homelessness essay body

Essays About Homelessness: Top 8 Examples Plus Prompts

Everyone has heard of homeless people at some point in their lives; if you are writing essays about homelessness, read our top essay examples and prompts.

Poverty is one of the greatest evils in the world. Its effects are seen daily, from people begging on the streets to stealing to support their families. But unfortunately, one of the most prominent and upsetting diversity is homelessness. Homelessness is a significant problem in even the most developed nations, including the U.S. and Canada. Despite all the resources used to fight this issue, countries often lack the means to reduce homelessness significantly. With the proper aid, homelessness can be entirely eradicated in the future. 

If you want to write essays about homelessness, keep reading to see our essay examples and helpful writing prompts.

2. A journey with the homeless by Sujata Jena

3. i chose to be homeless: reflections on the homeless challenge by emily kvalheim, 4. my experience being homeless by scott benner, 5. what people get wrong when they try to end homelessness by james abro, 1. causes of homelessness , 2. how can homelessness be reduced, 3. mental illness and homelessness, 4. reflection on homelessness, 5. is homelessness a “personal problem”.

Are you looking for more? Check out our guide packed full of transition words for essays

1. That Homeless Man is My Brother by Megan Regnerus

“But the subtext of my friend’s statement is really Why should I give money to someone who’s lazy; who isn’t willing to work for money like I do?’ And to that I say, her opinion that people who ask for money are freeloaders who could work but choose not to, is based on assumption. It relies on the notion that the two things that shape us into able-bodied adults who can hold down a regular job, nature and nurture, are level playing fields. And they’re not.”

Regnerus writes about a friend’s claim that the homeless are “lazy,” reminding her of her homeless brother. She cites genetics and circumstance as contributing factors to homelessness. Despite the other woman being her friend, Regnerus strongly refutes her belief that the homeless are non-disabled freeloaders- they should be treated with empathy. For more, check out these articles about homelessness .

“I realize that the situation of poverty and homelessness is a huge social problem around the world. But when I meet them, I face fellow human beings, not some abstract “social problem.” The very phrase, “What would Jesus do at this scene?” haunted me.  I ventured to ask their names, age, where they came from, where they live (street, bridges, cemetery) and the reason they are on the streets. Their stories are poignant. Each one has a unique story to tell about his/her reason to be homeless, how they were forced to leave distant rural villages to live on the city streets. I tried to listen to them with empathy.”

In her essay, Jena remembers the homeless people in Manila, Philippines. She can see them beyond some “aspect of society” as human beings. She empathizes with them extensively and recalls the words of Jesus Christ about loving others, particularly the neediest.

“I, too, have not been compassionate enough, and I have allowed my prejudices to distort my view of the homeless. One woman, who sat across from me at a feeding program, talking to herself erratically, may have seemed strange to me before the Homeless Challenge. But when I really saw myself as her equal, and when I took the time to watch her get up and laugh as she danced to the music playing in the background, I thought she was beautiful. She had found her own happiness, amidst despair.”

Kvalheim details her experiences during an immersion challenge with the homeless. She recalls both the discrimination and generosity she experienced and her experiences with other homeless people. She was amazed to see how they could stay positive despite their terrible circumstances. We should be thankful for what we have and use it to help others in need. 

“As my funds dwindled, and the weather got colder, I sought shelter at Father Bill’s in Quincy Ma. When you are homeless, sometimes very small things mean a lot. A dry pair of socks, shoes without holes, a pocketful of change. You begin to realize how much you value your personal space. You begin to realize other people want space too. A lot of people have issues or have suffered in one way or another and you can see their pain. I think that there are people who for a variety of issue are chronically homeless and a larger portion of homeless are transitioning through a series of bad events.”

Benner’s essay, written for the company ArtLifting, reflects on his experience of being homeless for a brief while. Then, he and his wife grew ill, and Benner sought refuge at a homeless shelter after his company shut down. After that, he realized how his struggles were very different from those of others and the value of the more minor things he previously took for granted. Luckily, he escaped homelessness by making art with the help of ArtLifting. 

“The court denied my sister’s request and named me our mother’s legal guardian, but it appointed my sister as guardian of her property.  In 2009, when my mother passed away, my sister evicted me. The day I was scheduled to move out, I stood in a convenience store, dazed, as I stared at microwaveable meals.  These would be my new staple when I moved into the motel room. My phone rang—my sister.  She told me she needed me out of the house in a couple of hours—she was a real estate agent and a client wanted to see the house. ‘No hard feelings,’ she said.”

Similar to Benner, Abro narrates the circumstances surrounding his homelessness. After his mother’s death and a conflict with his sister led to his eviction, he ended up homeless. While his situation was unfortunate, he believes that there are many people worse off than him and that something must change to address the housing and poverty crises in America.

Top 5 Prompts On Essays about Homelessness

For your essay, it would be interesting to write about how people become homeless in the first place. Research the different causes of homelessness and elaborate on them, and be sure to provide sources such as statistics and anecdotes. 

