Characteristics Of Homelessness

1873 Words4 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: causes of homelessness

Homelessness issues
Homeless is a convenient label for a variety of objective and subjective conditions of impoverish (Gory, M.l., Ritchey, F.J., & Mullis, J.,1990: Phelan, Link, Moore and Stueve, 1997). One serious obstacle to the study of homeless is the lack of characteristics of homelessness. National Heath Care for the Homeless (2016) shared there are groups of people who experience homelessness in different ways, but all homelessness is characterized by extreme poverty coupled with a lack of stable housing (Lee, Tyler & Wright, 2010). According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary (2016), homelessness refers to “having no home or permanent place of residence.” Persons who are housed marginally are defined as homeless. Others define homeless …show more content…

Who honestly determines what is right vs. wrong in the status of people’s lives. There are many bias in the ways things are viewed and many of the prejudices are based on the upbringing of human beings. But in working with the homeless population, it heightened an awareness that individuals still have their own internal biases for others’ gender, ethnicity, life style, orientation, status, all the way up to cultural backgrounds, that are withheld from others, especially the homeless people which inspired the effort being made to assist them with their basic survival needs. While, there are many questions that need to be answered to assist the homeless, their are no right answers that are not so clear cut. Homeless exist with no particular face, there are many. According to Phelan, Link, Moore and Stueve (1997), stigmatizing attitudes and actions towards the the homeless, particularly the tendency to blame their situation on the system or other people’s behavior (Lee, Tyler & Wright, 2010). Majority of the homeless’ perception are that “it is not their fault” and no one including the municipality is helping them to achieve their …show more content…

Risk factors for illness need further assessment, because the homeless are exposed to extremely exacerbating influences on their physical halt, such as substance abuse disorders, mental illness, exposure to harsh physical and sociological environments, lack security, and inadequate nutrition (Stein & Gelberg, 1997). Factors such as a poor diet and poor quality housing adversely subjective well-being (Panadero & Guillen, 2015). There is an importance of obtain food to fulfilling other essential needs (Wright, & Tompkins, 2006). There are few places that distributes no-perishable, readily-consumed food and drinks (Homeless Gear,

Show More
Related

  • Conflict Theory Homelessness

    976 Words  | 2 Pages

    In the United States, homelessness has remained a constant presence in all major cities. For example, in New York City, it is comprised of alcoholics, drug addicts, and other people (“American History”). It has largely moved into hidden places such as unused subway tunnels or under bridges. Whether or not we experience it ourselves, homelessness impacts all of us. Homelessness describes all normal life crisis. There is a difference between people who experience these challenges and become homeless and people who face them and do not use the support systems that they have in place.

    Read More

  • Memo

    1312 Words  | 3 Pages

    Homelessness is one of the biggest issues society (Unites States) faces today. Homelessness is caused by lack of affordable housing, economic situations and decline in federal funding for low income families and the mentally ill. A homeless person is defined as an individual who lacks housing (without regard to whether the individual is a member of a family) including an individual whose primary residence during the night is a supervised public or private (shelters) facility that provides temporary living accommodations and an individual who is a resident in transitional housing. This definition of housing is used by the U.S Department of Healt...

    Read More

  • The Pros And Cons Of Homelessness

    930 Words  | 2 Pages

    While it is true that housing is correlated with positive outcomes in the homeless population, it does not account for supportive services that this population may also need. Housing is one plan of action for preventing homelessness, but it does not solve the problem. Persisting health problems may prevent an individual from ever reaching housing stability for them a permanent house would not be beneficial if the problem is their health. Housing without supportive services cannot end homelessness.3,4 Providing housing for the homeless is a measure taken after people have experienced the trauma of losing their home. Intervention efforts should be concentrated on preventing the loss of homes, and safety that can ultimately influence a person 's health

    Read More

  • Effects Of Homelessness

    748 Words  | 2 Pages

    Encouragement from one 's community plays a significant role in the ability to overcome homelessness; without such motivation from peers, a lack of trust and confidence can occur, lowering their self-esteem and want to get out of homelessness. Through the article, Homelessness: Perception of Causes and Solutions, written by Lindsay Phillips, the study shows the way in which those within a community perceive the homeless, and their inability, or the inability they believe they possess, to benefit the community as a whole, this Phillips calling a stigma. Addressing the idea of social biases. Where those not conformed to society, seem to pose a threat to the rest, believing that without a roof over your head you 're inadequately qualified to hold a job.

