Week 7 Lecture And Discussion Questions: Homeless Population

Week 7 Lecture And Discussion Questionshomeless Populationdisaster In

Review the attached PowerPoint presentations. Once done, answer the following questions. Identify and discuss the major health problems among the various homeless aggregates in your community. Mention and discuss three factors that contribute to homelessness and how it affects your community. Mention and discuss the stages of disaster management. Discuss the impact of disasters on a community. As stated in the syllabus, present your assignment in an APA format word document, APA required font attached to the forum in the discussion tab of the blackboard titled “Week 7 discussion questions” and the SafeAssign exercise in the assignment tab of the blackboard which is a mandatory requirement. A minimum of 2 evidence-based references (besides the class textbook) no older than five years must be used. A minimum of 800 words are required and not exceeding 1,000 words (excluding the first and reference page). Please make sure to follow the instructions as given and use either spell-check or Grammarly before you post your assignment.

Paper For Above instruction

The issues surrounding homelessness and disaster management are critical components in community health and public safety planning. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive understanding of the health challenges faced by homeless populations, the factors contributing to homelessness, and the phases of disaster management. This paper synthesizes current research and insights to elucidate these themes and their implications for community resilience.

Major Health Problems Among Homeless Populations

Homeless populations are particularly vulnerable to a wide range of health problems due to their exposure to harsh environmental conditions, limited access to healthcare, and social determinants such as poverty and marginalization. Common health issues include chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory conditions, which are often poorly managed due to inconsistent access to medical care (Agran et al., 2017). Infectious diseases, including tuberculosis, hepatitis, and skin infections, are prevalent because of crowded living conditions and poor hygiene (McGuire et al., 2018). Mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, are extensively documented among homeless individuals, often exacerbated by trauma, substance abuse, and social isolation (Fazel et al., 2014). Substance use disorders are also common, complicating treatment and contributing to the cycle of homelessness and illness (Hwang et al., 2019). These health disparities result in increased emergency room visits and hospitalizations, placing additional burdens on community healthcare systems.

Factors Contributing to Homelessness and Community Impact

Understanding the root causes of homelessness is essential for developing effective interventions. Three key factors contributing to homelessness include economic instability, lack of affordable housing, and systemic inequalities. Economic instability, due to unemployment or underemployment, diminishes individuals’ ability to afford housing, especially in areas with rising living costs (Burt et al., 2019). The shortage of affordable housing is another significant factor, with rent prices escalating faster than income levels, leading to increased evictions and homelessness (Desmond, 2016). Systemic inequalities, such as systemic racism, inadequate mental health services, and insufficient social safety nets, further deepen disparities and predispose vulnerable populations to homelessness (National Coalition for the Homeless, 2020). The impact on the community includes increased demand on emergency services, strain on healthcare resources, and heightened public health risks, such as the spread of infectious diseases. Moreover, homeless populations often face social stigmatization, which hampers outreach efforts and community integration (Koegel et al., 2017).

Stages of Disaster Management

Disaster management encompasses a series of coordinated phases aimed at minimizing impact and enhancing resilience. These stages include preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. Preparation involves establishing emergency plans, conducting training, and educating communities about disaster risks (FEMA, 2019). Response strategies focus on immediate actions, such as evacuation, rescue operations, and providing emergency medical care to affected populations. Recovery aims to restore normalcy through rebuilding infrastructure, restoring services, and providing ongoing support to affected populations (Jutand & Todd, 2018). Mitigation involves implementing measures to reduce future disaster risks, such as enforcing building codes, creating early warning systems, and promoting community resilience initiatives (CDC, 2021). The effectiveness of disaster management relies on community engagement, coordination among agencies, and swift mobilization of resources.

Impact of Disasters on Communities

Disasters can have devastating effects on communities, disrupting social, economic, and healthcare systems. They often lead to displacement, increased morbidity and mortality, and economic losses (Cutter et al., 2019). Vulnerable populations, including the homeless, are disproportionately affected, facing barriers to accessing emergency services and healthcare during crises. Disasters also exacerbate existing disparities, highlighting the need for inclusive planning that considers the needs of marginalized groups (Perry & Quarantelli, 2017). Furthermore, disasters can catalyze community strengthening when effectively managed—prompting investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and social services to improve resilience against future events (Kahn et al., 2020). Effective disaster response and recovery require community engagement, resource allocation, and sustained policy efforts to promote equitable and sustainable recovery.

Conclusion

Addressing homelessness and disaster preparedness requires targeted interventions and collaborative efforts among health professionals, policymakers, and community organizations. Understanding the health challenges faced by the homeless, identifying factors that contribute to homelessness, and implementing robust disaster management strategies are essential to building resilient communities capable of withstanding future crises. Such efforts not only improve health outcomes but also foster social cohesion and economic stability, creating a safer environment for all community members.

References

• Agran, P. F., McDonough, P., R., B., & Koh, J. (2017). Health issues of homeless populations. Journal of Public Health Policy, 38(4), 352–366.
• Burt, M. R., Sander, J., & Fisher, M. (2019). The role of economic factors in homelessness. Urban Affairs Review, 55(2), 245-271.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). Public health responses to disasters. CDC.gov.
• Desmond, M. (2016). Evicted: Poverty and profit in the American city. Crown Publishing Group.
• Fazel, S., Geddes, J. R., & Kushel, M. (2014). The health of homeless people in high-income countries. The Lancet, 384(9953), 1529-1540.
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). (2019). Disaster planning toolkit. FEMA.gov.
• Hwang, S. W., et al. (2019). Substance use among homeless populations: Challenges and strategies. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 94, 84-92.
• Jutand, M. A., & Todd, N. (2018). Recovery processes after disasters. International Journal of Disaster Risk Science, 9(3), 289–299.
• Kahn, M. E., et al. (2020). Building resilient communities: Lessons from disaster recovery efforts. Resilience Journal, 3(1), 45-66.
• Koegel, P., et al. (2017). Homelessness and social stigma: Barriers to service access. Social Service Review, 91(2), 221-242.