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Homelessness in the US: Causes and Solutions Essay

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Executive Summary

Introduction and problem statement, findings and analysis, conclusions, recommendations.

Due to the income disparity, insufficient accommodations, and racial inequality, the homelessness crisis in the US has been exacerbated. Many of these issues are overlapping and cyclical, pushing the people on the bottom further down. Housing policies that increase affordable housing access through vouchers and new facilities must be developed nationwide. Adequate support to those struggling due to unemployment, poverty, mental illness, or substance use should be awarded to provide a chance to break from the cycle.

Homelessness in America is rising as poverty, lack of affordable housing and mental facilities, substance abuse, illness, and systemic racism contribute to this issue. Homeless Americans are mistreated by their compatriots and deal with pervasive prejudice and discrimination. Many homeless people find themselves stuck in a loop because they do not have the resources to help get them out of the situation. To recommend the most appropriate and effective policies, the causes should be analyzed in detail.

While housing can be defined as a human right, thousands of people in the US do not have access to it. Homelessness does not always last for extensive periods and is often hard to fully encompass given its various extents: from “literally homeless” to “precarious housing” (Shinn & Khadduri, 2020, p. 8). Hence, the accurate statistics are difficult to estimate since many surveys only account for the literally homeless; in 2017, a single-count survey yielded approximately 564,000 people (Larkin et al., 2019). Homeless populations consist of various social groups: families with children, transitional age youth, especially LGBT+ representatives, students, domestic violence escapees, immigrants, refugees, and older adults (Larkin et al., 2019). Therefore, the reasons for homelessness are just as diverse as its population, which should be considered in searching for causes and solutions.

Poverty and Unemployment

As mentioned, homelessness often affects the most vulnerable population. The US has the most significant disparity in income among the developed Western nations, with the bottom pay bracket giving 75% of their income to rent (Shinn & Khadduri, 2020). The situation is further exacerbated by stagnant incomes: a 350% increase in minimum wages since 1970 does not meet the consumer price hike of 480% (Shinn & Khadduri, 2020). As this population is already vulnerable and strained by trying to keep up with rental prices, any costly emergency may lead to housing loss. Low salaries do not allow to save up; additionally, low-wage income is often unreliable and volatile (Shinn & Khadduri, 2020). In turn, unemployment, especially if prolonged, induces homelessness, often resulting in a vicious cycle (Shinn & Khadduri, 2020). Although most homeless are ready to join the workforce, they are struggling to do so due to not looking presentable or having a permanent address (Simone, 2022). Additionally, homelessness leads many people to develop mental illnesses that limit their capacity to secure employment (Larkin et al., 2019). Thus, homelessness and poverty go hand-in-hand, with many factors perpetuating each other.

Affordable Housing

Rising housing costs are a global concern and lead many people to become homeless. Homelessness was especially strongly correlated with rental costs in larger cities like “New York, Los Angeles, Washington, DC, and Seattle,” where prices are disproportionately high (Glynn & Fox, 2019, p. 573). Coupled with the income inequality, the housing crisis continually churns homeless individuals who cannot afford these rapidly growing prices.

Addiction and Mental Health

There is a circular relationship between homeless, addiction, and mental health. Mental illness and substance abuse are among the top predictors of homelessness (Tsai et al., 2017). Concurrently, approximately 30% of homeless individuals in the US struggle with mental health issues; 38% of homeless people depend on alcohol; 26% use other substances (Larkin et al., 2019). Additionally, the incapability of finding stable housing worsens addiction and mental health issues (Shinn & Khadduri, 2020). Lastly, when most people who have been institutionalized are released, they face a heightened risk of becoming homeless since few ‘safety net’ or integrative programs exist (Simone, 2022). Therefore, an individual with an addiction or mental illness faces more difficulty finding permanent housing while being more vulnerable to being homeless.

Systemic Racial Inequality

Homelessness, racism, and social exclusion intersect to underline many of the previously discussed causes. Systematic racial inequality in the US has led racial minorities to be more prone to homelessness than the white population (Shinn & Khadduri, 2020). Race discrimination worsens issues such as income disparity, the ability to get a rental, and incarceration rates (Shinn & Khadduri, 2020). Thus, systemic racism perpetuates the already extant obstacles for struggling individuals.

