Homelessness is a crucial problem not only in San Bernardino but in the whole of Southern California. The situation is generally worsening, with a more than 20 percent rise in 2019 and almost 20 percent in 2020. On the streets, homeless individuals claim that there are so many that shelters are overflowing, and they can’t get into any of them. There is just no place in shelters for some of them, even if they want emergency assistance or expert counseling on drug or alcohol misuse difficulties. In addition, housing insecurity, a key issue in the homelessness problem, is growing every year. The coronavirus pandemic also hit on the area, exaggerating the matter further and exposing the old instabilities of the system.
Homeless ‘encampments’ are located in different places. The conditions of the living are weak, while the access to basic needs such as clean water and hygiene are almost nonexistent. While the quantitative and qualitative data show the factual side of the problem, there is always a need to combine it with a visual representation of the problem. This will allow us to get a more precise understanding of the real importance of the issue and how bad is the real situation, not in the newsfeed.
People who are homeless are neither unique nor isolated from the rest of the population. Indeed, the distinction between accommodation and eviction is blurry. Homelessness is caused by a complex interaction of structural factors, systemic failings, and individual situations. Homelessness is frequently caused by a number of circumstances rather than a single issue. Rising rent or mortgage prices, foreclosure, job loss, or just not having enough money to cover high upfront rent or purchase fees are all challenges that can cause many families to live in situations they would not choose otherwise. Due to financial restrictions, doubling or tripling one’s standard of living can put a strain on relationships, housing, public services, and infrastructure. Homelessness occurs when shared housing is not an option. The coronavirus pandemic has compounded these issues, resulting in poor circumstances, particularly in volunteer care facilities. The coronavirus struck the homeless with the same ferocity as the general public.
The big portion of those who are homeless are single adults. This can result in the loss of homes and homelessness as a result of a brief financial or personal crisis. This population’s experience of homelessness, on the other hand, is usually brief and non-recurring. The majority of homeless single people are free of mental illness, drug misuse, or other limiting illnesses. When it comes to homelessness, veterans and civilians are very similar. They must contend with a shortage of cheap housing and the economic troubles that everyone is experiencing, as well as issues stemming from previous military experiences and probable mental and physical damage. People who are homeless for an extended period of time are more likely to have complicated and long-term health issues, such as mental illness, drug abuse, physical disability, or other medical illnesses. It is hard for them to get back to housing after they have been homeless. Family strife is a common cause of youth homelessness. Many homeless young people and young adults have undergone serious trauma both before and after becoming homeless, and they are particularly susceptible, especially if they have been victims of sex trafficking or exploitation.
On this slide, two social media reactions are presented. It can be seen that the online activists and journalists attempt to tackle the government initiatives to criminalize most the homeless people and deprive them of help during the pandemic times. Fines and destruction of the improvised housings became the cornerstone of the government’s policy, unfortunately. The legislative actions for the homeless regularly spark an outrage on different social media, such as Twitter, which can serve as an indication of the need to reevaluate the policies adopted.
Emergency assistance in the shape of canteens and shelters has been the dominating response to homelessness for more than two decades. While these programs are crucial in satisfying people’s fundamental needs, they do not result in homelessness being reduced or eliminated. The community bears one of the key responsibilities for resolving the homelessness crisis. To restore dignity, assistance, and respect to our homeless neighbors, the entire community must work together. Increasing awareness of the hardships of homelessness and eventually, almost everyone can fall victim to it is crucial in this respect. The local government’s actions should be more precise, with the increased funding for the centers, which will allow them to operate more freely. As for the most vulnerable social groups, youth and veterans, there should be more possibilities for free psychological counseling and therapies. To address the reasons that contribute to homelessness, homelessness prevention plans incorporate multiple systems and governmental levels, as well as collaboration between many departments and organizations.
The problem of homelessness can not be tackled only at the governmental level. In the community sense, the most mobile and active group should take its stance – the young generation. It can benefit the communal struggles in several ways. First of all, by showing support to their peers who also can be affected by the homelessness. Youth use social media extensively, and nowadays, it has become a powerful weapon. Therefore, an increase in social media campaigns and activities can be beneficial. Lastly, volunteering can help more homeless people and benefit the young generation by getting involved in working activities of multiple ranges, a serious advantage in their future life.