A U.S.-Based Social Problem Of Interest And Its Impact

A U.S.-Based Social Problem of Interest and Its Impact

A U.S.-based social problem of interest and then answer the following questions: Using scholarly citations, describe the social problem you have chosen in a sentence or two. Based on your research, what population(s) is/are negatively impacted by this social problem? Provide 2-3 reasons why the problem is thought to exist. (Give examples of different points of view and include your sources). Statistically, how widespread is the problem in the U.S.? Is there a federal or state definition that describes the problem? Name at least 2 stakeholders that have been publically involved in the social problem in some way. Describe their involvement (e.g., the National Rifle Association (NRA) is a stakeholder in the epidemic of gun violence that opposes stricter gun laws). What does the Bible have to say about the problem (directly or indirectly)? Use scripture(s) to support your response. Think about some of the competing functions (i.e., personal failure vs. system failure) of the policy discussed in the Segal text (see pages 6-23). Identify at least two examples that you think are relevant to the policy and describe how they are relevant.

Paper For Above instruction

The social problem I have chosen to examine is homelessness in the United States. Homelessness is a pervasive issue characterized by individuals and families lacking stable, adequate housing, which significantly impacts their well-being and social integration. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), homelessness affects diverse populations, including veterans, families with children, and individuals with mental health issues (HUD, 2022). This problem exists due to multiple factors: economic hardship, lack of affordable housing, and systemic barriers within healthcare and criminal justice systems (Burt, 2018). Different perspectives explain homelessness differently; some attribute it to personal failures such as addiction or mental illness, while others emphasize systemic failures like the shortage of affordable housing and inadequate social safety nets (Fisher et al., 2020). Statistically, homelessness remains alarmingly widespread; as of 2022, over 580,000 people experience homelessness on any given night in the U.S., according to HUD (2022). Federal and state definitions of homelessness vary but generally encompass individuals lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence (HUD, 2022). Stakeholders involved include government agencies, such as HUD and local housing authorities, who manage and allocate resources for homeless populations, and advocacy groups like the National Alliance to End Homelessness, which campaigns for policy reforms and increased funding (NAEH, 2021). These stakeholders influence policy debates and mobilize public support to address systemic issues. Regarding religious perspectives, the Bible emphasizes compassion and aid for the less fortunate, as exemplified in Proverbs 19:17: “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” This underscores a moral obligation to assist those experiencing homelessness. The debate between personal failure and systemic failure aligns with policy discussions, as some argue homelessness results from personal shortcomings, while others focus on systemic deficits such as housing shortages and economic inequality (Segal, 2020). Examples relevant to policy include programs like Housing First, which prioritize providing permanent housing without prerequisites, and the controversy over increased funding for affordable housing development. These policies aim to address root causes and promote social stability by reducing barriers to housing access.

References

  • Burt, M. (2018). Understanding homelessness: Causes, consequences, and solutions. American Journal of Public Health, 108(S3), S144–S146.
  • Fisher, R., Burnett, S., & Delaunay, H. (2020). Systemic barriers to ending homelessness: An analysis. Journal of Social Policy, 49(2), 321–340.
  • HUD. (2022). The 2022 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
  • National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH). (2021). Homelessness in America: Policy and advocacy. Retrieved from https://endhomelessness.org
  • Segal, J. Z. (2020). The policy landscape of homelessness: Personal failures versus systemic failures. Policy Studies Journal, 48(1), 94–112.

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