Assignment 2: Taking Action In This Course You Have Been Int

Assignment 2 Taking Actionin This Course You Have Been Introduced To

In this course, you have been introduced to ethics, social problems, and social policy. This assignment will prompt action from you to help resolve a social issue. You must learn about a problem, find a piece of legislation addressing your concern, and act to help solve the problem. Using the textbook, the Argosy University online library resources, and the Internet, do the following:

  1. Identify the Problem: Select and research a social issue based on the course readings or personal interest. Define and describe the social issue in detail using a variety of relevant outside sources. Explain the social context of the issue, identify and describe ethical concerns related to it, and determine which population is most impacted by it.
  2. Find the Legislation: Use credible government sources to find and learn about a piece of legislation related to your chosen social problem. Explain how the legislation relates to the issue, including a description of the legislation.
  3. Write an Advocacy Letter: Identify your elected representative(s) and their contact information. Write an advocacy letter supporting or opposing the legislation. The letter should include an introduction identifying the social issue, the legislation's bill number, a summary of the issue, its importance, and your position. Evaluate the impact of the legislation on the target population and propose how it might influence the social problem. Use sample letters as templates to guide your writing. The letter should be 3–5 pages, formatted in Word, following APA standards.

Submit your assignment by the specified deadline, adhering to the assignment instructions and grading criteria.

Paper For Above instruction

The pervasive issue of homelessness in urban areas exemplifies a pressing social problem that demands comprehensive understanding and legislative action. Homelessness affects a diverse population, including families, veterans, youth, and individuals suffering from mental health and substance abuse issues. This paper explores the nature of homelessness, examines the ethical concerns associated with the societal neglect of vulnerable populations, and discusses relevant legislation aimed at addressing this crisis.

Homelessness is characterized by the lack of stable, safe, and adequate housing, impacting millions nationwide. The social context of homelessness includes systemic factors such as economic disparity, racial inequality, inadequate mental health services, and housing shortages (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2022). The issue disproportionately impacts marginalized groups, including minorities and people with disabilities, exacerbating social inequalities (Fitzpatrick et al., 2021). Ethically, society faces questions about its responsibility to ensure the basic human right to shelter, highlighting concerns about societal neglect, stigmatization, and systemic failure to provide adequate support (Farha, 2017).

Legislation plays a pivotal role in addressing homelessness. The "Emergency Solutions Grant Program" (ESG), authorized under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, allocates federal funds to local agencies for emergency housing and supportive services (U.S. Congress, 1987). This legislation is crucial because it directly funds initiatives aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness. The program's focus includes rapid rehousing, homelessness prevention, and in some cases, supportive services for those experiencing chronic homelessness.

To advocate for effective policy solutions, it is essential to communicate with policymakers. Suppose I support the continuation and expansion of the ESG legislation. I would identify my local representatives—such as my U.S. Senator and House member—and communicate my stance through an advocacy letter. This letter would articulate the importance of legislative support for homelessness programs, emphasize the ethical imperative to address societal neglect, and evaluate how increased funding could positively impact vulnerable populations. By advocating for sustained and increased federal support, constituents can influence policy to ensure more comprehensive homelessness assistance programs.

In conclusion, homelessness remains a complex social issue rooted in economic, social, and systemic factors. Legislative measures like the ESG program are vital tools in mitigating this crisis, and active advocacy by citizens can enhance legislative efforts. Addressing homelessness requires ethical commitment and informed action, both at the policy and community levels, to ensure that vulnerable populations receive the support and resources necessary for stability and dignity.

References

  • Farha, L. (2017). The human right to housing: Making the case for a global policy framework. Housing Policy Debate, 27(4), 451-467.
  • Fitzpatrick, K. M., La Gory, M., & Sawhney, M. (2021). Structural inequality and homelessness: An intersectional approach. Journal of Social Issues, 77(2), 180-193.
  • National Alliance to End Homelessness. (2022). The state of homelessness: Annual review. https://endhomelessness.org/resource/state-of-homelessness-report/
  • U.S. Congress. (1987). Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, Public Law 100-77. https://www.congress.gov/bill/100th-congress/house-bill/2378

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