Introduction
Homelessness is a global and significant social problem. Many factors can contribute to the formation of difficult life situations. People are deprived of the opportunity to support themselves and, as a result, are forced to live on the street. This problem requires consideration and the preparation of strategic plans for solving it at the federal level. This paper will examine the problem, its importance, and potential ways to address it by creating specific policies.
Research of Problems of Homelessness
Causes
With the growth of industrialization and the technological development of society, homelessness has not become less significant since the number of people in need has not decreased. According to Global Homelessness Statistics (2022), an estimated 150 million homeless people are globally. Such indicators are critical because, due to the coronavirus pandemic, many people have lost their jobs and found themselves in a difficult situation due to related problems.
The reasons for the occurrence of homelessness can be various circumstances that directly affect the life and well-being of a person. Lack of affordable housing, difficulty finding employment, economic instability, and poor mental health can be some of the top causes of homelessness (Kerman & Sylvestre, 2020). Thus, the number of people who can suffer from the indicated phenomena is relatively high.
Of all the factors mentioned that impact the increase in the number of homeless people, the most influential cause is poverty. However, this factor is not caused by self-appearance but is a consequence of some critical processes in the country’s economy (Clifford et al., 2019). People who lose their jobs and cannot find suitable material support become poorly provided for and, as a result, can no longer maintain housing.
In addition, poverty also affects the inability to provide oneself with necessities such as food or medical services. Due to the deteriorating social and financial situation, many may become addicted to drugs because they experience short-term relief from them. However, this factor aggravates the situation even more, as a person loses the ability to reason and cannot find a way out of homelessness.
Implications
The use of narcotic drugs can lead to other equally detrimental consequences that further complicate a person’s chances of finding a permanent place of residence. With prolonged use of illicit drugs, the mental system may begin to malfunction, subsequently affecting the general health state (Carver et al., 2021). However, such circumstances can cause people to become homeless in another way. Many may be exposed to drug use and lose their jobs and the ability to pay their rent or mortgage.
The impact of homelessness as a global social effect is significant. Homeless people often face various health problems, such as infectious diseases or malnutrition. However, some ailments are easily transferred to other people, which can create a public health problem (Kuhn et al., 2020). In this regard, the government must pay attention to the homeless people to reduce their number. This can be achieved through the development of strategic policies that will be aimed at social support for people experiencing homelessness.
In addition, such strategies should also address the root causes of why people end up on the streets. Efforts to provide homeless people with appropriate living conditions should be undertaken nationally. Coverage of the problem in society can help avoid the marginalization of these sections of society. In this way, it will be possible to draw people’s attention to homeless people and ensure that the necessary efforts are made to solve the problem.
Research Reflection
This study led to the identification of key causes that contribute to the emergence of the problem of homelessness. This problem requires an integrated approach to address each element and solve it expertly. In this way, it will be possible to achieve the necessary effect to reduce the effect of the social problem (Gutwinski et al., 2021). The study led me to believe in the existence and relevance of the problem of homelessness worldwide, as many people are in a difficult situation. Since the project was started, my opinion has not remained the same; it has changed so that I can start contributing to the issue’s solution. This can be done through participation in volunteer projects and coverage of the issue. After analyzing the problem, it can be confirmed that homelessness is a complex phenomenon that needs increased attention.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it should be noted that homelessness is an acute social problem to which many factors contribute. This means that people should pay more attention to the issue of people who are left without social security. Many economic and social factors are strong contributors to shaping the complex situation of many people. Because this topic is not sufficiently covered, further research in the field of homeless people is necessary.
References
Carver, H., Parkes, T., Browne, T., Matheson, C., & Pauly, B. (2021). Investigating the need for alcohol harm reduction and managed alcohol programs for people experiencing homelessness and alcohol use disorders in Scotland. Drug and Alcohol Review, 40(2), 220-230. Web.
Clifford, B., Wilson, A., & Harris, P. (2019). Homelessness, health, and the policy process: A literature review. Health Policy, 123(11), 1125-1132. Web.
Gutwinski, S., Schreiter, S., Deutscher, K., & Fazel, S. (2021). The prevalence of mental disorders among homeless people in high-income countries: An updated systematic review and meta-regression analysis. PLoS medicine, 18(8), e1003750. Web.
Homeless World Cup. (2022). Global homelessness statistics. Web.
Kerman, N., & Sylvestre, J. (2020). Surviving versus living life: Capabilities and service use among adults with mental health problems and histories of homelessness. Health & Social Care in the Community, 28(2), 414-422. Web.
Kuhn, R., Richards, J., Roth, S., & Clair, K. (2020). Homelessness and public health in Los Angeles. Web.