Some Common Problems of Homelessness

The problems of a homeless person start by being deprived from essential personal shelter, food, warmth and safety. However, they face many problems beyond the lack of a safe and suitable home, social disadvantag­es such as reduced access to private and public services, lack of real rights and fulfillment of vital necessities.  Researchers agree that poverty is the common thread among homeless individuals; it is caused by or is a consequence of substance abuse, sudden unemployment, mental illness and many other variables. Again, there is here a vicious circle where poverty is either caused by or the cause of the mental anguish of homelessness.

Other basic difficulties that a homeless person faces:

·     Lack of personal security, a quiet place to rest when they need so, lack of privacy, especially for sleeping

·     Great difficulties in safekeeping of bedding, clothing and possessions, which they may have to be carry them at all times

·     Lack of hygiene and shaving facilities

·     Difficulties in cleaning and drying clothes

·     Difficulties in keeping contacts, because of not having a permanent location or mailing address

·     General rejection or discrimination from other people for being socially ‘unworthy’, even hostility and legal powers against urban vagrancy.

·      Reduced access to health care and dental services.

·      Limited access to education.

·      Increased risk of suffering from violence and abuse.

·      Loss of usual relationships with the mainstream

·      Not being seen as suitable for employment.

·      Reduced access to banking services

·      Reduced access to communications technology

Context of Homelessness in the US. There is a lack of available shelter for homeless individuals in the USA. In 2006, a study done by the National Mental Health Association showed that supported housing is effective in helping mentally ill homeless people to get their lives on track. Supported housing is designed to provide shelter, and also mental health treatment, physical health care, education and employment opportunities, life skills training, money management training, as well as support from peers. Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) in February 2009, but there is still inadequate funding, given the vast number of homeless people in America. In addition to more funding for housing, better mental health treatment is necessary. A survey by U.S. Conference of Mayors in 2008 showed that 20 percent of cities listed better coordination with mental health services as one of the top three things they needed to deal with their homeless problem. Outreach services are also more effective when workers are able to develop a consistent relationship with the people they are there to serve. Better drug treatment services are also on this list.