The potential solutions for homelessness may be divided into two major categories: ending the current crisis and preventing the future ones. Shinn and Khadduri (2020) argue that the US has the means to end homelessness if the right policy choices are made. The community should offer reliable and long-term support to individuals housed in rental units to prevent the new instances of homelessness by developing the Housing Choice Voucher program (Shinn & Khadduri, 2020). Moreover, Simone (2022) suggests providing supportive and licensed housing for those struggling with severe mental illnesses and fighting discrimination in accommodation. All homeless people should have access to the shelter system to stand a chance for recovery (Simone, 2022). Lastly, homelessness prevention can be achieved with rental assistance and eviction prevention programs for those in precarious housing situations (Simone, 2022). Hence, first and foremost, helpful policy choices entail appropriate housing responses.

Moreover, the issue of vulnerable populations should be addressed separately. Simone (2022) states that over 40% of those “released from state prisons… were released directly to shelters” and calls for drastically rethinking institutional discharge policies (p. 45). Discharge planning should be proactive and have sufficient support to prevent people who have been released from “prisons, jails, nursing homes, and hospitals” from homelessness (Simone, 2022, p. 45). Further, homeless individuals combating substance use addiction and mental health issues should be awarded the appropriate counseling and therapeutic services (Tsai et al., 2017). In other words, institutional change is required to help those in most need by providing targeted services.

In conclusion, homelessness is a critical issue that must be addressed to avoid propagating the problem in the future. Poverty and unemployment, lack of affordable housing, addiction, and ineffective post-institutional integration, all exacerbated by pervasive racism, are the major causes of homelessness. Governments and communities have an opportunity to develop effective systems that prevent the proliferation of homelessness, but nationwide implementation is mandatory. Appropriate housing and vulnerable populations help policies are needed to provide sufficient support.

The most crucial area to address in combating homelessness is housing security. Communities must develop housing policies to withstand trials and make sure the people housed in these units are afforded mental health services, can access employment, and break from the cycle. Housing vouchers and more housing buildings should be available to those trying to leave the shelter system. Moreover, proactive policies should take care of those released from institutions and those in a precarious financial situation to prevent individuals from entering the shelter system.

Glynn, C., & Fox, E. B. (2019). Dynamics of homelessness in urban America . The Annals of Applied Statistics , 13 (1), 573–605.

Larkin, H., Aykanian, A., & Streeter, C. L. (Eds.). (2019). Homelessness prevention and intervention in social work: Policies, programs, and practices . Springer Nature Switzerland.

Shinn, M., & Khadduri, J. (Eds.). (2020). In the midst of plenty: Homelessness and what to do about it . Wiley Blackwell.

Simone, J. (2022). State of the homeless 2022: New York at a crossroads (pp. 1–51). Coalition for the Homeless.

Tsai, J., O’Toole, T., & Kearney, L. K. (2017). Homelessness is a public mental health and social problem: New knowledge and solutions. Psychological Services , 14 (2), 113–117.

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Homelessness - Free Essay Samples And Topic Ideas

Homelessness is a social issue characterized by individuals lacking stable, safe, and adequate housing. Essays on homelessness could explore the causes, such as economic instability, mental health issues, or systemic problems, and the societal impacts of homelessness. Discussions may also cover various solutions and strategies being employed by different regions to address homelessness and support the affected populations. A substantial compilation of free essay instances related to Homelessness you can find at Papersowl. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

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How To Write an Essay About Homelessness

Understanding the complexity of homelessness.

Before beginning an essay on homelessness, it's essential to understand its complexity. Homelessness is not just the absence of physical housing but is often intertwined with issues like poverty, mental health, substance abuse, and social exclusion. Start your essay by defining homelessness, which may vary from sleeping rough on the streets to living in temporary shelters or inadequate housing. It's also important to acknowledge the different demographics affected by homelessness, such as veterans, families, the youth, and the chronically homeless. This foundational understanding sets the stage for a nuanced discussion in your essay.

Researching and Gathering Data

An essay on homelessness should be grounded in factual, up-to-date data. Research statistics from reliable sources such as government reports, reputable NGOs, and academic studies. This research might include figures on the number of homeless individuals in a specific region, the primary causes of homelessness, and the effectiveness of various intervention programs. By presenting well-researched information, your essay will not only be more credible but will also provide a factual basis for your arguments.

Selecting a Specific Angle

Homelessness is a broad topic, so it's crucial to select a specific angle for your essay. You might choose to focus on the causes of homelessness, the challenges faced by homeless individuals, or the societal impact of homelessness. Alternatively, you could discuss policy solutions and interventions that have been successful or have failed. This focus will provide your essay with a clear direction and allow you to explore a particular aspect of homelessness in depth.

