Homelessness Articles

Today, we read multiple articles that had varying points of view. They offered multiple solutions and conditions that can define what solution works best. For instance, families usually only need help recovering from a traumatic event while those with mental illness need continued assistance. The two solutions we studied were Rapid-Rehousing and Prevention and Housing First. Both solutions take a direct approach to alleviating homelessness. The supporters of each want to put homeless people into houses immediately. Each method has a place to make a difference. "Years of research and experience in working to end homelessness has proven that rapid re-housing and prevention are key strategies." For Rapid re-housing, this is more for people who are suddenly homeless from a tragic event or an unfortunate situation. These people need permanent housing to get back on their feet and can normally become independent with relatively limited assistance. They most often do not need rehabilitation programs and can recover much faster than those suffering from chronic homelessness. This plan helps to put people back into a comfortable place until they can get back on their feet and also opens up beds in shelters to those who constantly rely on their availability. Prevention is another important strategy. It helps to control homeless populations by stopping numbers from rising. Housing First is actually fairly similar."Housing First is an approach that emphasizes stable, permanent housing as a primary strategy for ending homelessness." This approach focuses on getting people into houses as quickly as possible before doing other services that are required. This is the order and product that most people experiencing homeless want and respond best to. After the initial act, people are then available to provide services when needed and requested. Housing First programs have a wide variety of appearances depending on the type of person who needs the service. Some people may need services indefinitely Different groups respond differently to actions and require a multitude of needs.

We also learned today about the different types of people who experience homelessness and how their needs and situations can vary so greatly. Youth for example are often fleeing a home-life situation. Sometimes they need to be reunited with family and other times they are escaping that danger. For this reason, each case must be evaluated and alleviation efforts must be specialized. Since they did not come from an independent position, most will need assistance programs to get started in life. Whether escaping abuse or addiction or simply aging out of foster care, children need a permanent housing situation to succeed. They may also need educational help and resources for income. Families usually require Rapid Re-housing and financial assistance. They are often just down on their luck and can find ways to be independent again after a short time. Veterans need extra consideration and care with the various mental illnesses that they can be afflicted with. They need housing and assistance programs and should be a top priority after their dedicated sacrifice of service. The chronically homeless are a different situation. Often, they have serious physical and mental disabilities and need permanent housing and services. They have demonstrated a struggle to survive independently and may need persistent and long lasting assistance.

I think that this direct approach to solving homelessness is definitely one of the best. By putting homeless people into homes, there is no arguing that a problem is being solved. However, there are some difficulties that should not be overlooked. In these cases, the treatments are so individualized and specific that there cannot be a clear plan. There cannot be a decisive path of action when each person must be evaluated for the best option. There are obvious benefits to this as well, but it takes much more time and is less efficient. Overall, I think this is a great idea. As they stated, it is cost efficient and keeps people out of trouble. By providing homes to people instead of building more shelters, we treat them like the human beings they are. We show respect and see results. If you're trying so hard and things just don't go your way, it is our responsibility to help. One day it could be you or me down on our luck begging for assistance or change. People need a safe and comfortable place to live if they want to improve their situation. I believe this is a great way to start and that real benefits will be apparent.

 http://www.nicao-online.org/Resources/housing.JPG

 http://www.nchv.org/images/uploads/Homeless%20Veterans%20Map_2010%20PIT.jpg


http://www.endhomelessness.org/page/-/assets/img/editorFiles/Image/figure%201.2%20SOH2012.png