Sustainability in Affordable Housing for Homelessness Essay Example

or on the streets due to limited economic opportunities.

Instead of paying rent, many homeless people in Hawaii prioritize obtaining funds for their essential needs. They typically collect empty cans or ask for money to buy their next meal. Most of the homeless population is satisfied with this lifestyle as long as they can support themselves.

The high cost of living in Hawaii, which is mainly driven by the significant tourism industry, greatly affects this problem.

The exorbitant cost of food in this region is approximately three times the average price, posing a challenge for homeless individuals to afford anything beyond it. Consequently, they are compelled to lead a day-to-day existence without any opportunity for betterment. Moreover, the excessive transportation expenses further exacerbate their struggles in breaking free from homelessness. The exorbitantly high living standards prevalent here, primarily influenced by affluent tourists, compel individuals to solely focus on meeting their fundamental survival necessities and perpetuate the cycle of homelessness.

Harsh Homes - Most of the homeless people in Hawaii originate from colder regions, and they have adapted to the warm climate here. However, this adaptation makes them fearful of returning to their cold homes, as they dread the prospect of freezing to death. Consequently, they choose to stay homeless in Hawaii, despite their difficult circumstances. The comparison between comfortable living in their homes and being homeless in Hawaii forces them to prioritize their safety, ultimately leading them to endure homelessness rather than risk exposure to dangerous temperatures. Unfortunately, this crisis of homelessness in Hawaii has a negative impact on the state's tourism-dependent economy.

Both the government and individuals in Hawaii contribute to key problems faced by the state. The tourism

industry, which mainly promotes Hawaii's beauty, fails to recognize homelessness with tents and camps, resulting in a negative impact on tourism revenue. Therefore, it is important to develop strategies that address homelessness without unfairly burdening any particular group. Despite being seen as an overwhelming social issue, there are still practical solutions available.

Access to information and assistance is crucial for homeless individuals to find a solution to their predicament. The Hawaiian government has attempted to tackle this issue by arranging flights for the homeless to go back home, but this expensive approach did not work as people were unwilling to return to dangerous environments. Another suggestion was building grass huts for the homeless, but this idea generated much discussion and did not achieve its goals.

When the situation worsened, a state of emergency was declared for the Hawaiian city, which is not worth a humanitarian crisis. Therefore, the possible solutions for this crisis are discussed below.

Developing affordable houses

An affordable house is one that does not impose extra unreasonable costs on any household. Unreasonable costs may mean paying more than thirty percent of the family’s total gross income as rent.

The government should prioritize assisting affordable housing projects for low and medium income earners in Hawaii in order to reduce homelessness. This strategy will not only address the issue but also boost tourism revenue, which is the city's ultimate goal.
Increasing access to permanent housing
The most effective approach to tackling homelessness in Hawaii is providing permanent housing along with supportive services. These services can be customized for individuals or families, especially those with co-occurring conditions. Permanent supportive housing also leads to improved health and overall well-being.
Promoting job creation and workforce

development
One way to achieve this is by offering services that connect job seekers with employers.

The government can ensure that jobless individuals have access to employment by collaborating with other job-providing organizations. This collaboration will help address homelessness.

Furthermore, the government can gather and optimize federal funds to enhance the quality of life in Hawaii.

By securing and efficiently utilizing external funding sources, funds can be allocated towards tackling homelessness and preserving affordable housing.

Through coordination and collaboration with diverse groups, the government can offer relief to the homeless and those at risk of homelessness, benefiting both residents and visitors in Hawaii.

One way to address homelessness is by assisting in obtaining funds and resources for homeless programs. This can be achieved through advocating for policy and legal changes, conducting public education initiatives, and disseminating information. Additionally, accurate fiscal data is compiled to develop and monitor outcomes and support successful programs implemented by other jurisdictions.

The Proposed Optimal Solution

To effectively tackle the homelessness crisis in Hawaii, the most effective strategy is to stimulate job opportunities and promote workforce development. According to Hawaii News Now in 2016, the only choices available for the homeless population are scavenging aluminum cans or resorting to begging. Therefore, living in the city becomes a true nightmare for many as there is no source of income.

Ensuring the survival of any normal human being requires a source of daily bread, without which there is a risk of starvation. Collaboration between the government, regional companies, potential employers, non-governmental organizations, agents, and neighboring countries can provide opportunities for the homeless and allow representation of all social classes in the job market. This will enable the homeless to earn money and

afford housing. Acquiring a job offers several benefits for the homeless: stability in all aspects of life, economic growth for the city through increased per capita income, and advancements in education.

Effective solutions to homelessness in Hawaii primarily rely on creating jobs and establishing connections with various groups and agents to uplift impoverished individuals. Additionally, raising awareness about homelessness can inspire homeless people to reject their current situation.

Informing individuals experiencing homelessness about the broader aspects of their situation and encouraging them to seek solutions rather than remaining on the streets can lead to a reduced length of time being homeless.

References

• Cunningham, Mary, and Meghan Henry. "Homelessness counts." (2007).
• Gerena-Morales, Rafael. "Hawaii’s Housing Boom Takes a Toll on the Homeless." The Wall Street Journal (2007): 1.
• Magin, Janis L. "For 1,000 or More Homeless in Hawaii, Beaches Are the Best Option." New York Times (2006).
• Rodriguez, Nino, and Brenner Brown. Preventing homelessness among people leaving prison. Vera Institute of Justice, State Sentencing and Corrections Program, 2003.
• Waitzfelder, Beth E., Charles C. Engel Jr., and Fred I. Gilbert Jr. "Substance abuse in Hawaii: Perspectives of key local human service organizations." Substance Abuse 19.1 (1998): 7-22.