic conditions are favorable so that the cost of obtaining a decent accommodation remains low.

References

Cheney, B. (2017). Homeless deaths in New York City increased in FY 2016. Retrieved January 12, 2018, from https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/city-hall/story/2017/01/homeless-deaths-in-new-york-city-increased-in-2016-108761

Galeo, S. (2016). Homelessness, Its Consequences, and Its Causes | SPH | Boston University. Retrieved January 12, 2018, from https://www.bu.edu/sph/2016/02/28/homelessness-its-consequences-and-its-causes/

Lancione, M. (2013). How is homelessness?. European Journal of Homelessness, 8(2).

Sanchez, D. (2010). Civil society responses to homelessness. Development Southern Africa, 27(1), 101-110.