    Read More

  • The Trifecta: Homelessness, Mental Health, and Substance Use Disorders

    2511 Words  | 6 Pages

    Mental health disorders and substance use disorders are apparent within the population of individuals who are homeless. Mental health disorders and substance use disorders have varying factors that can cause a person to develop each disorder separately. People can often suffer immensely from each one individually. Mental health and substance use disorders can cause significant distress in the lives of those diagnosed. The opposite can also be said that significant distress can cause mental health and substance use disorders. The difference depends on a number of factors such as genetics, environment, resiliency, gender, and age. However, recovery from homelessness, mental health, and substance use disorders is possible if the right resources are available.

    Read More

  • Misconceptions About Homelessness

    1778 Words  | 4 Pages

    ?Over the past year, over two million men, women, and children were homeless? in America. (NLCHP) Homeless people face an intense struggle just to stay alive despite the fact that society turns its head from the problem. The government makes laws that discriminate against homeless people, which make it, illegal for them to survive. The mistreatment of homeless people is an issue that is often ignored in our community. When you see a homeless person on the streets how do you react? Do you turn your head and ignore them? Do you become angry that they are living on the streets? Do you feel frightened and avoid the situation all together? Or do you see these people as human beings and treat them in that way? Homeless people are ?subjected to alienation and discrimination by mainstream society?. (NLCHP) Most alienation and discrimination comes from the lack of education about homeless people. There are numerous untrue myths about homeless people. Many people believe that homeless people ?commit more violent crimes than housed people.? (NLCHP) The reality is that homeless people actually commit less violent crimes than people with homes do. Dr. Pamela Fischer, of John Hopkins University, studied arrest records in Baltimore and discovered that even though homeless people were more likely to commit non-violent and non-destructive crimes, they were less likely to commit violent crimes against people. (NLCHP) The crimes that these people are committing are necessary to keep them alive. These crimes include sleeping, eating, and panhandling. Making it illegal to perform necessary daily activities in public when homeless people have no where else to go makes it impossible for homeless people to avoid violating the law. (NLCHP) Another myth about homeless people is that they do not work and that they get their money from public assistance programs. A study done in Chicago discovered that ?39% of homeless people interviewed had worked for some time during the previous month?. (NLCHP) Many of the people who do not work are actively trying to find jobs, but are discriminated against by the work force. In an interview done at the River Street Homeless Shelter I found many people who have experienced this discrimination. ?People can?t get a job without an address. When they use the shelter?s address they get turned down.? (Mike) Speaking...

    Read More

  • Homelessness And Homelessness In Canada

    2168 Words  | 5 Pages

    Homeless young adults have increased health concerns as a result of poor living conditions, malnutrition and reduced development and still rarely have access to health care services. This is not only due to their socioeconomic status but other factors such as the stigmatization surrounding homelessness and the fear of discriminatory attitudes and being judged by health care workers (Haldenby, Berman, & Forchuk, 2007). Other factors that limit access to health care services are transportation and the need to locate food and shelter. Furthermore, the longer a person is living on the streets increases their risk of losing their family physician, therefore, for health care services they rely on walk-in clinics and emergency rooms. As these alternatives are extremely expensive many people only seek medical help when it is the last possible

    Read More

  • Homelessness In The Homeless Home

    1843 Words  | 4 Pages

    Homelessness can happen to anyone unexpectedly. Many poor people are at the risk of homelessness. The cost of living and trying to find affordable housing can be very difficult. Many who are homeless are in poverty, have a mental illness, or addictions. Homelessness happens from personal, as well as structural factors. Many aren’t able to make enough for rent, as well as, utilities, food, and other expenses each month. More than 6 million Americans pay more than half of their income towards rent (Reamer, 1989). The trend is once someone becomes homeless, it is likely they will be homeless repeatedly. To end homelessness, affordable housing will have to be created because it is peoples largest single expenditure (Anderson, 2013).

