Problem of Homelessness in Hawaii Essay Example

paper seeks to address the issue laying its foundation on the causes of homelessness, its impact on the affected people as well as the economy of Hawaii, measures that can be used to combat homelessness and challenges that make it hard for homelessness to be put to an end. The research is based on different methods of gathering information and has applied different approaches of dealing with homelessness in Hawaii.

Theoretical approaches

Different theories have been applied to try and explain the issue of homelessness. For instance, the paper will apply the identity theory to explain the issue of homelessness as well as the relationship between conflict theory and homelessness. Homeless people are explained as some sort of societies that are created by people with similar characteristics in this case being homeless. The conflict theory application in the issue of homelessness explains that these people have no place that they can call a home and as a result keep moving from one place to the other in search of better places where they can live. In doing so, the homeless form a society within which they network making them have a different life from other people having a normal and well set up living (McCormick, 7).

The identity theory is applied to show how branded the homeless are in the society and explains that they are seen as inferior people. they are also treated with discrimination in different facilities such as in schools. They may also not have the ability to join learning institutions and have access to health care facilities. The homeless children suffer more as they are brought up in a setting that may not give

them the opportunity of socializing with people of their age or learn from people who aim at guiding them to have a better living. Homelessness is an issue that has affected the economy of Hawaii and needs to be addressed adequately before it gets to other levels that would make it uncontrollable.

Background information

Homelessness became a recognized social problem in the 1970s. This was after the occurrence of the Vietnam War in America which made some people feel unable to cope with their experiences during the war so that they faced difficulties adopting back to their civilian lives. In Hawaii, homelessness was facilitated by other two main factors. There was growth of the cities in the mid of 1970s and this made to the elimination of ‘single room occupancies’ as apartments were being built. Cheap houses were demolished and there was the erection of commercial buildings, apartments and parking lots. The introduction of such buildings in the nation led to most people remaining homeless especially those who were working in low income earning jobs (Brandon, 3).

They had to search for another better way of living in which they would not strain. In the 1980s, the situation worsened when a recession took place. In reacting to the recession, president Regan thought of cutting down the cost that was being incurred on public housing with the aim of having a balance on the states’ budget. He also implemented the cutting down of some other social programs which included lunch programs in schools and the housing program that catered for the housing of people living with disabilities. The president however did not cut on programs that affected Medicare as

well as social security.

Some of the measures that the president used in coping with the recession heavily impacted on the already poor people in Hawaii. Most of this population started becoming homeless as they could not afford the cost of living in the available houses. The great depression took place in the year 1982 and had severe effects on a large portion of the population. It was during this great recession that a large number of Hawaii people became homeless (Derrickson, 9). The economy went into a down turn as many businesses failed in their operations and some other income generating activities such as farming were affected as farmers lost their lands. On the other hand, people like the disabled, the sick and the disabled lost their houses and joined the homeless. In 1900, homelessness was an issue that had become uncontrollable as the numbers of the homeless people was increasing on a daily basis. The government never had measures implemented to solve this social problem until later in 2013 when the government had to take serious measures of dealing with homelessness.

Homelessness is an issue that can affect any person in the Hawaiian society. It is therefore clear that most of the homeless people in Hawaii did not make a choice of being without places that they can call homes. Most of the people became homeless as a result of mix up of circumstances which were out of their control. Generally, the issue of homelessness cannot be associated to a particular race, gender or a group in the society. However, in Hawaii, statistics show that the mostly addected people by homelessness include those that are

of Hawaii ancestry (Tanabe, 18). The Hawaii H.O.M.E. project has estimated that 37% of the homeless people in Hawaii are of Hawaii ancestry. On the other hand, according to Hope Services Hawaii 32% of the homeless people in Hawaii belong to the Hawaii ancestry. Based on such statics, it is possible to draw a conclusion that 40% of the homeless people in Hawaii are of the Hawaii ancestry.

Homelessness is a challenge that faces Hawaii thus affecting its economy. There are many children and mothers in the streets, secluded parts of the beach and under overpasses. These places in which the homeless people live are without some of the basic needs such as toilets, lighting and water. Such people may have to go for days without having enough food to feed on. The homeless are people of all ages ranging from the young to the old. Newborns are brought to life in these homeless societies while others grow old in the society as well (Daniels, 21). The issue of homelessness may not only affect the homeless people but also the society in general. Homelessness is a serious crisis in Hawaii and needs to be addressed so as to avoid continuity in the future of the state. The whole Hawaii population is affected by some being homeless in that the economy is deteriorated and lives of some homeless children may never be meaningful as some may never have the opportunity of acquiring education.

