Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Policy Essay Example

required constant travel. However, changes in the economy during the 1970s led to a rise in long-term unemployment as a primary cause of homelessness (Borchard, Kurt, 2005). Addressing this significant issue of homelessness necessitates attention from both state and national governments.

In recent decades, the government has taken substantial actions to tackle the substantial increase in homelessness (Borchard, Kurt, 2005). This paper examines how individuals demonstrate self-sufficiency and strength in handling challenging circumstances instead of depending on outside help. It investigates the problem of homelessness within the context of a 'universalistic' welfare system.

The purpose is to demonstrate how the policies and practices affecting homeless individuals influence their innate aspects of personal reliance. The importance of self-reliance and resilience within the context of homelessness (Borchard, Kurt, 2005) is highlighted. Homelessness, gentrification, and displacing impoverished urban populations have become significant subjects in public policy discussions lately. Homelessness poses a crucial social problem that questions governments' dedication to public welfare.

According to Borchard and Kurt (2005), homelessness is often attributed to a combination of systemic and personal issues. Government entities argue that the increasing number of homeless individuals is primarily due to the widening income-housing expense gap. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development acknowledges that the country is currently facing an exceptionally high rate of housing needs, even in worst-case scenarios. However, certain public and private organizations have observed a decline in chronic homelessness cases nationwide.

The number of homeless families with large family sizes and extremely low incomes below the poverty threshold is increasing. This particular group is currently facing a significant rise in homelessness rates. It should be noted

that homelessness is not a standalone issue; multiple factors contribute to the growing problem of homelessness (Borchard, Kurt, 2005). Considering the aforementioned issues related to homelessness, it became imperative for the government to implement a policy that would prevent individuals from becoming homeless and guarantee housing access for those who are already homeless.

The Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Policy was created by authorities to tackle the issue of homelessness (Casey, 2009). Its objective is to provide financial aid and services in order to prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless, as well as assist those who are currently experiencing homelessness in securing stable housing promptly.

The objective of this program is to aid individuals and families who face the risk of homelessness. The funds will be used to provide a range of support, including rental assistance, relocation services, stabilization services, mediation, credit counseling, deposits, utility payments, moving cost assistance, and case management. At least 60 percent of the funds must be used within two years and all funds must be expended within three years.

The forthcoming notice will present the reporting requirements (Casey, 2009). The Homeless Prevention & Rapid Re-housing Program (HPRP) is a program that emerged from the 2009 Stimulus Act, also referred to as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). This program aims to allocate funds towards homelessness prevention, diversion (which involves finding immediate alternative housing for individuals who become homeless, thus avoiding the need for them to stay in a homeless shelter), and rapid re-housing for those currently experiencing homelessness (Casey, 2009).

To support homeless individuals and those at risk of homelessness, organizations across the state will provide

case management, outreach, and financial aid. This financial assistance will include rental assistance, utility deposits, security deposits, and moving costs. It is crucial to mention that these funds must be designated for housing-related expenses only and cannot be utilized for medical expenses or foreclosure prevention (Casey, 2009).

The text emphasizes the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing policy, which aims to address the issue of homelessness in America. With over 1.5 million Americans without a home each year, being homeless increases the likelihood of health problems such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, hepatitis C, dermatological diseases, mental illness, substance abuse, and even death. When we talk about chronically or long-term homeless individuals, we are referring to those who have been without a home for more than a year or have experienced at least 4 episodes of homelessness in the last 3 years (Donahoe, 2009).

Factors commonly cited as contributing to the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness include high levels of substance abuse and mental health issues, insufficient work experience, and a lack of social support. Supportive housing programs have been developed as a means to address these challenges by offering both housing and social services, as well as case management. Research has shown that these programs are effective in improving residential stability and reducing additional societal costs associated with homelessness. These costs may include frequent visits to the emergency department, lengthy hospital stays, involvement with the corrections department, and reliance on emergency shelters (Donahoe, 2009).

Housing First programs, a form of supportive housing, provide permanent housing to homeless individuals without requiring sobriety or drug-free conditions (Donahoe, 2009). These programs are essential for chronically homeless individuals because

substance abuse is highly prevalent among this population. To examine the relationship between enrolling in a new Housing First program and subsequent housing stability, utilization of social and healthcare services, as well as criminal citations among chronically homeless individuals, we conducted a pilot study.

Generally, street homeless individuals are viewed as the most dysfunctional group within a generally dysfunctional population. It is true that those who are most visible on the streets often display the characteristics commonly associated with homelessness. In particular, those with severe mental illnesses tend to be the most prominent. However, experts agree that the typical homeless person, even when living on the streets, does not match this profile.

Instead, homeless individuals living on the street create advanced communities that have both physical structures and social connections (Donahoe, 2009). They construct their own shelters and establish a community with clear rules about who can live there and visit (Donald, Kenneth, 2008). These camp communities are organized based on informal hierarchies determined by personality and seniority. Certain individuals facilitate connections between different camps.