What solutions to homelessness can you think of? In your essay, propose at least one way you think the homelessness problem can be solved or at least reduced. It must be concrete, realistic, and defensible; be sure to explain your solution well and defend its feasibility, backing up your claims with facts and logic. 

Homelessness and mental health can be linked—research into declining mental health and how homelessness can impact a person’s mental well-being. Make sure to use research data and statistics to show your findings. Conclude whether poor mental health can cause homelessness or if homelessness causes poor mental health.

You can write about what homelessness means to you in your essay. Perhaps you’ve heard stories of homeless people, or maybe you know someone who is or has been homeless. Use this essay to highly the effects of homelessness and how we can work together as a society to eradicate it.

Many say that homeless people “choose to be homeless” and are underachievers; otherwise, they would simply “get a job” and lift themselves out of poverty. Is this true? Research this topic and decide on your stance. Then, write about whether you agree with this topic for a compelling argumentative essay.

If you’re still stuck, check out our general resource of essay writing topics .

Martin is an avid writer specializing in editing and proofreading. He also enjoys literary analysis and writing about food and travel.

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5 Essays About Homelessness

Around the world, people experience homelessness. According to a 2005 survey by the United Nations, 1.6 billion people lack adequate housing. The causes vary depending on the place and person. Common reasons include a lack of affordable housing, poverty, a lack of mental health services, and more. Homelessness is rooted in systemic failures that fail to protect those who are most vulnerable. Here are five essays that shine a light on the issue of homelessness:

What Would ‘Housing as a Human Right’ Look Like in California? (2020) – Molly Solomon

For some time, activists and organizations have proclaimed that housing is a human right. This essay explores what that means and that it isn’t a new idea. Housing as a human right was part of federal policy following the Great Depression. In a 1944 speech introducing what he called the “Second Bill of Rights,” President Roosevelt attempted to address poverty and income equality. The right to have a “decent home” was included in his proposals. Article 25 of the Universal Declaration also recognizes housing as a human right. It describes the right to an “adequate standard of living.” Other countries such as France and Scotland include the right to housing in their constitutions. In the US, small local governments have adopted resolutions on housing. How would it work in California?

At KQED, Molly Solomon covers housing affordability. Her stories have aired on NPR’s All Things Considered, Morning Edition, and other places. She’s won three national Edward R. Murrow awards.

“What People Get Wrong When They Try To End Homelessness” – James Abro

In his essay, James Abro explains what led up to six weeks of homelessness and his experiences helping people through social services. Following the death of his mother and eviction, Abro found himself unhoused. He describes himself as “fortunate” and feeling motivated to teach people how social services worked. However, he learned that his experience was somewhat unique. The system is complicated and those involved don’t understand homelessness. Abro believes investing in affordable housing is critical to truly ending homelessness.

James Abro is the founder of Advocate for Economic Fairness and 32 Beach Productions. He works as an advocate for homeless rights locally and nationally. Besides TalkPoverty, he contributes to Rebelle Society and is an active member of the New Jersey Coalition to End Homelessness.

“No Shelter For Some: Street-Sleepers” (2019)

This piece (by an unknown author) introduces the reader to homelessness in urban China. In the past decades, a person wouldn’t see many homeless people. This was because of strict rules on internal migration and government-supplied housing. Now, the rules have changed. People from rural areas can travel more and most urban housing is privatized. People who are homeless – known as “street-sleepers” are more visible. This essay is a good summary of the system (which includes a shift from police management of homelessness to the Ministry of Civil Affairs) and how street-sleepers are treated.

“A Window Onto An American Nightmare” (2020) – Nathan Heller

This essay from the New Yorker focuses on San Francisco’s history with homelessness, the issue’s complexities, and various efforts to address it. It also touches on how the pandemic has affected homelessness. One of the most intriguing parts of this essay is Heller’s description of becoming homeless. He says people “slide” into it, as opposed to plunging. As an example, someone could be staying with friends while looking for a job, but then the friends decide to stop helping. Maybe someone is jumping in and out of Airbnbs, looking for an apartment. Heller’s point is that the line between only needing a place to stay for a night or two and true “homelessness” is very thin.

Nathan Heller joined the New Yorker’s writing staff in 2013. He writes about technology, higher education, the Bay Area, socioeconomics, and more. He’s also a contributing editor at Vogue, a former columnist for Slate, and contributor to other publications.

“Homelessness in Ireland is at crisis point, and the vitriol shown towards homeless people is just as shocking” (2020)#- Megan Nolan

In Ireland, the housing crisis has been a big issue for years. Recently, it’s come to a head in part due to a few high-profile incidents, such as the death of a young woman in emergency accommodation. The number of children experiencing homelessness (around 4,000) has also shone a light on the severity of the issue. In this essay, Megan Nolan explores homelessness in Ireland as well as the contempt that society has for those who are unhoused.

