The Problem of Homelessness - Assignment Example

Research question What measures can be implemented in order to address the problem of homelessness? The problem of homelessness is widespread in theUnited States and a holistic approach is required to deal with the issue. The magnitude of the problem has sparked “room for debate” among different people who have expressed different views about it. Homelessness is caused by various factors and many people have expressed mixed feelings about the measures that can be taken in order to address the problem. As such, in this paper I will analyse different opinions expressed by different people towards the subject and I will sum up the paper by presenting my own opinion about what I believe pertaining to the issue. In an article titled “Offering Housing to the Homeless Could Increase Demand for It” by Howard Hassock (February 19, 2015), it can be seen that the issue of homelessness is not only a problem to the affected people but a national problem that requires a holistic approach to solve. Hassock (2015) argues that “providing homes to the people with mental health and substance abuse problems is not the answer but to provide shelter and support services.” In other words, providing such people with homes can be described as a waste of resources since these people can easily leave the houses if they lack the support they so much need. The author argues that a long term solution to this problem is to support the homeless people in protected shelters where their condition can be easily monitored than providing them with homes. The author also believes that providing houses to the homeless would fuel the problem since if people are aware that they will get free housing if they are homeless. Some authors however believe that providing housing to the homeless people can be the only lasting solution that can be implemented. In an article titled “For Even the Neediest, Housing Is the Solution to Homelessness” by Haggerty Rosanne (February 19, 2015), it can be observed that the author believes that homelessness is a problem that requires a solution rather than ignoring it to persist. The author argues that housing is the only solution that can be implemented in order to end the problem of homelessness. The author also indicates that there are different people affected by the problem of homelessness and the most vulnerable groups include the elderly and those who have problems of abusing drugs. Thus, Haggerty (2005) states that providing homeless Americans belonging to the above mentioned group can present a long lasting solution to the problem. The author also believes that providing housing to the homeless is a cost cutting measure which can result in the reduction of expenses often incurred supporting the homeless people. On the other hand, Burt (2001) in his article titled; “What will it take to end homelessness?” suggests that providing housing to the people can be a viable solution that can help address the problem. There are different causes of homelessness and probable solutions can be derived from a good understanding of the causes of the problem. Burt (2001, p. 1) states that “Homelessness stems from desperate poverty combined with unaffordable housing in communities too strapped to support their most troubled members.” Thus, new housing resources should be availed to those in need. The other strategy that can be implemented is to address the root causes that can lead to homelessness such as improving the living conditions in the community so that they may not end up living in the streets. The other article published in the Nation of change (January 23, 2014) titled “Utah is Ending Homelessness by Giving People Homes” has show that providing homes to the homeless can be a viable solution that can be implemented. For instance, “In 2005, Utah figured out that the annual cost of E.R. visits and jail stays for homeless people was about $16,670 per person, compared to $11,000 to provide each homeless person with an apartment and a social worker.” As such, it is much cheaper to provide the homeless with homes than incarcerating them. Keyes (2014) suggests that tough legislation can also help to address the problem of homelessness. For instance, if the homeless people are denied food, they are likely to change their behaviour. On the other hand, Turley (2014) also suggests that it is illegal to feed homeless people. Many cities have taken a tough stance against the practice of feeding the homeless people on the roads since this practice is seen as responsible for fueling homelessness. From the research that I have conducted, I have observed that the majority of the articles that I have reviewed indicate that the authors are of the view that providing homes to the homeless can be a viable solution that is long lasting. Few people think that a tough stance should be taken against the homelessness but I differ with this notion. In most cases, it is not by choice to be homeless. In my own opinion, I think there are two viable options that can be implemented that can provide long term solutions to the problem of homelessness identified above. Burt (2001) has suggested that extreme poverty is the major factor that causes homelessness in different parts of the US. Thus, the first measure that can be implemented is related to addressing the causes of the problem. For instance, the issue of unemployment is responsible for fueling the problem of homelessness. Therefore, a holistic approach is required in order to address the problem of unemployment at grassroots level. Employment creation, improving social amenities as well as improving the education system are some of the measures that can be taken in order to uplift the welfare of the people. If the people are able to get decent jobs, then they can afford to live in decent accommodation, whether rented or owned. The other solution that can be implemented is to provide cheap housing to the homeless. This is a long term solution to the recurrent problem of homelessness in the US. People who belong to low income brackets should be given the opportunity to access funding so that they can purchase low cost housing units. Alternatively the responsible authorities can construct houses that can be given to the homeless people. However, these houses need not necessarily to be free since this can fuel the problem again. Flexible payment plans should be put in place so that the beneficiaries of the housing project can pay something instead of getting the houses for free. The government should take a leading role in providing houses to the homeless people. From conducting this research, I have learnt quite a number of things. The first thing is that people have different perceptions towards the world around them. I have particularly noted that people have different views towards certain issues that are often seen as controversial. The issue of homelessness is controversial and some persons have a positive approach towards finding a lasting solution that can be implemented in solving the problem. I have also learnt that people have different writing styles though dealing with the same subject. The articles I have reviewed above were written in different styles but the most interesting thing is that they deal with the same subject. Different authors utilize different rhetorical tools in presenting their ideas. I have also learnt that in order to grasp what the author is trying to say, you must carefully read the article more than once and underline the main theme portrayed. In analyzing the context of the article, you need to have knowledge about different rhetorical tools that are used by writers when they write about different subjects. Over and above, the research issue analysed in the paper is about the measures that can be taken in order to address the question of homelessness. This issue has led to debate where there are different views about the measures that can be taken in order to address the issue. After reading different articles about the issue of homelessness, I have realised that concerted efforts should be made by the responsible authorities to provide affordable housing to the homeless people. This strategy will go a long way in alleviating the problem that seems to be widespread in the US. I have also learnt different things about research from carrying out this work. References Burt, M.R. (September 2001). “What will it take to end homelessness?” Retrieved from: http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/end_homelessness.pdf. Haggerty, R. (February 19, 2015). “For Even the Neediest, Housing Is the Solution to Homelessness” Retrieved from: http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2015/02/19/homes-for-the-homeless/for-even-the-neediest-housing-is-the-solution-to-homelessness Hassock, H. (February 19, 2015). “Offering Housing to the Homeless Could Increase Demand for It.” The New York Times. Retrieved from: http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2015/02/19/homes-for-the-homeless/offering-housing-to-the-homeless-could-increase-demand-for-it Keyes, S. (July 16, 2014). “It’s illegal for homeless people to sit on the sidewalk in more than half of the US cities.” Retrieved from: http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/07/16/3460553/homeless-criminalization-report/ Nation of change (January 23, 2014). “Utah is Ending Homelessness by Giving People Homes.” Retrieved from: http://www.nationofchange.org/utah-ending-homelessness-giving-people-homes-1390056183 Omuchu, L.F. “Tiny houses: A big idea to end homelessness.” Retrieved from: http://www.cnbc.com/id/101527782 Shelter (2015). “Tackling homelessness.” Retrieved from: http://england.shelter.org.uk/campaigns/why_we_campaign/tackling_homelessness Turley, J. (2014). “Why is it illegal to feed the homeless?” Retrieved from: http://jonathanturley.org/2014/11/09/why-is-it-illegal-to-feed-the-homeless/ Read More