    Read More

  • The Homeless in Canada

    2623 Words  | 6 Pages

    Homelessness has different meanings to different people; someone who has never been homeless might think homelessness is a person who lives on the street, in a tent or in a box. Many people don’t realize that there are a number of homeless people, who couch surf with friends, family or the ones who live in motels which are unaccountable in the numbers of homeless people. People including families with children, seniors, single parents, youths and those that are single are living in accommodations that are below standards and consider themselves as homeless.

    Read More

  • Causes of Homelessness in the USA

    1305 Words  | 3 Pages

    Homelessness is increasing more every year. In fact, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, over 640,000 people experience homelessness every night. (Hunger and Homelessness in North America) By definition, the homeless are groups of people that do not have a home. They can be people who are mentally ill, unemployed, veterans, or even children born into unfortunate families. Since they have nowhere to go, the homeless usually live inside abandoned buildings, in the streets, or in makeshift homes, such as a cardboard box or homemade tent. Although some work to find a decent home, many still suffer from depression or are psychically disabled and cannot work. (Overview of Homelessness in America) These people do not choose to be homeless, instead they become homeless due to a series of unfortunate events; namely losing their source of income or becoming homeless by birth. One instance of this occurred in the life of Hazel Washington. Hazel was fleeing an abusive relationship when she moved in with her relative and his girlfriend, but she was not told about their impending eviction. Because of this, her roommates took everything she owned an...

    Read More

  • Space And Culture Of Homelessness Essay

    1218 Words  | 3 Pages

    Homelessness is associated with a culture unique to individuals who have, unstable housing or no housing who live on the streets, public places, shelters, halfway homes or in their cars. Homelessness is defined statistically as a state of not having a place to stay (Ravenhill, 2016). The statistical definition of homelessness conflicts with the perception of homeless people because for some homeless individuals the concept of home refers to a refuge, safe place, relationship with other homeless individuals, a unique personal space or an emotional and psychological refuge (Ravenhill). Even though homeless individuals do not have a stable place to stay they may have a place they call home.

    Read More

  • Argumentative Essay On Homelessness

    937 Words  | 2 Pages

    On the other hand, adults who are victims of homelessness also stand a greater risk of serious health conditions. Serious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, diabetes are most common in homeless people among the general population.

    Read More

  • Helping the Homeless

    718 Words  | 2 Pages

    Many homeless people do not have access to healthcare and they go many years without seeing a doctor. According to Fitzpatrick, “there is a clear and defined need for healthcare for homeless people and their families.” She is right, it todays society homelessness is just ignored by many people and has became a serious problem. Most of society does not know about the organizations that help the homeless. For example, Fitapatrick believes in a organization called The Opening Doors Project it is a group of nurses and other health professionals that look at substance abuse within the homeless community. Due to not seeing a doctor and the common knowledge of homeless people abusing drugs and alcohol, “homeless people can have complex and multiple health problems” (Who quoted it). Not everyone agrees with Fitzpatrick, “I am convinced that handouts are basically wrongheaded,” says Sherman. She believes giving anything to the homeless will not help change the homeless persons situation (Sherman). Sherman's advice does not make sence, ignoring the problem will not help either and without proper medical care there is no way to improve homeless health which will cause many people to die a unessary death. According to Hopper, “generative forces behind widespread homelessness runs deep and their correction will req...

    Read More

  • Psychology Of Homelessness

    1054 Words  | 3 Pages

    Homeless means while probably everyone has some idea of what it means to be homeless, in the context of service delivery and the development of strategies to prevent and end homeless, it?s important to be precise according to the U.S. development of housing and Urban Development (HUD), there are four categories of homeless. Example Literally homeless: Am individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. Many homeless people have escaped catastrophes which are be yond Our imagination. The main cause of homeless in both the USA and the UK is poverty.

    Read More

  • Causes and Effects of Homelessness

    813 Words  | 2 Pages

    Homelessness is a problem virtually every society suffers from. There are many things that cause people to become homeless, such as unemployment, relationship problems, and being evicted from ones domicile either by a landlord, friend or even a family member. However, with every cause there must be an effect. Some of the effects of one becoming homeless, besides the obvious change of lifestyle, are various health problems which often times may lead to death.

    Read More

More about Characteristics Of Homelessness

Open Document