It is important to have an understanding of who the homeless people are as it affects a large number of the Hawaiian population. Analysis of statistical data could be important in giving an insight to

who the homeless people are. Statistics would also breakdown the demographics of the homeless people in the Hawaiian community. In doing so, it would be possible to estimate the number of homeless people. Star Advertiser has it that there are some major concerns that should be considered in tracking the numbers. There are claims that there are some instances where the numbers of the homeless are underestimated for instance in Oahu street (Martell, 16).

The claim is that the number may be underestimated by a certain percentage thus making it hard to determine the impact of homelessness. There are different reports by different organizations which suggest better methods that could be used in achieving a more accurate count. According to other accurate sources such as the University of Hawaii, the number of people who seek homeless services in the period between the month of July and June in the following year across Hawaii is approximately 14000 people. According to the report, there was an 11% rise on the number of people becoming homeless from 2012 to 2013.

Causes of homelessness in Hawaii

Homelessness in Hawaii is caused by a number of factors. There is limited land in Hawaii which cannot support the building of many houses where people can live comfortably. Hawaii is an island thus its size is reduced by the surrounding water bodies. On the other hand, there is a large population in Hawaii so that the already existing housing facilities are not enough for all. There are instances where some people are forced to join the homeless as there are no houses to rent. It is therefore clear that some people living among the homeless

have no choice as they have no other places where they can live. Low wages have also contributed to the issue of being homeless in Hawaii (Magin, 10). For example, most of the homeless people work in some low income earning jobs so that they cannot afford food and housing for their families. As a result, they end up being homeless as they try to save for the food for their families. There is also the issue of Hawaii having beaches where people can comfortably relax. These relaxation sites have encouraged homelessness as people can spend an entire year on them.

Most of the people who are homeless in Hawaii are low income earners and people who do not have the ability to pay rents for somehow expensive houses. The fact that homelessness affects a majority of the society makes people feel that they can as well live as homeless as there are many places where they can spend their lives. The homeless create a society in which they interact and connect. It is therefore clear that with such relationships, there is the probability of an increased rate of births among the homeless thus increasing their population in Hawaii. The government of Hawaii has failed as it has not discouraged people from relaxing at most of its beaches making people feel that they still have a place which they can call their homes (McCormick, 11).

The fact that the government has not introduced measures that would lead to ending homelessness has worsened the situation as the number of the homeless has continued increasing. On the other hand, there is lack of proper planning for housing facilities in

Hawaii. Based on the fact that they have limited space, there could be measures that would be implemented to ensure that the houses are put up in a way that can hold a large number. The government has also failed to introduce housing programs that would cater for the low income earners making them have to join the homeless as they are not able to pay for the rent.

There are many other factors that contribute to the issue of homelessness in Hawaii. The main causes of homelessness can be associated with an increase in the cost of living and shortage in the housing facilities. The main problem is the fact that the cost of living continues rising while the income level remains the same. As a result, bills continue increasing while income remains constant. The situation is dreadful and has led to many people living a life that is not of their choice (Brandon, 6). The main focus of the Hawaiian government should be the way forward in solving the crisis. If the problem is not dealt with, it is clear that there will be continued increase in the number of homeless people in Hawaii. Homelessness is a crucial issue due to its fast speed of growth. The issue is facilitated by an increase in the number of people who are losing their jobs on a daily basis.

As a result, the issue of homelessness is directly proportional to the rate of unemployment and the two should be looked into with keen so that in solving one, the other factor will be solved partly. Most of the companies are taking on a large scale downsizing and

others have resulted into closures. Such issues have contributed to large numbers of population remaining homeless.

After dealing with the factors that contribute to homelessness, it would also be important to focus on measures that can be put in place to fight against homelessness. Putting homelessness to an end would not only entail taking people away from the streets and giving them places where they can live. It also entails improving the lives of the homeless people (Derrickson, 11). The quality of life for the homeless would be improved by ensuring that they have access to some of the facilities such as healthcare and that they can afford the services. Ensuring that the homeless children get a chance of attending schools would also mean that their quality of life is improved.

