Project Final Project Walden University Envisions A Distinct

Project Final Projectwalden University Envisions A Distinctively Diff

Project: Final Project Walden University envisions a distinctively different 21st-century learning community where knowledge is judged worthy to the degree that it can be applied by its graduates to the immediate solutions of critical societal challenges, thereby advancing the greater global good. —Walden University’s vision What is your vision for social change? What outcomes would you like to see regarding the social issue on which you have focused during this course? What might you be able to contribute to the realization of those outcomes? This Assignment provides an opportunity for synthesizing the information you have researched and the ideas you have formulated regarding your social issue. It also provides an opportunity for peer review and collective comments in Week 6. To prepare for this Project: Review the Final Project section of the Course Project Overview and Guidelines located in this week’s Learning Resources. Determine the format you would like to use for your presentation: PowerPoint or essay. Consider the scope of what you have learned regarding your social issue. What insights have resonated? What inspiration have you drawn from examples in the Learning Resources? What can one person do to make a difference on this issue? What can many people do? With all of this in mind, consider actions you can take that might impact this issue. What is the objective of each action? What might be gained? Develop a Final Presentation in the form of a PowerPoint presentation (a minimum of 10 slides, not including title page or references) or essay (3- page, not including cover page or references). Include the following: Introduction Summary of the problem Potential solutions Key actions that you as an individual can take Objectives/desired outcomes of each action Expected objectives for the immediate future and 5–10 years from now Conclusion The following should be evident in the Final Project: Research (using sources to formulate the presentation) Explanation (articulating the issue or problem to be addressed) Analysis (looking at the connections between the facts and assumptions when discussing your issue) Stance (taking a definitive perspective and calling for specific goals) Understanding (acknowledging any counter perspectives or problems related to proposed solutions) Implementation (listing concrete steps—both personal and collective—that might be taken to solve the problem) For both the PowerPoint presentation and essay format, be sure to support your statements with APA Style in-text citations.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The urgent social issue I have chosen to address is homelessness among veterans in the United States. This problem reflects a complex interplay of mental health, substance abuse, economic instability, and insufficient access to healthcare. As a dedicated advocate for social change, my vision aligns with creating sustainable solutions that honor the dignity of our veterans and integrate comprehensive support systems. This paper synthesizes research findings, analyzes potential strategies, and proposes concrete actions aimed at alleviating veteran homelessness, emphasizing both immediate and long-term objectives.

Summary of the Problem

Veteran homelessness remains a persistent crisis in the United States, with over 37,000 veterans experiencing homelessness on any given night (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development [HUD], 2022). These individuals face challenges including PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and societal stigmatization, which hinder their reintegration into civilian life (Tsai & Kwan, 2021). The systemic failure to provide adequate housing, mental health care, and employment opportunities amplifies the issue, necessitating a multifaceted approach. Without targeted interventions, vulnerable veterans face ongoing hardship, reduced quality of life, and increased mortality risk.

Potential Solutions

Effective solutions must encompass policy reforms, community-based initiatives, and increased resource allocation. Evidence suggests that Housing First models, which prioritize providing permanent housing without preconditions, significantly reduce homelessness among veterans (Piliavin & Westerfelt, 2019). Complementary services, such as mental health counseling, job training, and peer support, are critical to ensure stability and reintegration (Kertesz et al., 2020). Policy reforms should aim to expand funding for veteran-specific housing programs and improve coordination among federal, state, and local agencies.

Key Actions I Can Take

As an individual, I can volunteer with local veteran support organizations, advocate for increased funding for veteran services, and raise awareness through educational campaigns. These actions aim to foster community engagement, influence policy decisions, and reduce the stigma associated with homelessness. Educational outreach can also inspire others to participate in collective efforts, creating a ripple effect that amplifies impact.

Objectives and Desired Outcomes of Each Action

Volunteer efforts will provide direct support to veterans, offering companionship and assistance with daily needs. Advocacy initiatives seek to influence policymakers to allocate more resources to veteran services. Raising public awareness aims to change perceptions and increase community involvement. The immediate goal is to stabilize currently homeless veterans, while long-term objectives include structural policy changes that sustain housing and support systems for future generations.

Expected Objectives: Immediate and Long-Term

In the immediate future, the focus is on reducing veteran homelessness by increasing access to emergency shelter and transitional housing, as well as expanding outreach. Over 5 to 10 years, the goal is to mainstream permanent supportive housing programs, integrate mental health and employment services, and foster resilient communities that prevent veteran homelessness altogether.

Conclusion

Addressing veteran homelessness requires a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach rooted in empathy, collaboration, and sustained commitment. By combining individual actions with systemic reforms, we can create a society where veterans are provided with the dignity and support they deserve. Through ongoing advocacy, education, and community involvement, meaningful social change is achievable, ultimately advancing the greater good and honoring those who served our nation.

References

Kertesz, S., Colding, S., & Ciaravino, A. (2020). Homeless veterans: An analysis of mental health and social support. Journal of Social Service Research, 45(2), 210-224.

Piliavin, N., & Westerfelt, A. (2019). Housing interventions for homeless veterans: Effectiveness and policy implications. Psychiatric Services, 70(8), 724-730.

Tsai, J., & Kwan, C. L. (2021). Mental health disparities among homeless veterans. American Journal of Public Health, 111(3), 456-463.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). (2022). The 2022 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress. https://www.hud.gov/topics/homelessness_assessment