Introduction
The impact of housing on people’s health and well-being is substantial. Although homes typically offer security and shelter, poorly constructed or unaffordable housing can adversely affect residents’ health and safety. Therefore, it is vital to take further action to ensure that every individual has access to affordable, safe, and healthy housing. The National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH) advocates for increased housing stability, healthier home environments, and health equity (Evans, 2020). Additionally, access to affordable housing is essential for reducing poverty and promoting economic growth. Tinson and Clair (2020) mentioned that a lack of shelter exposes people to extreme weather conditions, unsanitary living conditions, and various safety risks, underscoring the importance of access to shelter as a basic human need. NAEH should increase its initiatives to promote public health and safety by addressing the issue of homelessness and improving access to housing for all.
The National Alliance to End Homelessness
NAEH is recognized as a leading voice in advocating for solutions to homelessness through public policy, education, and research. Founded in 1983, NAEH’s mission is to end homelessness in the United States by building political will, creating partnerships, and providing data-driven solutions (Frank & Baumohl, 2021). The organization has identified several strategies, such as preventing homelessness, rapidly re-housing people experiencing homelessness, and increasing the availability of affordable housing to achieve this mission. NAEH envisions a society where everyone has a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home. In efforts to support its mission and vision, NAEH promotes public health and safety through advocacy and policy, support services, financial assistance, research and data collection, technical assistance and training, collaborations, and public awareness (Evans, 2020). For example, NAEH collaborates with federal and local governments to identify trends in homelessness and design and implement effective solutions. Setting strategies that promote health and safety enhances the quality of life, upholds human rights, and contributes to social cohesion.
Impact on the Community
NAEH plays a critical role in addressing the immediate needs of homeless individuals, as well as in preventing homelessness and promoting long-term stability and well-being. Advocating for policies and solutions that increase the availability of affordable housing is one of the primary ways in which NAEH supports the community. Adamtey and Kovor (2020) and Sullivan (2022) and highlighted that NAEH collaborates with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community stakeholders to promote policies that prioritize increased funding for affordable housing programs, including financial assistance, support services, and rental aid. In addition, NAEH offers technical assistance and training programs, disseminates evidence-based approaches, and best practices to prevent homelessness and increase the availability of affordable housing (Adamtey & Kovor, 2020; Evans, 2020). The organization’s data-driven solutions enable policymakers and community stakeholders to better understand the needs of homeless individuals and develop strategies to address homelessness at its source.
Barrier to Public Health and Safety
People experiencing homelessness face numerous barriers that can impede their access to resources and support needed to secure stable housing, including social, economic, physical, and cultural. Social barriers include stigma, a lack of social support, criminalization, and limited access to quality healthcare. D’Souza and Mirza (2022) established that homeless individuals often struggle to access healthcare services, especially without a support network to help them navigate available resources. Study conducted by Camm et al. (2019) revealed that exclusion from society can further contribute to mental health issues, such as depression. Cultural barriers such as limited access to employment and education further compound challenges for homeless individuals trying to improve their housing conditions.
Moreover, policies and decision-making at the local, state, and national levels can alleviate or exacerbate homelessness. Factors such as unaffordable housing, inadequate funding, budget cuts, and limited political participation can contribute to homelessness (Camm et al., 2019; D’Souza & Mirza, 2022; Evans, 2020). For example, when homeless individuals lack access to voting or participation in political processes, it reduces their visibility and makes it challenging to advocate for policies that address homelessness. Therefore, the impact of funding sources, policy, and legislation on NAEH’s provision of services, as well as individuals, families, and communities, highlights the importance of advocacy and policy work to solve homelessness. By collaborating with government agencies, private donors, and other stakeholders, NAEH can build a coordinated, effective, and sustainable response to homelessness. Promoting equity, access, and inclusion can create a more just and supportive environment for everyone.
Conclusion
NAEH’s mission is to tackle the underlying causes of homelessness and devise solutions to prevent and manage the problem. The organization’s efforts have the potential to enhance health and safety outcomes for both individuals experiencing homelessness and the wider community. NAEH advocates for policies and supports initiatives that increase access to healthcare services and encourage safe and affordable housing options. Moreover, by reducing the number of people experiencing homelessness, NAEH’s work can help to mitigate the criminal activities often associated with homelessness. Nurses can advance NAEH’s mission by advocating for policy change, supporting local initiatives, and staying abreast of the latest research and best practices. Addressing the root causes of homelessness and implementing evidence-based interventions can create a more equitable society.
References
Adamtey, R., & Kovor, F. (2020). Deepening decentralization through collaboration between District Assemblies and Faith-Based Organizations: Lessons from Keta and South Tongu Districts in Ghana. Journal of Science and Technology (Ghana), 38(1, 2 &3), 110-120. Web.
Camm-Crosbie, L., Bradley, L., Shaw, R., Baron-Cohen, S., & Cassidy, S. (2019). ‘People like me don’t get support’: Autistic adults’ experiences of support and treatment for mental health difficulties, self-injury and suicidality. Autism, 23(6), 1431-1441. Web.
D’Souza, M. S., & Mirza, N. A. (2022). Towards equitable health care access: Community participatory research exploring unmet health care needs of homeless individuals. Canadian Journal of Nursing Research, 54(4), 451-463. Web.
Evans, K. (2020). Tackling homelessness with tiny houses: An inventory of tiny house villages in the United States. The Professional Geographer, 72(3), 360-370. Web.
Frank, J. M., & Baumohl, J. (2021). “Making It work”: Accommodation and resistance to federal policy in a homelessness continuum of care. Social Service Review, 95(3), 369-412. Web.
Sullivan, A. A. (2022). What does it mean to be homeless? How definitions affect homelessness policy. Urban Affairs Review. Web.
Tinson, A., & Clair, A. (2020). Better housing is crucial for our health and the COVID-19 recovery. The Health Foundation, 20(11), 1-25. Web.