How to Eradicate Homelessness (Reflection Essay Example)

Today, every person is struggling in their own ways; however, the reality is that some people have it easier and are more privileged than others.  Home, the safe paradise, which we thrive for at the end of a stressful day, remains, sadly, a dream for many.  Since the beginning of time, unfortunately, living on the street and consuming one meal for an entire week has been the reality for some human beings; the homeless.  Homelessness is a serious societal problem negatively affecting our communities and is too frequently ignored or treated with a sense of disgust by passersby.  However, some solutions may be implemented to work towards eradicating homelessness—long-term housing assistance, creating career opportunities, universal health care, as well as education for the youth.

Housing completely turns things around.  Property value continues to increase significantly, as a result, many are no longer able to pay their rent, forcing them to live on the streets.  Not only is rent unaffordable, but many people have been displaced from their homes due to frequent occurrences of natural disasters; “floods and storms are the largest culprits, as they account for over eighty percent of all weathered induced displacements.”  Providing the homeless with stable places of living would be the first step that would need to be taken to take them off the streets and get them back on their feet.  Having a roof over their head and an area to put together meals and store belongings would make a tremendous difference to one’s well-being.  It provides a sense of security, personal safety, dignity, and peace.  The “kitchen” of a homeless man or woman is unsafe; having a home to prepare food in would be more sanitary, lowering the risks of transferring bacteria or other pathogens to the food.  With the support of housing programs, one would also be able to focus proactively on other goals that will further increase their stability, rather than stressing or preoccupying themselves with where they and their circle of relatives will stay for the night and how they’re going to stay warm.  In fact, some parents have said that “It [not having stable housing] makes it extremely hard to focus” and “hard to engage with [their] kids.”

More innovative approaches need to be developed to create career opportunities for the poor.  By creating this opportunity for people in need, one is transforming lives, families, and communities.  It is an opportunity that will greatly increase their chances of staying clean and sober because it will give them a reason to stick to their new way of living.  Marriott International, a large multinational corporation, has been working to tackle youth unemployment.  This initiative has resulted in “more than 4,000 youth employed into the company’s European operations since 2015.”  Building more career opportunities for the homeless would allow them to revel in the joy of being successfully independent, while also earning money.  It will also allow them to meet new people that may grow to be their friends, mentors, or competitors, rather than being all alone on the street.  Along with it come greater perks, such as compensations, house rents, or sometimes training, which you can’t afford to do on your own.

Homeless people often face obstacles receiving health care services, which is sickening considering that we live in a nation that is heavily equipped with hospitals, doctors, and state-of-the-art medical technology.  Rehabilitation centers make it almost impossible to receive treatment due to high costs.  This issue is a problem because many experiencing homelessness suffer from mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders.  In fact, a higher rate of suffering is experienced by the homeless than by any other population.  One study found that “nearly 35 percent of homeless adults had a substance abuse problem.”  Difficulties with obtaining medical services means a lack of assistance.  The assistance that is needed to help overcome this hardship, ameliorate psychotic symptoms and stabilize them.  Some may label the destitute as criminals, lazy individuals, or addicts, and consistently believe that a simple solution is getting an occupation.  However, many homeless people are not able to work due to a severe mental illness or disability.  Even those who have a job are unable to make a sustainable living off it.  The fact of the matter is that they are in this position not because they chose to be, but because of a situation that happened in their life, such as the death of a loved one, domestic violence, divorce, or family disputes.

Long-term, housing support, creating career opportunities, and health care aren’t the only options available.  It is also essential to educate, with the purpose of preparing them to be successful humans.  Every person has the right to feel they belong in society and are connected to others.  Educating adolescents builds a foundation that fosters encouragement and a sense of togetherness, both of which are critical today.  People nowadays have numerous advantages in being able to utilize their devices and technology to conduct research and gain a better understanding of this complex social dilemma.  It is also extremely important to educate the homeless youth so that they understand that they, too, have the potential to have a better life.  In doing so, they will be given the opportunity to break the cycle of homelessness and contribute productively to their communities, by being self-supporting and active participants in a democratic society, rising to the next level of the education system, and increasing their awareness of their cultural heritage and differences.

As time goes on, homelessness is steadily increasing.  Sidewalks, playgrounds, and public benches are continuing to serve as homeless camps. To eradicate homelessness, more policies such as long-term housing assistance, career opportunities, universal health care, and education need to be implemented.