What is Homelessness?

Before going into the main subject this essay will be looking at various aspects of homelessness which includes the background history, the major causes of homelessness, sections of our community that are likely to become homeless and social construction of homelessness. Furthermore, I will also be looking at government policies, act of parliament as well as debates from different commentators on homelessness.

From my understanding there are people who make it a point to blame those who are homeless however, not all homeless people choose or wanted to be homeless. Some people become homeless through no fault of their own as society lead us to believe. People could become homeless due to various reasons, which includes loss of job, they may be evicted from their homes, teenagers who may leave their parents or relatives home for different reasons. Other reasons for becoming homeless may be as a result of social problems such as alcoholism, drug addiction and mental health issues.

Burrows, et al (1997) stated that homelessness in Britain is not a recent phenomenon. There has always been a substantial minority of people who for a variety of reasons have been unable to retain housing for themselves and their families. The patterns of causes have changed over time but poverty has persisted as a key factor. For centuries a major responsibility of the parishes and later the ‘Poor Law System’ was to provide shelter for homeless people. Perhaps, to be more direct,

Walsh, et al (2000) stressed that person or family is defined as homeless if they had no legal right to housing or there were threats of violence preventing them from exercising their right.

Homelessness is a very serious problem in our society however, the notion th...

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...ed housing application forms and if possible advocate on behalf of the homeless and advice them on family therapy and well being. Humanistic approach as a social worker will involve a non-judgemental approach, empathic approach and person centred approach.

References:

Burrows, R. et al (1997) Homelessness and Social Policy Routledge London

Burrows, R. et al (1997) cite Johnson et al 1991

Handbook, (2007) Reforms to the Housing Act 1996 http://handbooks.homeless.org.uk/hostels/theory/policyreview (access 9 December 2009)

Webb, R. & Tossell, D. (1999) Social Issues for Carers towards Positive Practice Arnold Hodder London

Lund, B. (2006) Understanding Housing Policy Hobbs the Printers Ltd, Southampton

Lund, B. (2006) cited Thatcher, 1993, p 603

Walsh et al 2000 cited Murray, 1994

Walsh, M. et al (2000) Social Policy and Welfare Nelson Thornes Ltd CHETENHAM