I have not always had the best experience working with others to college, however, I am experiencing positive effects with my work at the Anchorage Assembly. I did a feasibility report on homelessness with a couple of my classmates for my Technical Writing class; it wasn’t the best experience for me because I ended up doing most of the work. What I am experiencing now though, is well worth it, I believe. My internship with the Anchorage Assembly is helping me put my research and writing skills to work. I was recently asked by Forrest Dunbar and his aide to collaborate with other interns within the Anchorage Assembly to work on a project concerning homelessness. For this project we will be conducting research on homeless youth in Anchorage;
Homelessness is a social issue that has been overlooked for too long. It can be observed in many states worldwide. The rising population of homeless people affects those characterized as homeless, their families subjected to the lifestyle, and the communities where homelessness exists. There are many solutions but only a few will be discussed. Improving existing shelters and building new shelters are general solutions. More in depth solutions within the shelters include programs that assist the homeless with opportunities for re-entry into the community. I would first like to discuss reasons why this issue should be looked into and conclude with recommendations.
Above all, this research study in homeless youth strives to improve the effectiveness of programs by asking for feedback to produce better quality interventions. Therefore, The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act took into consideration
When we think of homelessness, we often think of people middle aged and older. For many years now, the problem has become more real to the younger generation. Some are there by choice but still, many are there because of circumstances beyond their control. In the report written by Eleanor J. Bader, she uncovers some of the faces of homeless people that just happen to be college students. According to Mary Jean LeTendre, who was interviewed in the report, “no college has ever asked for help in reaching homeless students” (638).
...on the homeless community. I previously held preconceived notions that the homeless consisted of people who were either unable to connect and form relationships with others or didn’t desire to do so. Yet, I observed most everyone greeting one another and reminiscing with those who have been absent from the community for a while, as well as, expressing concern for those missing. I recognized that the homeless may live in a non-traditional way, but they have established their own communities and are successful in forming and maintaining cohesive relationships.
Tunstall, L. (2009). Homelessness: an overview. EBSCO Publishing Service Selection Page. Retrieved February 5, 2011, from http://web.ebscohost.com/pov/detail?hid=119&sid=d5f751fa-0d0d-4ed1-8deb-483e701af50c%40sessionmgr111&vid=3&bdata=Jmxhbmc9ZW4tY2Emc2l0ZT1wb3YtY2Fu#db=p3h&AN=28674966
Homeless situations are a concern because there are a number of homeless children in the United States and continues to rise (McDaniel, 2012). Homeless people struggle to survive because they live in housing that is not livable or does not have a home and therefore, they live in cardboard boxes, in the alley, or wherever they can find shelter. In reality, this affects the ability for a
This short memo is being sent out to inform your office about the issues of homelessness and how homelessness is tied into our society. The topics that will be covered in the memo are, the definition of homelessness, how it affects society, the different causes of homelessness, and how it is going to affect society in the future if something is not done about it now. A homeless person is characterized as someone who does not have a stable or permanent residence and frequently sleeps in public or private monitored places. There are many causes of homelessness but the main ones are lack of affordable housing, addictions and long term mental issues. Homelessness is not just a burden upon a few people but on the society as a whole, incarcerations, hospitalization, medical expenses and emergency shelters are some of the expenditures society pays for from taxes. If this problem isn’t taken care of, there will be more people in poverty, more uneducated people and the gap between the rich and poor will grow tremendously. Homelessness is an issue that needs a long term solution.
McNamara, Robert Hartmann. "Homelessness." Encyclopedia of Contemporary American Social Issues. Ed. Michael Shally-Jensen. Vol. 3: Family and Society. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 2011. 1024-1031. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 2 May 2014. .
...is to understand the factors that lead people into homelessness, that keep them homeless, and how they can recover from homelessness. Advocates for the homeless have proposed policies range from taking preventative measures, such as making housing and health care affordable, to policies that deal with individuals that are already homeless, such as rapid rehousing and redefining what it means to be homeless. Although many of the experts disagree on how the homeless epidemic should be handled, many acknowledge that the federal government plays an inexpendable role in helping the homeless. Homelessness is, obviously, a complex issue, but like all difficult issues it must be undertaken. It has become clear that homelessness is not something that will eradicate itself given time, homelessness will continue to grow and evolve unless an outside force stops it in its tracks.
Here in Tahoe, we are lucky enough to experience a great quality of life, and only a few have to face the horrible life of poverty and homelessness. However, nationwide, even right outside the basin, homelessness is a growing epidemic across the country. There are many ways one can become homeless; for the most part poverty. There are also different concentrations of homeless in different types of terrain, such as urban or suburban areas. Last, there is the ever- growing homeless population, and how much money it costs us for others to live in poverty. These are the questions we ask ourselves about homelessness, and the only way we can help is to know the facts about this lingering subject.
One needs to recognize that homelessness impact’s a person’s ability to enjoy basic needs and freedoms. It has important consequences for the way that society perceives and treats people. One of the biggest effects of homelessness is the breakdown of a community itself. Many people do not
The National Coalition for the Homeless (2006) is the most effective strategy as it seeks to address the problem of homelessness through various means, including volunteer work, advocacy efforts, and contributions. Firstly, the strategy requires people to volunteer their time to work directly with the victims of homelessness in the city to help them meet their immediate needs. People can volunteer their time to work with children in various programs, share hobbies, and help build houses and shelters among others (Miller, Hess, & Orthmann, 2011). This is extremely important and can help victims of homelessness to acquire some of the basic needs they lack.
According to the McKinney Act, A person is considered homeless who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence (National Coalition for the Homeless, 2006). There are facts and myths the troubles our displaced citizens, as a result of these beliefs the homeless youth population as has been stereotyped and/or ostracized based on their circumstances. We will explore these myths to alleviate the misbelief or misunderstanding of this exclusive population of communal and societal members. There is a misconception that the homeless youth are solely blamable for their own circumstance. The fact is many homeless individuals have survived as victims of violence, child abuse, natural disasters, deficiency in employment opportunities
The understanding and respect I have gained from the interview with John Doe will be everlasting. I have a refreshing faith in humanity and I will continue to do my part for the good of society. I know now that it is my responsibility and moral obligation to bring awareness to those who may be left behind by society. I must continue to give a voice to the voiceless, and aide to those in need. I wish to separate the homeless people who want stability from those who do not. I will help those who wish to become better and make it so that they have a fighting chance. “While circumstance may vary, the main reason people experience homelessness is because they cannot find housing they can afford” (National Alliance to End Homelessness). I will fight to make all resources available to those in need and increase awareness. “564,708 people are homeless on any given night in America” (National Alliance to End Homelessness). And these numbers are only growing. There is no reason why that number should not decrease in the United States of America. While feeding the homeless and temporary shelter is only a short-term fix, I believe we can implement more permanent solutions. Funding to build homeless programs and help mainstream them back to stability is something I aim to work towards as a Social Worker. After my experience interviewing John Doe, I know that there is a massive amount of deserving individuals who could use our help. I wish to bring awareness to those
(Transition: Know you understand how big the problem of homelessness is and how you can help)