Studyspark Study Document

Homelessness Defined for the Many Term Paper

Pages:5 (1346 words)

Sources:1+

Subject:Personal Issues

Topic:Homelessness

Document Type:Term Paper

Document:#63997559




Based on the report submitted by Cuomo, upon receiving assistance from authorized agencies, such as health care assistance, treatment from substance and drug abuse, education and job training and even services for mental health problems, a big part of those living in families (76%) and of those living alone (60%) tend to put a stop their homeless status and gradually move to an improved living situation. Another point to ponder is the fact that the cost of homeless assistance is considerably lower than the cost of putting homeless people in jail to get them off the streets. For example, the Supportive Housing Network estimates that in New York City in 1998 it cost $40,000 per year to jail someone, compared with just $12,500 to provide affordable housing and a variety of supportive services (http://www.hud.gov/library/bookshelf18/pressrel/pr99-258.html,1999).

This just shows that if one can help and lend a helping hand to the homeless people, their way of life will not only be improved, but ultimately, the country's economic situation will be enhanced also. Needless to say, if these homeless people will be offered with a helping hand they can come back and turn their lives around.

Cuomo stressed out the "Continuum of Care" initiative by the housing agencies which stress permanent solutions to homelessness. This is the process of comprehensive and collaborative community planning which reflects efforts addressing the complexities of homelessness through a range of housing and services. The services provide emergency assistance and assessment of a homeless person's needs, and help the person to obtain permanent housing and become self-sufficient. (http://www.hud.gov/library/bookshelf18/pressrel/pr99-258.html,1999).

Meanwhile, U.S.' Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) also provided some insights regarding the 'chronic' homelessness in America. According to them to end this persisting problem, there must be a combined housing and services from all various sectors of the government such as the HHS. Among the agency's proposed goals and strategies are Thompson, March 2003):

Help eligible, chronically homeless individuals receive health and social services

Strengthen outreach and engagement activities

Improve the eligibility review process

Explore ways to maintain program eligibility

Generally, the most obvious solution to this homelessness problem is to increase the numbers of affordable housing and the number of living wage jobs. Hence, the government and the people must work hand in hand to alleviate the seemingly increasing problem on homelessness. This is evidently a problem that could not be solved by one agency alone, or by one person alone. This is a problem with which interaction, communication and assistance among and between various types of non-government, government and even private agencies and groups of people is a must.

References

Bassuk et al. (August 28, 1996). The Characteristics and Needs of Sheltered Homeless and Low-Income Housed Mothers. Journal of the American Medical Association

Cuomo Releases Historic Report that Paints Most Comprehensive Picture Ever Homelessness in America. (1999) HUD News. http://www.hud.gov/library/bookshelf18/pressrel/pr99-258.html

Daskal, Jennifer. (1998). In Search of Shelter: The Growing Shortage of Affordable Rental Housing. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Facts about homeless people. St. Mungo's. http://www.mungos.org/facts.shtml

Finnin Day, Julie. (2004) Unfamiliar to Canada - lack of roofs. www.csmonitor.com http://www.csmonitor.com/2002/0114/p1s3-woam.html

Homelessness." U.S. Conference of Mayors, 2000

Homelessness." (2003) http://www.freeessays.cc/db/44/smu94.shtml

Homeless Statistics. http://www.warmingfamilies.org/homeless_stats.html

Houseless Statistics. http://www.homeless.org.au/statistics/houselessness.htm.

Thompson, Tommy G. (March 2003). Ending Chronic Homelessness: Strategies for Action. http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/homelessness/strategies03/execsum.htm


Sample Source(s) Used

References

Bassuk et al. (August 28, 1996). The Characteristics and Needs of Sheltered Homeless and Low-Income Housed Mothers. Journal of the American Medical Association

Cuomo Releases Historic Report that Paints Most Comprehensive Picture Ever Homelessness in America. (1999) HUD News. http://www.hud.gov/library/bookshelf18/pressrel/pr99-258.html

Daskal, Jennifer. (1998). In Search of Shelter: The Growing Shortage of Affordable Rental Housing. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Facts about homeless people. St. Mungo's. http://www.mungos.org/facts.shtml

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