Homelessness in the United States with the concepts of Finland.
Statements like, "they are just lazy”, are sometimes used to describe people who are homeless. These kinds of hasty remarks are deplorable because those, who think this way, could also become homeless for reasons not related to laziness, which can allow someone to reflect on themselves. There are many components that may contribute to homelessness, such as drug abuse, mental health, joblessness, or the lack of resources. These factors along with homelessness all feed into each other like a negative feedback loop, making a person feel stuck and hopeless. A YouTube channel, Yes Theory, epitomizes the struggle of homelessness and emphasizes how much life should be appreciated. In one its video, people are challenged to live for 24-hours either on the streets without any money or in the Nevada desert without any clothes. While these challenges can be entertaining, they can also be very humbling and illuminating. So, what is the most appropriate course of action for combating homelessness? And are programs that are focused on it genuinely helping? As a multifactorial problem, homelessness could be combated more effectively 1) by debunking the negative perspectives of homelessness and becoming more cognizant of each homeless person’s individual story and 2) by implementing other strategies at a government level, such as the one that Finland currently uses.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Homelessness is an Issue
- A Prime Example of Failing System and Programs
- Perspectives of Immigrants
- Combating Homelessness
- Programs to Combat Homelessness
- The Staircase Approach
- Breaking Down Social Norms
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay explores the complexities of homelessness and critiques existing programs in the United States. It delves into the multifaceted causes of homelessness, challenging prevailing negative perceptions and highlighting the importance of understanding individual stories. The essay also proposes potential solutions, drawing inspiration from Finland's successful model of addressing homelessness.
- The multifactorial nature of homelessness and the limitations of current US programs.
- The impact of negative perceptions and the need for a more humane approach to understanding individual experiences.
- The importance of addressing mental health issues and drug abuse in combating homelessness.
- The potential effectiveness of Finland's "staircase approach" in incentivizing personal development and reducing homelessness.
- The crucial role of social norms and societal attitudes in creating an environment conducive to addressing homelessness.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Homelessness is an Issue: This section introduces the multifaceted nature of homelessness, highlighting the impact of drug abuse, mental health issues, joblessness, and a lack of resources. The essay criticizes simplistic generalizations about homeless individuals and emphasizes the need to consider individual stories.
- A Prime Example of Failing System and Programs: The essay uses the example of a homeless man in East Boston to illustrate the shortcomings of existing programs that often fail to address the root causes of homelessness.
- Perspectives of Immigrants: This section explores the perspectives of immigrants, particularly those from immigrant parents, and challenges the assumption that homelessness is solely due to laziness or lack of work ethic.
- Combating Homelessness: The essay argues that combating homelessness requires a multifaceted approach that includes debunking negative perspectives and implementing effective government-led strategies. It highlights the effectiveness of Finland's approach to addressing homelessness.
- Programs to Combat Homelessness: The essay critiques the shortcomings of US government programs and the need for more effective strategies, emphasizing the importance of addressing the root causes of homelessness rather than solely focusing on temporary solutions.
- The Staircase Approach: This section delves into Finland's "staircase approach," a system that incentivizes personal growth and development, ultimately leading to a reduction in homelessness. The essay advocates for the implementation of this approach in the US.
- Breaking Down Social Norms: The essay concludes by emphasizing the importance of breaking down negative social norms surrounding homelessness and promoting a more empathetic and supportive society.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Homelessness, drug abuse, mental health, joblessness, social norms, societal attitudes, government programs, Finland, staircase approach, individual stories, empathy, compassion, societal responsibility.
- Quote paper
- Bryan Melendez (Author), 2022, Homelessness is an Issue. Homelessness in the United States with the concepts of Finland, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1240024