Analyzing Causes and Effects

A key part of your essay should be dedicated to analyzing the causes and effects of homelessness. Discuss various factors that lead to homelessness, such as economic downturns, lack of affordable housing, family breakdown, and mental health issues. Similarly, explore the impact of homelessness on individuals and society, like health problems, social isolation, and economic costs. This analysis will help readers understand the multifaceted nature of the problem.

Discussing Solutions and Conclusions

Towards the end of your essay, discuss potential solutions to homelessness. This could include government policies, community-based initiatives, or innovative approaches like housing-first models. Highlight the importance of a multi-faceted approach, addressing not just the lack of housing but also underlying issues like health care, education, and employment support. Conclude your essay by summarizing the key points discussed, restating the importance of addressing homelessness, and suggesting areas for future research or action.

Finalizing Your Essay

After writing your essay, take the time to review and refine it. Ensure that your arguments are coherent and supported by evidence. Check for grammatical errors and ensure that your writing is clear and concise. It might also be beneficial to get feedback from peers or instructors. A well-written essay on homelessness will not only inform but also potentially inspire action or further discussion on this critical social issue.

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Causes and Effects of Homelessness, Essay Example

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No subject as broad and socially meaningful as homelessness may be successfully addressed briefly, but a few basic components of the issue stand out as essentially worthy of analysis. Not unexpectedly, cause and effect play into each other within these elements.

The most evident cause of homelessness is unemployment, and the recent economic crises within the United States have only served to underscore this connection. Homelessness first began to command wide interest in the US in the 1980’s, yet the circumstances of it have altered. Despite shifting unemployment rates, standards of living for even low-income families or individual were typically better in the 1970’s because housing was more affordable. Thus the extreme rise in housing prices of the 1980’s and 1990’s, coupled with the recent and massive job market losses, combined to create an exponential boom in American homelessness: “Because the poor of 2008 were poorer than the poor of the early 1970’s and the real cost of housing was higher, there was a growing population that was vulnerable to homelessness” (Gilbert 216).

Similarly, the dissolution of many higher-paying, “career” jobs brought about a completely unanticipated development, in that homelessness was no longer the province of the traditionally poor. The homes being foreclosed upon were affluent dwellings and the people forced out of them were and are utterly unfamiliar with the basic survival techniques long known to those with experience in poverty. As this includes knowledge of how and where to seek assistance when homelessness is imminent, that population on the streets expanded when, in many cases, alternatives could have been exercised.

With this unemployment factor do we see the cycle of cause and effect. The individual without the job and incomes is deprived of shelter. They seek to regain employment but find that the homelessness is a potent detriment in finding work because of the attached stigma, and only the lowest paying jobs are available. Unable to accumulate sufficient housing money, then, even the employed homeless person is often trapped by these circumstances.

There is no social dysfunction which does not impact and/or fuel homelessness, and  one important cause and consequent effect of it lies within the nature of traditional homes to begin with. As women are increasingly encouraged to abandon domestic situations wherein they are abused, they typically have no recourse except that of the shelter. Motivated, and correctly so, to protect themselves from danger, they nonetheless are reduced to another state of extreme vulnerability. “According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, approximately half of all women and children experiencing homelessness are fleeing domestic violence” (Bringle 8).

This is a scenario of homelessness frequently self-perpetuating, for it incorporates factors beyond that of relatively simple unemployment issues. In cases of abused women being homeless, a host of further dilemmas must be confronted. Such women are dealing with the multiple issues of psychological and physical abuse, feelings of utter displacement, and are typically not equipped to even enter the job market. The cause in this situation creates the ongoing effect because the variety of problems leading to the homeless state are complex and not easily or quickly dealt with.

So too are addiction and alcoholism common reasons for homelessness and effects of it simultaneously. The addict who loses his job and subsequently his home obviously does not merely have a housing problem, and temporary shelter will do nothing to remedy the issue which will most certainly render him homeless again. In this cycle of uncertainty and despair, the addiction usually thrives.

This serves to illustrate, as do the other scenarios behind the homeless state, why there can be no real and effective analysis of homelessness as a condition unto itself. It is, always, a result of other social and/or personal conditions.  A substantive means of responsibly addressing homelessness can only be achieved through treating with its sources, as homelessness is intrinsically both cause and effect of the actual symptom that it is.

Works Cited

Bringle, J. Homelessness in America Today. New York, NY: The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc., 2010. Print.

Gilbert, D. The American Class Structure in an Age of Growing Inequality. Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge Press, 2010. Print.

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