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[nanini]

What's your solution for homelessness as a social problem?

Comments

[msbyn]

I have no idea... but managing to NOT be homeless ourselves seems to be the most we're capable of. We've been far too close to it for my comfort level.

Have you seen this blog? ahomelessbloggerinnyc.blogspot.com/

[nanini]

Yes, I know about that. I'm torn on the issue but I actually tend to agree. It's how it's done that makes the difference.

[nanini]

Oh I thought you meant the first post about homeless hotspot. It's the actual blog then. I'll look into it, looks interesting.

[nanini]

I think there are real efforts taking place to take people from the street and take care of them. But from what I've learned this comes with a lot of conditions that usually scare off homeless people, especially those who have wondered into mental problems and detachment from society. I think the problem may be that they're trying to solve all problems at once. Maybe if we tackle each issue separately we'd get better results and for me the most urgent is really to get those people a roof

[unearthingbone]

housing-first model housing and radical systemic change/breakdown and reconfiguring. sea change of cultural assumptions, norms, and stigmas around class, race, gender, ability, immigration status, etc.

[unearthingbone]

oh, and sea change in the mainstream of cultural assumptions around mental wellness/mental health concerns and/or substance (ab)use.

[nanini]

That's hardly a solution.

[nanini]

I don't see a problem with that last part :P

[khemlab]

I think it's a mistake to paint "homelessness" with a broad brush - there are many different reasons that people are homeless. Those that are mentally unstable and literally incapable of holding down a job no matter how much training they're given need a different solution than people who are homeless because, despite their best efforts and job capabilities, they fell behind financially to the extent that they no longer have a home. Those that are homeless by choice don't need a solution.

There are quite a few programs, shelters, etc., dedicated to at least housing and feeding the homeless population, though they obviously fall short as we still have people sleeping on the streets. I don't think there has ever been a time in history when there weren't people who fell outside the societal norm of acceptable employment/housing arrangements, and I don't think there ever will be a time that everyone falls inside that norm. I'm not even sure that's a desirable outcome, as it would necessitate encroaching heavily on individual freedom

[nanini]

I agree with you, but I really wish those people didn't have to sleep outside under the rain and cold. And of course there's no universal solution, but if we could get them a roof while we try to find a final solution for each case I'd be happy.

[khemlab]

I wish that too, very much.