SOCIAL PROBLEMS 1 SOCIAL PROBLEMS 5 Social Problems: Homelessness Chanda Crews SOC 203 Social Problems Instructor: Jennifer Rosen January 14, 2018 Homelessness Homelessness arises from a situation where an individual lacks a permanent dwelling as a shelter such as a rented apartment or a purchased house. Homeless persons often live in streets and alleys in towns and cities. Such a situation subjects them unsafe and unhygienic living conditions. Undoubtedly, homelessness is a social problem. Therefore, this paper will outline its implications and how it can be addressed. Description of the Social Problem According to Lancione (2013), homelessness is a situation where an individual or a family lacks a regular or preferably fixed nighttime residence. Therefore, homeless persons opt for living in a public or private location which was not designed for human beings to sleep. In his research article, Lancione (2013) frames homelessness as a problem by stating that it is associated with the poor, drunks, addicts, the dispossessed, the mentally ill and rubbish collectors. The association of a person’s life with any of the mentioned terms implies that the individual is undergoing a degrading quality of life and therefore needs interventions to prevent further implications which may result in sickness or death. Scope and Consequences of the Problem Galeo (2016) shares methodologically sound conclusions to the consequences of the problem by stating the individual implications of homelessness which include having a higher rate of premature mortality due to causes such as unintentional overdose, extreme weather conditions, and injuries. For instance, in 2016, 239 homeless people died in New York City alone (Cheney, 2017). They also experience reduced quality of life brought about by chronic pain, poor sleeping conditions, insecurity and unsanitary conditions. Social implications include fear and uncertainty by members of the society since homeless persons are associated with drugs, mental illness, and petty theft. Another social problem is the decline in value and serenity of a location where homeless persons have set up their residence. Such areas often become unattractive due to the accumulation of filth thus reducing their appeal. Society’s Responses to the problem Sanchez (2010) explains that society, particularly faith-based organizations have responded to homelessness using funding schemes from donors and well-wishers which were used to facilitate the purchase and construction of homes. The US Government formed the US Interagency Council on Homelessness which was provided with funding meant to facilitate programs for the homeless such as enlisting them in Medicaid and Social Security Disability Insurance. Unfortunately, the interventions are not sufficient since homelessness is still a persistent issue despite the solutions being commissioned in the 1980s (Sanchez, 2010). Alternative to the Problem An alternative solution to .

1. SOCIAL PROBLEMS 1
SOCIAL PROBLEMS 5
Social Problems: Homelessness
Chanda Crews
SOC 203 Social Problems
Instructor: Jennifer Rosen
January 14, 2018
Homelessness
Homelessness arises from a situation where an individual
lacks a permanent dwelling as a shelter such as a rented
apartment or a purchased house. Homeless persons often live in
streets and alleys in towns and cities. Such a situation subjects
them unsafe and unhygienic living conditions. Undoubtedly,
homelessness is a social problem. Therefore, this paper will
outline its implications and how it can be addressed.
Description of the Social Problem
According to Lancione (2013), homelessness is a situation
where an individual or a family lacks a regular or preferably

2. fixed nighttime residence. Therefore, homeless persons opt for
living in a public or private location which was not designed for
human beings to sleep. In his research article, Lancione (2013)
frames homelessness as a problem by stating that it is
associated with the poor, drunks, addicts, the dispossessed, the
mentally ill and rubbish collectors. The association of a
person’s life with any of the mentioned terms implies that the
individual is undergoing a degrading quality of life and
therefore needs interventions to prevent further implications
which may result in sickness or death.
Scope and Consequences of the Problem
Galeo (2016) shares methodologically sound conclusions to the
consequences of the problem by stating the individual
implications of homelessness which include having a higher rate
of premature mortality due to causes such as unintentional
overdose, extreme weather conditions, and injuries. For
instance, in 2016, 239 homeless people died in New York City
alone (Cheney, 2017). They also experience reduced quality of
life brought about by chronic pain, poor sleeping conditions,
insecurity and unsanitary conditions. Social implications
include fear and uncertainty by members of the society since
homeless persons are associated with drugs, mental illness, and
petty theft. Another social problem is the decline in value and
serenity of a location where homeless persons have set up their
residence. Such areas often become unattractive due to the
accumulation of filth thus reducing their appeal.
Society’s Responses to the problem
Sanchez (2010) explains that society, particularly faith-based
organizations have responded to homelessness using funding
schemes from donors and well-wishers which were used to
facilitate the purchase and construction of homes. The US
Government formed the US Interagency Council on
Homelessness which was provided with funding meant to
facilitate programs for the homeless such as enlisting them in
Medicaid and Social Security Disability Insurance.
Unfortunately, the interventions are not sufficient since

3. homelessness is still a persistent issue despite the solutions
being commissioned in the 1980s (Sanchez, 2010).
Alternative to the Problem
An alternative solution to the homelessness problem can be the
implementation of housing assistance plans where grants are
issued for the construction of low-cost budget homes can
accommodate one or two persons. The housing units can be
shared among two to three homeless persons. The homeless
persons can be enlisted among the workforce that constructs
these homes. The solution can be effective since it will consume
fewer resources and will remove homeless persons from the
streets. However, the solution is pegged by the possibility that
it may create an influx of homeless persons who want a home
provided freely by the government thus increasing dependence
on government welfare programs.
Conclusion
Homelessness is a problem that should be prevented rather than
resolved when it becomes prevalent. The government should
focus on ensuring rent prices remain low and economic
conditions are favorable so that the cost of obtaining a decent
accommodation remains low.

4. References
Cheney, B. (2017). Homeless deaths in New York City
increased in FY 2016. Retrieved January 12, 2018, from
https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/city-
hall/story/2017/01/homeless-deaths-in-new-york-city-increased-
in-2016-108761
Galeo, S. (2016). Homelessness, Its Consequences, and Its
Causes | SPH | Boston University. Retrieved January 12, 2018,
from https://www.bu.edu/sph/2016/02/28/homelessness-its-
consequences-and-its-causes/
Lancione, M. (2013). How is homelessness?. European Journal
of Homelessness, 8(2).
Sanchez, D. (2010). Civil society responses to
homelessness. Development Southern Africa, 27(1), 101-110.
SOCIAL PROBLEMS
1
Social Problems: Homelessness

5. C
h
a
n
d
a
C
r
e
w
s
SOC 203 Social Problems
Instructor: Jennifer Rosen
Jan
uary 14, 2018
SOCIAL PROBLEMS 1

6. Social Problems: Homelessness
Chanda Crews
SOC 203 Social Problems
Instructor: Jennifer Rosen
January 14, 2018