Upon reading this week’s chapters regarding the topic of homelessness, it struck me how many different factors besides poverty is a cause of homelessness; insufficient resources, discrimination, and unaffordable housing all contribute to the issue of homelessness. Thus, solving the issue of homelessness is a more complex process that needs to address the various contributing factors.

The “Housing the Homeless” and “Opening Doors” approach which avoids shelters and instead provides housing for those who have lost their homes is only beneficial to a portion of the homeless population, mostly those who struggle financially and economically. However, this doesn’t address the problem for those who are homeless due to other factors such as lack of education, mental illness etc. For these people, in order to help them keep their homes, we need to address the root of the problem to prevent a repeated cycle of homelessness.

Similarly, combating discrimination in housing is another example of getting to the root of the problem. Not only to people of color and different race face discrimination, but this is also a severe issue for disabled people as well. As a result, minorities and the disabled are forced to settle in poor neighborhoods and are unable to receive the same comforts, security, and opportunities.

Overall, the issue of homelessness is complex and multifaceted and needs to be addressed from all facets in order to be fully solved. A more active role by the government and our public officials to enforce policies, provide rehabilitation, job training etc. is needed to reduce homelessness and to ensure that every person is able to have a place they can call home.