During the postwar period in the United States, city centers experienced a decrease in their residential population. Consequently, the homeless individuals who continued to live downtown became less visible. While we occasionally come across eccentric people who match society's stereotypical image of homelessness, they are only a small portion of the overall homeless population. These "tragic caricatures of homelessness" do not accurately portray the countless homeless individuals who are not as eccentric and therefore go unnoticed.

The invisibility of homeless individuals is influenced by the "architecture of citizenship," which refers to the physical and social construction

of environments that diminishes their acknowledgment (Donald, Kenneth, 2008). There are advantages for both homeless people and society as a whole in remaining relatively concealed. Many individuals in our society prefer not to encounter the homeless, and conversely, the homeless often do not wish to be noticed. However, the boundaries of urban areas and the economic effects of gentrification are progressively challenging this mutually beneficial relationship that emerged after World War II.

As the upper and middle classes repopulate urban areas and reclaim spaces for socially legitimate uses of exchange and political value, they also displace and disperse street homeless communities. Local merchants and governments prioritize the aesthetic appeal of downtown areas to enhance the quality of life for residents. Many Americans view urban living as dirty, crowded, and unhealthy, contrasting it with aesthetic value, which they perceive as stark or even ugly.

The homeless are often targeted by city governments during urban renewal efforts. These actions can create conflicts between communities, as changes in living patterns generate disputes. The presence of comfortably housed residents can lead to "not-in-my-backyard" battles over the homeless, causing issues within homeless communities. It is not only the middle and upper classes who seek to regulate community membership and maintain a large private sphere.

While street homeless communities are displaced and excluded by gentrification, these communities also engage in their own exclusionary practices as they strive to establish and preserve their own community. Scholars have examined how street-dwellers build community and the effects of gentrification on the poor and homeless, but most of their research has concentrated on major cities. Numerous mid-sized industrial cities have experienced significant

suburbanization, resulting in mostly vacant city centers (Donald, Kenneth, 2008).

Homelessness refers to a situation where a person lacks essential needs and encounters challenges with society and self-management. It primarily stems from financial issues, eviction, or losing accommodation. These factors hold significance for individuals who prioritize self-sufficiency and strive to resolve their homelessness independently rather than depending on external aid. They exert efforts to regain control over their lives and actively seek solutions for their homelessness predicament (Duffield, Barbara, et al, 2008).

Self-reliant individuals place importance on financial resources and opportunities that generate income to support themselves and their families. The ability to overcome obstacles to self-reliance relies on emotional stability, as individuals who are unstable struggle to handle difficult circumstances. In the case of homelessness, significant resilience and effort are necessary in order to surmount this predicament.

Taking on a heavy burden to escape homelessness can lead to depression, stress, and other health problems (Duffield, Barbara, et al, 2008). Negative views from others can undermine a person's resilient behavior and impact their motivation and bravery. The United States has approximately 1.2 million homeless youths, which may not appear astounding when compared to the global total of 100 million.

Homelessness affects people of all races, colors, ages, sexes, and religions. It is important to note that families with children make up the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population. Many of these families have individuals who are physically or mentally disabled and lack support systems. The homeless population includes men, women, children, the handicapped, and Veterans. Surprisingly, 20% of the homeless population is employed either full-time or part-time (Duffield et al., 2008).

Homeless youth also face a major health concern in terms of the risk of HIV infections.

The rate of infection among homeless youth is higher than the national rate for youths, which is a growing problem. This can be attributed to their engagement in risky behaviors, including high rates of drug abuse. Moreover, homeless youths face a greater risk of mental health issues, dropping out of school, and having criminal records. Homeless women are also significantly affected by these challenges. Donahoe has recently written an article about homelessness in the United States, shedding light on the condition of homeless women.

According to Duffield, Barbara, et al (2008), some believe that a crucial part of the solution to homelessness is raising public awareness and humanizing those affected. "Hobos to Street People: Artists' Responses to Homelessness from the New Deal to the Present" is an art exhibition that has recently been launched in order to address this issue. The exhibition features various art forms such as paintings and photographs, all aimed at documenting homelessness. Its objective is to highlight how the government demonstrated concern for homelessness during the 1930s, while also drawing attention to the lack of focus on this problem since the 1970s in the United States.

Hazelwood, the presenter, was most struck by how difficult it is to identify the decade represented by the pieces. Both the government and individuals are struggling to solve this issue. Many cities are taking different approaches to address homelessness. Some cities are implementing temporary housing options that give homeless individuals a chance to start over. St. Louis is an example of a city with such a

plan (Duffield, Barbara, et al, 2008). The city aims to reduce homelessness within the next 10 years by prioritizing the creation of permanent housing and providing assistance with medical care and job training.

Various locations and funding sources are involved in the plans to address homelessness in the region. An award of $11.1 million from the federal government will be utilized to provide permanent housing for 1,300 individuals. Nevertheless, residents in areas where special housing is planned have expressed discontent due to concerns about their property values being diminished. These residents desire a resolution to the issue without facing any personal cost or hardship (Duffield, Barbara, et al, 2008). It is crucial to acknowledge that homelessness is not solely attributable to financial factors and economic conditions.