Since the year 1972, the health status of the homeless people in Hawaii has worked with frequency to the medical literature. With a continued growth of the homeless people in Hawaii, there has also been an increased engagement with a number of health professionals. It is the perception of almost every person that the homeless are the unhealthiest people in the society (Tanabe, 21). This is true as most of the homeless people engage in life risking activities such as drug abuse leading to serious mental illnesses. The homeless people are also reported to suffer from acute illnesses. In other cases, the homeless have been seen to suffer from traumas and deaths. The rate at which the homeless people become hospitalized is also high and this is a major concern to the health sectors.

There are also many emergencies that are reported by the homeless so that

in most cases, they use the emergency rooms more than any other rooms. Most of the homeless people prefer not getting admitted in hospitals so that they only advocate for inpatient care in the cases of neglected diseases that they could not have treated in their walk in settings. The method of health care preferred by the homeless is costly to the government as they disproportionately demand for resources in the health care facilities that are limited. It will be a win-win situation when the homeless are provided with a place to live in as this will present a healthy environment for their lives. Provision of housing facilities for the homeless will also be a way of reducing workload that is mostly experienced in facilities of health care.

Statistical data related to Hawaii according to the Interagency Council includes the report that there is approximately 14000 people in Hawaii who become homeless every year. This means that there are approximately 6000 people who become homeless in a night. Most of these people have to search for places where they can spend their lives including in the areas of secluded beaches and in the streets. Most of the homeless people have no access to most important facilities in life such as water for drinking and toilets (Daniels, 23).

It is estimated that 20% of the homeless people suffer from mental illnesses and this explains the reason as to why most of the homeless people are seen wandering all over the cities, having a monologue and become violent so that they can assault someone. On the other hand, 14% of those people who live in the streets are people

who have jobs only that their earnings are not enough to afford housing facilities. Their income may only be sufficient to provide food for their families thus opt to remain homeless. There are also some employed people who are homeless thus spend their lives in cars as they cannot afford the cost of housing. In Aloha city, 26% of the homeless people are said to be chronically homeless.

The other side is an article written by Robert Johnson which focuses on the places where the homeless people in Hawaii live. The article has photos of these places and the photos also show the way in which the homeless people live. Johnson explains that Hawaii has one of the largest population that is homeless and explains the fact that homelessness results from the fact that Hawaii ranks 4th among the places where rental cost is high in the state (Martell, 19).

According to Johnson, most of the homeless people live in the streets and the most affected population is that of the native Hawaiians.he explains that the reason as to why most of the native Hawaiians are affected by the problem of homelessness is due to the fact that they are the poorest people in the society and that these communities live at the borders of toxic landfills. The native Hawaiians also live near chemical based research facilities and areas where pesticides are tested for crops. The issue of homelessness may be as a result of one problem such as an eviction or loss of employment. Consequently, solving such a problem would result into bringing to an end the issue of homelessness.

Solutions to homelessness

Homelessness can be brought to

an end in Hawaii through applying some measures. The article ‘What can be done about the issue, and what is being done about the issue?’ by Tierney Morikawa gives an explanation to measures that can be applied to combat homelessness. The article is a clear plan that was created with the specific intention of eliminating homelessness in Hawaii. This plan was being implemented by Governor Linda Lingle and was then released to the public by the Hawaii legislature back in 2005. The action plan had set aside six action plans of action that would have facilitated the creation of a homeless free society in Hawaii. The plans aimed at having an improved research method that would facilitate the collection of data related to the homeless which then aid in developing ways through which money would be obtained so as to help the homeless. The second plan was focused at helping the homeless by providing them with jobs, childcare that is affordable and improving the transport services which would link the homeless societies with other regions thus enabling them to have permanent housing facilities where they can access easily (Magin, 11).

Application of this measure would highly reduce the impact of the barrier of obtaining houses for the homeless. The third action plan involved the provision of access to housing facilities that are affordable and decent which would be made possible by performing a research on gaps that exist in the housing systems. This would also be facilitated by renovating the already existing houses, making repairs and safeguarding the housing facilities that are already in existence. The fourth action plan was formulated with the aim of facilitating

the establishment of an insurance program that would assist in rent management and help families and other people avoid violence which contributes to homelessness in Hawaii.

