Introduction
Caring for young people and addressing their needs is a direct duty of policymakers and other authorities. Unfortunately, one of the major concerns in Canada, particularly in the Durham Region, is the high rate of homelessness, and this problem significantly affects individuals aged 16-14. These young people should be given a chance for a promising future, and efforts have to be made to reduce the rates of addiction, mental conditions, and physical illness among them. Therefore, adequate access to a Housing First program is a necessary and practical step.
Rationale Behind a Community Housing First Program
Before providing evidence regarding the positive effects and benefits of such an intervention, it is essential to prove that there is a need for this program in the first place. Data taken from official sources can be used to demonstrate the urgency and severity of the reported problem. Thus, according to Bickle (2018), youth homelessness became a troubling trend in the region in 2018.
The researcher indicates that “of the 291 people who identify as homeless in Durham Region, nearly 17 percent identify as youth (49 individuals)” (Bickle, 2018, para. 3). In 2021, 573 individuals were considered homeless, which is an increase that raises concerns, and 9% out of these people were aged 16-24 (Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, 2021). While the root cause of this problem is yet to be addressed, it is necessary to help these young individuals and improve their situation.
One needs to notice that a failure to enhance these individuals’ conditions has certain implications for communities and the youth. Thus, the growing number of homeless young people will lead to an increase in crime and victimization. The streets will become unsafe for ordinary Durham region residents and homeless individuals who are not criminals (Bickle, 2018). In addition, an increase in drug and alcohol addiction, as well as a deterioration in homeless young adults’ emotional and physical state, can be expected.
Evidence for Program Advocacy
Considering the information mentioned earlier, a housing-first program should be introduced to the community. This evidence-based approach is oriented toward recovering homeless youth, allowing them to feel accepted, supported, and welcomed. Stably housed persons are more likely to get healthier and integrate into society more easily. Housing First programs recognize that having permanent housing is key to getting rid of different addictions because not being homeless anymore is a strong motivation to be a better citizen (National Low Income Housing Coalition, 2023).
A review of 26 studies shows that such interventions “decrease homelessness, increase housing stability, and improve quality of life for people experiencing homelessness” (National Low Income Housing Coalition, 2023, p. 1). The Housing First for Youth (HF4Y) program is already in action in the Durham region. However, another housing-first intervention must address the alarming trend better. The provided evidence allows me to believe that this will enhance youth outcomes across the region and provide access to an extended number of homeless young adults.
Conclusion
To conclude, youth homelessness is indeed a great concern in the Durham region. However, there is an evidence-based and highly effective approach to solving the issue. Housing-first programs result in a decrease in rates of homelessness, improving people’s health and motivating them to get rid of their addictions. These interventions improve homeless youth’s quality of life and integrate them into society, which allows me to state that another housing-first program should be introduced to the Durham region community.
References
Bickle, C. (2018). Youth homelessness is becoming a troubling trend in Durham. The Chronicle. Web.
Canadian Observatory on Homelessness. (2021). Durham region. Homeless Hub. Web.
National Low Income Housing Coalition. (2023). The case for housing first. Web.