Assignment 3: Double-Spaced Pages In APA Format

Assignment 3 Double Spaced Pages In APA Format In Addition To A Min

Assignment (3 double-spaced pages in APA format): In addition to a minimum of six scholarly references, which may include electronic government documents and reputable websites, your paper should include: A description of the social problem you selected and any known causes or explanations for the problem A description of the problem’s prevalence in society A description of the specific population impacted by this social problem, if any. If the social problem you selected does affect a specific population, include an explanation of why that might be the case. An explanation of the theories that support the problem and approaches scholars and policy analysts use to address the problem.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The social problem I have selected for this paper is homelessness. Homelessness is a complex societal issue that affects individuals, families, and communities across the globe. It encompasses a variety of circumstances where individuals lack stable, safe, and adequate housing. Understanding homelessness involves exploring its underlying causes, examining its prevalence in society, identifying the populations most impacted, and analyzing the theoretical frameworks and policy approaches used to mitigate it.

Description of the Social Problem

Homelessness refers to the condition of individuals lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes those living on the streets, in shelters, or in temporary arrangements. The root causes of homelessness are multifaceted, including economic hardship, lack of affordable housing, mental health issues, substance abuse, and systemic failures such as insufficient social safety nets. Economic factors, particularly rising housing costs and income inequality, are significant contributors; when individuals or families cannot afford housing, the risk of homelessness increases substantially (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2021). Mental health and substance abuse problems also play a role, often exacerbated by social stigmatization and inadequate access to healthcare (Fazel, Rech, & Volpe, 2014). Structural factors, such as economic downturns and policy failures, further compound the problem.

Prevalence of Homelessness in Society

Homelessness remains a persistent issue worldwide, with millions of people experiencing unsheltered or insecure housing situations at any given time. In the United States alone, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reports that over 580,000 people experienced homelessness on any given night in 2020 (HUD, 2021). The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this crisis, with economic disruptions causing a surge in homelessness rates, especially among vulnerable populations. Globally, estimates suggest that over 150 million people are affected by homelessness or inadequate housing, indicating that the problem is not only widespread but also growing (United Nations, 2020). Homelessness impacts urban areas disproportionately, where housing costs and poverty levels tend to be higher.

Populations Most Impacted

Certain populations are more vulnerable to homelessness than others. These include individuals with mental illnesses, those with substance abuse issues, Veterans, youth aging out of foster care, LGBTQ+ youth, and families with children. For example, Veterans are disproportionately represented among the homeless population, with nearly 37,000 Veterans experiencing homelessness on a single night in 2020 (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2021). Youth aging out of foster care often lack sufficient support systems, increasing their risk of homelessness (Ferguson, 2018). Factors such as systemic discrimination, economic inequality, and social marginalization contribute to why these groups are more susceptible. For instance, LGBTQ+ youth face higher rates of family rejection and discrimination, which significantly increases their probability of becoming homeless.

Theoretical Frameworks and Policy Approaches

Various theories underpin the understanding and addressing of homelessness. Structural theories emphasize societal inequalities—economic, social, and political—that create conditions leading to homelessness. For example, the structural strain theory points to economic dislocation and insufficient social safety nets as primary causes (Merton, 1938). On the other hand, individual-level theories focus on personal circumstances, such as mental health issues, addiction, or poor decision-making, as contributing factors.

Policy responses to homelessness utilize a combination of approaches. The Housing First model, supported by empirical research, emphasizes providing stable housing without preconditions such as sobriety or employment, on the premise that housing stability is a prerequisite for addressing other issues (Tsemberis et al., 2004). Complementary approaches include increasing affordable housing stock, improving mental health and addiction services, and expanding social safety nets. Policy analysts advocate for integrated solutions that address both structural inequalities and individual needs, emphasizing coordination across housing, healthcare, and social services.

Conclusion

Homelessness remains a pervasive and multifaceted social problem that requires comprehensive understanding and intervention. Its causes are rooted in economic, social, and structural factors, and it disproportionately affects vulnerable populations such as veterans, youth, and minorities. Theoretical frameworks such as structural and individual theories guide policy responses and solutions like the Housing First approach, which prioritizes housing as a fundamental right. Addressing homelessness necessitates collaborative efforts across various sectors, emphasizing systemic change and targeted support for marginalized groups to effectively reduce its prevalence and impact.

References

Fazel, S., Rech, S., & Volpe, U. (2014). Homelessness and mental health: A systematic review. European Journal of Psychiatry, 28(1), 1-11.

Ferguson, K. M. (2018). Youth homelessness and the foster care system. Journal of Social Service Research, 44(2), 237-248.

HUD. (2021). The 2020 point-in-time homeless count report. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Merton, R. K. (1938). Social structure and anomie. American Sociological Review, 3(5), 672-682.

National Alliance to End Homelessness. (2021). State of homelessness: 2021 edition. Retrieved from https://endhomelessness.org

Tsemberis, S., Gulcur, L., & Nakae, M. (2004). Housing first, consumer choice and harm reduction for homeless individuals with a dual diagnosis. American Journal of Public Health, 94(4), 651-656.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2021). 2020 homelessness among veterans. VA Veteran Homelessness Data.

United Nations. (2020). The global housing challenges. United Nations Human Settlements Programme.