Homeless People Should Have Their Life Needs

Homeless People Should Have Their Life Needs General Purpose To Pers

Homeless People Should Have Their Life Needs · General purpose: To persuade. · Specific purpose: To persuade my audience to support the advocacy that the government should provide free housing for the homeless. Introduction: (significance?) · Attention getter: There is an important fact that should concern all of us: there are about 100 million homeless people in the world. · Introduce topic: Today, I’m going to argue that the government has the responsibility to provide free shelters to the homeless. · Thesis: The government should provide free homes to homeless because of the following reasons: 1) it is the basic right of the homeless people to acquire homes to call their own 2) providing homes to the homeless is more cost effective, and 3) it allows the government to ensure social control. · Preview: (Preview all 3 main points here with signposts. First, I will talk about the problem, second the causes, and third the solution to provide housing to the homeless) My speech also discusses some causes of homelessness and how it can be removed through the help of the government programs. (Transition: we are living in this harsh world, which reality shows us that we should strive very hard to meet our basic needs like food and shelter)

Paper For Above instruction

Homelessness is a pervasive issue affecting millions worldwide, posing significant social, economic, and moral challenges. Addressing this crisis requires a comprehensive understanding of its causes and a proactive approach to providing sustainable solutions. This paper advocates for the government to assume a leading role in alleviating homelessness by providing free housing, emphasizing fundamental human rights, economic efficiency, and societal stability.

Introduction

The stark reality of homelessness demands urgent attention. With approximately 100 million people living without stable shelter globally, the issue transcends individual circumstances, highlighting systemic failures and societal neglect. This alarming statistic calls for collective responsibility and policy interventions that prioritize human dignity and social justice. The core argument presented is that securing housing for the homeless is not merely charity but a fundamental obligation of the state, rooted in human rights and pragmatic governance.

The Moral and Human Rights Perspective

At the heart of the argument lies the recognition that housing is a basic human right. According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (United Nations, 1948), everyone has the right to adequate shelter. Homeless individuals, irrespective of their circumstances, remain entitled to dignity, security, and basic needs. Denying them shelter violates these intrinsic rights and undermines societal values of equality and compassion. As humans, homeless people deserve respect and access to the essentials of life, emphasizing that homelessness is not a moral failing but a social issue rooted in broader economic and structural factors.

Economic Rationality and Cost-Effectiveness

Providing permanent housing is significantly more economical than perpetually funding temporary shelters or emergency services. Studies show that the cost of housing a homeless individual in permanent accommodation averages around $8,000 annually, inclusive of case management services (Surowiecki, 2014). In contrast, maintaining emergency shelters and temporary accommodations incurs ongoing, often escalating costs due to repeated services, police involvement, and healthcare expenses. For instance, Brux (2007) argues that reactive policies like shelters are both ineffective and wasteful, whereas proactive strategies—like permanent housing—offer long-term savings and stability. Investing in permanent housing reduces the cycle of homelessness, lowering health crises, legal issues, and social service expenditures, ultimately benefiting taxpayers and society at large.

Social Control and Societal Stability

Homelessness correlates with increased incidences of crime, drug trafficking, and social disorder, which threaten overall societal safety. Studies such as those by Towl et al. (2013) demonstrate that poor housing in deprived neighborhoods acts as a criminogenic factor, potentially fostering criminal activities and social decay. Homeless individuals often face marginalization, which compromises their safety and can lead to behaviors detrimental to community well-being. Moreover, the rising number of homeless populations strains social infrastructure, leading to increased crime rates, children trafficking, and substance abuse. Providing stable housing enhances social cohesion and reduces vulnerabilities, enabling better social control and community resilience.

Causes of Homelessness

The roots of homelessness are multifaceted, with poverty as the primary catalyst. Economic downturns, unemployment, and insufficient social welfare programs leave many unable to afford housing. Additionally, individual factors such as mental illness, substance abuse, domestic violence, and traumatic childhood experiences significantly contribute to homelessness (Wong, 2008). Structural issues, including inadequate public resources and support systems, exacerbate the problem. For example, the lack of accessible affordable housing options and underfunded mental health services leave vulnerable populations exposed. Educational deficits and health problems further compound the cycle, making it difficult for individuals to regain stability. Unemployment, especially after layoffs, reduces income, pushing individuals onto the streets. These interconnected factors emphasize the need for comprehensive, multidimensional interventions.

Proposed Solutions

The most effective approach involves proactive government intervention to provide free housing combined with supportive services. Establishing rehabilitation centers, offering mental health and substance abuse treatment, and ensuring access to healthcare are crucial steps. Moreover, creating employment opportunities through minimum-wage jobs tailored for homeless individuals fosters economic independence. Educating homeless populations about basic life skills and providing them with educational resources can empower them to integrate back into society. Respectful treatment and community engagement initiatives, such as trade fairs and volunteer programs, promote social inclusion and dignity. Initiatives like temporary shelters, free meals, immediate healthcare, and outreach programs can address urgent needs while longer-term solutions are developed.

Call to Action

Immediate action is necessary to combat homelessness. Citizens can support organizations advocating for housing initiatives, such as local homeless shelters or national affordable housing programs. Volunteering at shelters, donating resources, and participating in awareness campaigns help foster societal empathy. Governments should prioritize increasing funding for affordable housing, establishing emergency response centers, and regulating the availability of drugs and illicit substances in vulnerable neighborhoods. Public awareness campaigns can dispel misconceptions about homelessness, emphasizing its human aspect and the importance of respectful treatment. Supporting policy reforms that allocate resources toward sustainable housing solutions can create lasting change. Citizens must recognize that homelessness is solvable through collective effort, compassion, and strategic governance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, homelessness remains a pressing issue demanding urgent and comprehensive response. The government has a moral and practical obligation to provide free, permanent housing for the homeless. Such measures uphold fundamental human rights, are cost-effective, and enhance social stability. Addressing the root causes—poverty, mental health, addiction, and structural deficiencies—requires coordinated efforts across public and private sectors. Immediate actions such as establishing shelters, healthcare, employment programs, and awareness initiatives are crucial. As members of society, we all share responsibility for fostering an inclusive environment where every individual’s dignity is protected. Supporting policies and programs that aim to eradicate homelessness will not only improve lives but also strengthen the fabric of our communities.

References

• Brux, J. (2007). Economics Issues and Policy. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.
• National Healthcare for the Homeless Center. (2014). What is the official definition of homelessness? Retrieved from https://nhchc.org/
• Surowiecki, J. (2014). Home Free? The New Yorker. Retrieved from https://www.newyorker.com/
• Towl, G., et al. (2013). Dictionary of Forensic Psychology. USA: Routledge.
• United Nations. (1948). Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights
• Wong, M. (2008). Introduction to Social Work & Social Welfare: Critical Thinking Perspectives. pp. 380.
• Beckett, K. (2009). Banished: The New Social Control In Urban America. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
• Daly, G. (2013). Homeless: Policies, Strategies, and Lives on the Streets. Routledge.
• Towl, G., et al. (2013). Dictionary of Forensic Psychology. USA: Routledge.
• Additional credible source - For example, a government report or peer-reviewed article on homelessness policy.