The phenomenon of homelessness in the U.S. is not endemic to Missouri; quite the contrary, it has affected a range of states. However, the issue of homelessness and its long-term effects have been particularly prominent in Missouri, in general, and in Columbia, in particular. Indeed, according to the recent reports, the number of people suffering from of poverty in Columbia, Missouri has reached 288 (Dunlap, 2021). Though the specified number might seem insignificant, it is indicative of a broader and quite troubling trend. By introducing an outreach program aimed at providing vulnerable groups and populations at risk with cheaper housing options, as well as expanding the reach across entire Columbia, one will be able to address the issue of poverty in the target area.
Examining the current issue further, one will recognize the presence of multiple contributors to the issue of homelessness. Among these, socioeconomic and financial issues represent the core of the problem, leading to a rise in unemployment, lack of education opportunities, and the associated decline in financial well-being (Pattillo et al., 2022). Therefore, the introduction of tools for reaching out to vulnerable populations and providing them with the resources needed to gin the required assistance will be needed (Pattillo et al., 2022). In turn, the proposed program will facilitate the specified opportunity by providing cheaper housing options along with communication frameworks for supporting vulnerable community members and offering them the requires resources.
By introducing a program that will allow introducing cheaper housing options and reaching out to vulnerable communities and groups at risk, one will be able to reduce homelessness rates in Columbia, Missouri. In addition, core socioeconomic, sociopolitical, technological, and sociocultural factors contributing to the exacerbation of the issue need to be revisited. The proposed solution will allow gaining an in-depth insight into the problem of homelessness in Columbia, Missouri, thus, offering adequate help to the target demographic.
References
Dunlap, C. (2021). Here are two key ways to help Columbia’s homeless population. Columbia Tribune. Web.
Pattillo, M., Banks, E., Sargent, B., & Boches, D. J. (2022). Monetary sanctions and housing instability. RSF: The Russell Sage Foundation Journal of the Social Sciences, 8(2), 57-75. Web.