Vulnerable Populations Anamarie Donegan BSHS/302 March 21, 2011 Monique Foster Vulnerable Populations There are many different populations in society today. Many of these populations face more challenges than others. One such population is the homeless population. “There are 671,859 people experiencing homelessness on any given night in the United States” (National Alliance to End Homelessness). In this paper, the topic of discussion will be the vulnerable state of homeless people and how critical thinking is used to identify the causes of problems or issues for this population.
However, wealthy individuals can involve in the issue and try to assist these individuals. This approach can be a significant method to prevent us from paying higher taxes. Bykofsky also claims that the government should be the main provider to assist the homeless. He states that “If they want a job, but society is unable to provide a job, then government should provide money for food and shelter to be delivered through welfare or a workfare program” (Par 14). Bykofsky shows that homeless individuals are not lazy; they are willing to work; however, the society is not providing them with jobs.
Why negative stereotypes have been created for the homeless? Many people in society are afraid to acknowledge the homeless. The homeless represent and bring out fear in many people’s everyday lives and it becomes very convenient to place the homeless in a stereotype to understand and make sense of their place in society. Stereotyping the homeless only brings the issues of how to treat and improve the homeless condition, understanding the often complex problem related to homelessness, further away from the Masses. A stigma is created clouding the issue.
There are many social problems that are associated with homelessness in Pinellas County. Financial problems such as: job loss, not making enough money and not being to afford rent/mortgage is related to the homelessness in Pinellas County (PIT, 2011). Criminal behavior is another social problem related to homelessness. According to Chamard (2010) persons who are homeless involves themselves in criminal activity for survival such as stealing, panhandling and peddling. The criminal activity stems from the homeless person basic needs not being met such as: shelter, food and clothes (Charmard, 2010).
Due to their severe disabilities and limited incomes, disabled adults have an extremely difficult time securing permanent housing in the competitive market. Ending homelessness for disabled people means building permanent, affordable housing specifically designed to meet their various needs. This group represents some of the most vulnerable people in our community and, when left on the streets, they represent significant expense to local taxpayers. The following are some of the other significant
(Baumohl, 2001) Some people felt like homelessness was caused by heavy drinking, drug abuse, and mental problems. Because of the new policies the government made, these people were not allowed to be housed in hospitals and jails. “Homelessness was described mainly as a problem in the rehabilitation and control of troubled and troublesome people who were not only houseless but barred from their traditional institutional shelters and estranged from family and friends who might take them in”. (Baumohl, p.
Research, shelters, law enforcement, health care, programs, jails and countless labor hours are focused on the problem. The HUD director in an interview stated that cost less money to actually house a person than to continue to support them while they are homeless. (Donovan, 2012) What are the causes of homelessness? The causes of homelessness are lack of affordable housing, unemployment, poverty, mental illness, substance abuse, domestic violence, and teen displacement to name a few. One of the leading causes across the board is lack of affordable housing.
Why is such an organization needed in your community? ‘Many people have a hard time finding jobs or paying rent. In our community the number of homeless people is outrageous. We know we can’t help everyone, but we do try our hardest to provide them with essential goods.” 5. What rewards do you receive from your volunteer work?
To be homeless is difficult to measure because so many different people have different opinions on what it means to be homeless. To overcome homelessness we must tackle the root causes, of course provide them a stable living environment, but also have systems in place to treat why people are homeless be it medical, employment, disaster. We
They have to protect themselves and what few belongings they have. Often when they are brought into a facility, their belongings are lost because the police, case manager or whoever did not see the belongings as property but as garbage. Through discussion I saw my audience soften and became more compassionate and understanding. By the time the presentation was complete, I began to see changed attitudes and compassion toward the homeless, mentally ill. We discussed how programs could help them and what type of programs could be developed or funded to bring better care and understanding, how could they help with the existing programs. We discussed volunteering, donating needed items and time at such places as the Boise Rescue