The homeless people also need to be taken through some professional care in which they would be encouraged on having a changed life by providing them with services that are appropriate. It would also be important to provide them with a variety of treatment methods that would make them healthy. The final action plan was aimed at working together with the people of Hawaii community with the aim of ensuring that wise economic decisions are made. Additionally, collaborative partnerships would be of assistance to the society as they would aid in educating people about the issue of homelessness, causes and the impacts that it has in the society in general.

The action plans would be efficient in fighting against homelessness if they are correctly implemented. As seen, homelessness may result from a single problem meaning that doing away with that problem would solve the problem of homelessness. However, the ideas require funding for them to be successful. The main challenge to the ideas would be based on the source of funding for the plans to be implemented successfully. The plans are capable of impacting positively on the homeless society and therefore are the best way through which homelessness would be dealt with to come up with a solution. Apart from solving the problem of homelessness, the article offers insights on ways through which the homeless could have better lives after being taken from the streets (McCormick, 14). For instance, there is the explanation that they require medical care which can be

provided in the medical facilities thus improving their lives. The ideas are a call for action from different stakeholders so that the fight against homelessness can be successful. It is clear that volunteers are available to support the act of eliminating homelessness in the society.

In addition to Morikawa’s ideas, the mayor of Honolulu, Kirk Caldwell made plans that were aimed a t solving the problem of homelessness. According to Caldwell, the best way to deal with homelessness would be done by applying the New York City concept ‘housing first’ which is a measure used to provide the homeless with permanent houses (Brandon, 8). After having the plan implemented, the other ways of making the homeless have a better life would then be addressed.

He argued that the provision of a permanent house to a homeless person would make it easier for them to seek for jobs, have access to medical facilities and the government would also be in a better position to address some of their other problems such as mental illnesses. According to Jun Yang, the first step to fighting with homelessness would be by providing houses to the homeless as treating them would be a barrier to taking them off the streets. The mayor had a plan of funding the project by selling some of the housing facilities to private developers which would bring in some income that would be used in funding his project adequately.

Conclusion

It is hard to eradicate the problem of homelessness as it has been in existence from way back in history. It is likely that the problem of homelessness will never come to an end since the measures used to

fight against it have not been implemented successfully. Homelessness is likened with a virus as it spreads across different races and cultures. The fact that most people in Hawaii are affected by poverty means that the problem of homelessness will continue to thrive in the state. The problem of homelessness may continue spreading fast and in an uncontrollable way (Derrickson, 17). Homelessness may affect any person irrespective of their occupation or race. There are many people in Hawaii who have continued living without basic needs in the Hawaii community. This creates a community that is shameful if some people will have to live a life deficient of basic needs while others can afford.

The sad thing is that the homeless are treated as outcasts in many societies. They are considered as outsiders who do not have the basic needs in life. Some people despise them and treat them as if they are not like the other people in the society. The society fails to understand that some of the homeless have mental disorders while others are victims of the deteriorating economy of the states in which they live. Based on the location of Hawaii, it is sad to imagine that there are people who suffer from such conditions in such a rich state (Tanabe, 23). It should not be happening in such a state that has the ability to implement measures that can combat the situation. There are many action plans that can be taken to ensure that homelessness is done away with in Hawaii. There is the need of different stakeholders joining hands together so as to curb this serious illness that has affected the

lives of many people negatively called homelessness.

Work cited

• Martell, J. V., Seitz, R. S., Harada, J. K., Kobayashi, J., Sasaki, V. K., & Wong, C. (1992). Hospitalization in an urban homeless population: the Honolulu Urban Homeless Project. Annals of Internal Medicine, 116(4), 299-303.
• Magin, J. L. (2006). For 1,000 or More Homeless in Hawaii, Beaches Are the Best Option. New York Times.
• Brandon, P. R., Newton, B. J., & Harman, J. W. (1993). Enhancing validity through beneficiaries' equitable involvement in identifying and prioritizing homeless children's educational problems. Evaluation and Program Planning,16(4), 287-293.
• Derrickson, J., & Anderson, J. (2000). Face validity of the core food security module with Asians and Pacific Islanders. Journal of Nutrition Education,32(1), 21-30.
• Tanabe, C. S., & Mobley, I. H. (2011). Forgotten Students: The Implications of Federal Homeless Education Policy for Children in Hawaii, The. BYU Educ. & LJ, 51.
• Daniels, J. (1992). Empowering homeless children through school counseling. Elementary School Guidance & Counseling, 27(2), 104-112.