Community and Societal Issues: Homelessness by Aaron Vargas

Homelessness: Overview

avargas0123 — 2024-11-04 02:29:07 UTC

Homelessness is an issue an unfortunate issue that is visible in our everyday lives. Many factors cause this local and national issue and continue exacerbating the problems raising the current levels of unsheltered individuals. The article that I have provided highlights many of the causes and issues contributing to homelessness, citing that many of the factors that affect those living on the streets are the same that housed people are experiencing and illustrates how interconnected these issues are. Therefore, this Padlet seeks to share and explore insights on the nature of homelessness and share resources, statistics, and personal reflections on the issue.

Causes of Homelessness

avargas0123 — 2024-11-04 02:38:41 UTC

There are many causes of homelessness in San Diego; however, mental health challenges, poverty, and lack of affordable housing seem to be the most significant contributors. First, mental health challenges contribute to homelessness by creating barriers to stable employment and housing. Individuals struggling with mental health issues often find it difficult to maintain a consistent job or manage daily tasks, leading to job loss and financial instability. Next, poverty contributes to homelessness by limiting access to resources such as education, healthcare, and stable housing. Families living in poverty may not have enough money to buy food and clothes, let alone have a roof over their heads. Lastly, the lack of affordable housing leaves many people on the streets. With housing costs rising in San Diego, many individuals and families are being priced out of market. Therefore, these three factors are major contributors to homelessness and continue to raise the level of unsheltered people.

Impacts of Homelessness

avargas0123 — 2024-11-04 02:49:00 UTC

Whether we know it or not, homelessness impacts our lives and communities every day. The three biggest impacts are community safety and well-being, public health, and economic strain. First, our community safety may be affected by the feeling of being uncomfortable or unsafe when a large presence of homeless people is around. This can lead to social division and tension within our communities. Next, people link our public health standards to people without housing, who often experience higher rates of chronic illnesses, mental health issues, and substance abuse problems. These problems directly affect our public health system, increasing costs and resource demands. Lastly, homelessness can cause economic strain on local communities. Areas where homelessness is prevalent may lead to decreased foot traffic, contributing to the loss of sales to local businesses. Therefore, though homelessness has many more impacts on our communities, these three affect us almost daily.

Solutions to Homelessness

avargas0123 — 2024-11-04 02:57:25 UTC

Though homelessness is a complex and diverse issue, there are three options that can act as solutions to start the decrease and resolution of homelessness. First, affordable housing can begin to move people off the streets. Affordable housing and housing created for various income levels can begin to move individuals and families off the streets. Next, comprehensive mental health services and substance abuse treatment facilities can treat those who may be suffering from those complications on the streets. This would include increasing the number of mental health professionals and offering tailored services to those who need them. Lastly, community education and awareness can teach children and young adults to look at this issue with empathy and understanding. This can encourage posterity to become more involved in the issue. Though these three solutions are only a tiny part of a more extensive process, they are a great starting point for reducing the homeless population.