Homelessness as a Community Problem

Community Problem and Assets: Homelessness

Introduction

Over the past two decades, U.S. leaders have dramatically changed their approach to the problem of homelessness, which affects as many as 700,000 people on any given night (Marsh, 2006). Through the 1980s, most policies toward the homeless were designed to coax people off the streets by offering health care and assistance in finding jobs and housing. The general consensus was that with a little compassion and financial help, homeless people would readily assimilate into general society (Glantz, 2000). The population of homeless people includes individuals and families, who left parental homes, escaping domestic violence due to diverse characteristics and circumstances. Homelessness is 'universalistic' in the context of the welfare system (Glantz, 2000).

Personal reliance theory is a subjective matter related to addressing the homelessness condition. Homelessness in perspective of self-reliance and resilience approach enables people to manage themselves in difficult situations instead of relying on external forces. This paper focuses on the related aspects of homelessness as social issue with respect to theoretical context.

Homelessness Issue in United States

According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, on a typical night there are about 700,000 homeless people sleeping on the streets or in shelters. That number is a broad estimate, based on on-street interviews and counts at soup kitchens, shelters and other services for the homeless. Other groups estimate the number of homeless people to be closer to 300,000 (Marsh, 2006). Equally difficult to pinpoint are the homeless population's demographics, since most people do not remain homeless permanently and the population is therefore always shifting.

Paradoxically, the ranks of the nation's destitute are growing at a time when the U.S. economy is enjoying its longest peacetime expansion in history. Inflation and unemployment are at their lowest rates in 25 years, the stock market is at an all-time high and the federal budget has run a surplus for the past several years (Daly, 2006). It is impossible to determine how many people are actually living their life as homeless people in America. However, approach of people who come under the category of homelessness condition is different to handle the sensitivity of the situation. Point-in-time surveys examining homeless shelter use or data regarding homeless children have been used to calculate the number of homeless in the US. These numbers suggest that some 600,000 individuals are homeless; however, data regarding the use of transitional housing suggests that the number of homeless may be closer to 1.6 million (Amato & McDonald, 2011).

Theoretical Implications of the Issue

Many people involve in socially destructive practices, which not only affect their social life but also creates many problems related to the individual and his personal life. These factors include absence of qualifications, drug and alcohol misuse, debt condition of a person, relationship status, and lack of social support, deprived mental and physical health, and involvement in criminal activities (Allen, 2004). Family disputes and breakdown also affect the capacity of a person to mange himself in stern ...