Homelessness is a person’s social status due to the lack of any housing designed and suitable for living. As a social phenomenon, it is caused by a complex of social, economic, civil, and cultural conflicts, as a result of which a part of the population is deprived of living conditions, which are recognized as an integral part of civilized society and social policy in modern states.
The problem of existence and increase in the quantity of the homeless population in recent years has become extremely acute. Today, there are about 150 million homeless people in the world, which is 2 percent of the world’s population (Thompson 254). The following reasons for the appearance of this category of people can be identified: alcoholism, drug addiction, loss of housing as a result of apartment fraud, lack of a permanent job and, as a consequence, inability to maintain housing, loss of living space due to imprisonment, conflicts in the family, and serious illnesses. The increase in homelessness in recent years has been the result of a systemic socio-political and economic crisis as well.
This category of people needs assistance, which can be provided in the form of cash benefits, necessities, temporary accommodation, free meals, social housing, assistance in social rehabilitation, as well as medical and social counseling (Thompson 257). It is necessary to carry out targeted measures for the social adaptation of the homeless by both governmental and non-governmental bodies.
I can help homeless people with their basic needs by providing food, drink, and clothes. If I meet a homeless near my house, in the basement, or the attic, I will not chase that person out into the street. I will give that individual warm clothes, food, and check if he or she needs any medical assistance. If there are warming centers or shelters in the city, I will tell the person that he or she may spend the night there, or give a leaflet with addresses. If a person has a request for restoration of documents, employment, search for relatives, then I will tell him or her about social assistance.
Homeless people face many difficulties: they do not have drinking water and food, including hot water, which helps not to freeze. It is especially difficult for them in the cold season, so they need particular help and special attention in winter. Like any other person, I can buy a homeless person some warm food and a glass of hot tea, which does not cause any trouble for me. Besides, I can also help any charity and non-governmental organization nearby that cares for homeless people. In such a way, volunteering just a bit of my time, I may save someone’s life.
Work Cited
Thompson, Erika L., et al. “Navigating the system for families experiencing homelessness: a community-driven exploration of barriers encountered.” Journal of Children and Poverty, vol. 26, no. 2, 2020, 253-267.