The causes of homelessness are influenced by various factors. This paper seeks to investigate homelessness and the significance of self-reliance, thus it is crucial to explore the direct causes connected to individuals who contribute to homelessness. These personal factors can be linked to an individual's family or institutional background (Mcfee, 2009). Many people participate in socially harmful behaviors that not only affect their own social life but also create multiple issues in their personal life.

The ability to handle tough situations is influenced by various factors such as lack of qualifications, misuse of drugs and alcohol, being in debt, relationship status, lack of social support, poor mental and physical health, and involvement in criminal activities. Additionally, family conflicts and breakdowns can also impact a person's ability to manage themselves in difficult situations. Other contributing factors include experiencing excessive physical and sexual abuse during childhood or adolescence,

growing up in a family with an open culture towards drugs and alcohol, and previous exposure to homelessness (Mcfee, 2009).

The structural causes of homelessness, unlike the previously mentioned causes, are economic and social in nature. They are not within an individual's control and often result in major life changes that lead to homelessness. Some examples of these causes include poverty, unemployment, housing policies, lack of affordable housing, absence of affordable housing schemes, administration of housing benefits for mid-range people, and policy developments aimed at assisting individuals in recovering from natural disasters.

In order to address homelessness, it is necessary to implement a comprehensive long-term policy framework. This may entail constructing more affordable homes, making adjustments to the housing benefit system, and reevaluating the societal advantages associated with economic growth, such as offering lower interest rates for home financing (Mcfee, 2009). Self-reliance, also known as personal reliance, refers to a pathway that is determined by each individual and consists of multiple components and dimensions. It encompasses an individual's emotional and subjective experiences, including factors like confidence, beliefs, goals, acceptance of assistance, facing challenges, and resilience.

Self-reliance is the idea of having control and feeling secure, as well as being personally safe and stable. It includes problem-solving skills, life skills, and access to resources and support. For individuals who are homeless, self-reliance refers to their behavior and how they handle challenges based on their belief in their own abilities. This includes their abilities, willingness to take on responsibilities, coping strategies, and avoidance of substance use.

The text explores the representation of structural obstacles to independence and emphasizes the significance of self-sufficiency. Self-sufficiency

enables individuals to avail themselves of different services and support systems, as well as fostering social connections during periods of adversity. This connection aids in addressing relationship challenges, attaining stability, and cooperating with broader social networks. Self-sufficiency plays a vital role in recuperation and is shaped by an individual's circumstances and encounters (Mckitrick, 2006).

The concept of self-reliance, which is closely linked to independence, involves the ability to function without relying on public or other welfare services. However, when someone lacks the necessary resources to meet their basic needs, this idea of independence loses its relevance. Homelessness is a situation in which an individual is entirely dependent on others for support and shelter, whether it be the government or public organizations.

Few people can live alone, even when homeless. Being able to rely on oneself in these situations involves several factors like relationships with others, being connected, having access to necessary services and support, and knowing how to manage oneself and dependents (Mckitrick, 2006). Resilience is also closely linked to self-reliance as it relates to the ability to cope with challenges during times of crisis (Woolhouse, Megan, 2007).

Resilience and self-reliance are demonstrated by individuals who have experienced long-term homelessness or those who have become homeless after leading a stable life (Moore, 2010). The experience of homelessness can result in feelings of alienation and isolation. Self-reliance is not a skill that needs to be specially taught but is instead developed internally through observing and responding to others without relying on established connections.

Young homeless individuals often exhibit a higher level of self-reliance, relying heavily on their own resources and street smarts

for survival. However, this can lead to feelings of isolation and anomic behavior (Moore, 2010). Solving this issue requires collective efforts on a global scale since it is not a problem that can be tackled by individuals, cities, or governments alone. The magnitude of the problem is evident worldwide with over 100 million young people experiencing homelessness, including 1.2 million in the United States (Woolhouse, Megan, 2007). Moreover, living on the streets impedes access to education and makes it difficult for these individuals to establish a stable future beyond homelessness.

The issue of homelessness appears to be an unbreakable cycle without a definite resolution. Extensive debates on the causes and definitions of the problem have not yielded any solutions. To eradicate this problem, healthcare and housing must be provided, forcing individuals to confront the homeless as if they were seeing themselves in a mirror. In today's economy, anyone and their family could potentially become homeless (Nevius, 2007). The US government has established specific programs to aid individuals who are currently homeless but have the ability to achieve self-sufficiency.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development will provide a financial reward by evaluating individuals' potential without impacting their self-reliance (Nevius, 2007). In addition, private agencies are generating numerous small-scale employment opportunities for the homeless population. This not only allows these private companies to maintain low production costs but also allows homeless individuals to utilize their skills and abilities instead of relying on others during challenging circumstances (Nevius, 2007).