Megan Nolan writes a column for the New Statesman. She also writes essays, criticism, and fiction. She’s from Ireland but based in London.

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How To Write Essay About Homelessness

Homelessness remains a severe crisis among the low-income earners in most parts of the world. Statics reveal that in the United States alone, over 500,000 people are homeless every single night. That said, writing an excellent essay on homelessness to your examiner not only awards you a top grade but also positions you as a student passionate about everything that revolves around homelessness.

How to Organize an Essay on Homelessness

What matters most in your homelessness essay, what to write in your homelessness essay: essay topics on homelessness, common types of essay about homelessness, are homelessness essay examples helpful.

But here’s the thing: writing solutions to homelessness essay, homelessness essay cause, and effect, or any other topic you settle on is not a walk in the park. You need to research extensively, follow the necessary instructions, and exhaust the topic in a precise and detailed approach. Luckily, our essay for homelessness writers will make everything easy for you.

What Is Homelessness Essay?

A homelessness essay is a piece of writing that allows the students to showcase their thoughts on homelessness without deviating from their chosen topic. A good example is writing a homelessness solutions essay or what causes homelessness essay to your professor. It must come out nicely from the start to the conclusion of the homelessness essay.

Your essay about homelessness might address the episodic, transitional, or chronic types of homelessness. It’s because people are considered homeless whenever they lack a roof over their head, whether staying with friends, on the streets, or in a shelter. But how do you structure your homelessness essay?

Your homelessness essay needs well-written thoughts expressed in a way your examiner finds it easy to read all the sections, understand your idea, and internalize to see whether you present facts appropriately. All this is possible if you use the recommended format. Here’s what you need:

• Attractive introduction: Your homelessness essay introduction should have the reader’s attention from the word go. It’s here where you claim your idea and create some anticipation. Your last introductory sentence is a debatable thesis statement you’ll be arguing.
• Idealistic main body: Support your cause and effect essay on homelessness or anything else you’re writing with well-researched data. Write and cite your logical ideas. Your examiner will primarily focus on the facts and flow of your solution to homelessness essay.
• Satisfactory conclusion: Do you know that homelessness essay conclusions are the most assumed sections? Your conclusion paragraph homelessness essay’s main goal is to summarize the essay. If you write your homelessness conclusion essay right, the examiner knows how to end homelessness essay is not a problem to you and awards you a high score.

Whether you are writing a one-page problem solution essay about homelessness, the cause, and effect of homelessness essay, or a longer essay on homelessness in America, there are things you can’t assume. It’s because they define your prowess and determine the quality of your final paper. Here’s what we’re talking about:

• Homelessness essay sources
• Homelessness essay outline
• Homelessness essay conclusion
• Homelessness essay referencing
• Homelessness essay proofreading

Are you looking for homelessness essay topics to write for your professor? There’s a lot to write about. You can get a topic idea from the following types of homelessness essays:

• Mental illness and homelessness essay . Topic idea: how homelessness results in mental illness in young street mothers.
• Essay about homelessness cause and effect . Topic idea: to what extent does the shortage of affordable homes in America contribute to homelessness?
• Causes of homelessness essay . Topic idea: fundamental reasons why evictions continue to cause homelessness severely.
• Solution for homelessness essay . Topic idea: is there’s a need for changing policies on homelessness where a whole family is involved?
• Youth homelessness essay . Topic idea: factual prove that mandatory drug testing will reduce homelessness in youths.
• Homelessness social problem essay . Topic idea: homelessness vs. settled citizens concerning the view on community responsibilities.
• Homelessness in America essay . Topic idea: how can discrimination reduce homelessness in America?
• Poverty and homelessness essay . Topic idea: government rental assistance and its effectiveness in solving the modern homelessness crisis.

Every student must understand different essays to write what suits the examined context. High school, college, and university examiners are very concerned about the essay you choose to write because it helps them weigh your understanding and skills. These essays include:

• Argumentative essay on homelessness: a homelessness argumentative essay must convince anybody who reads the essay. The secret here is to give both sides of the story and let your professor see your reasoning.
• Persuasive essay about homelessness: looking forward to writing a persuasive essay on homelessness? A homelessness persuasive essay without expert touch, opinions, logic, and facts won’t earn you a good grade. Do the necessary.
• Descriptive essay on homelessness: Sometimes, you might need to describe specific issues revolving around homeless people. In such an essay, focus on the event and visualize it in detail to bring out your imagination and creativity.

A resounding yes! You can depend on previous examples to learn what a homelessness essay requires. It doesn’t matter whether you’re writing a homelessness and mental illness essay, causes, and effects of homelessness essay, essay about homelessness in America, or essay on homelessness in Ireland; examples make your writing easy and clearer.

However, make sure you can deliver a sample homelessness essay that even exceeds the quality of the reference examples. A quality homelessness essay must have a clear idea, focus on context, coherent points. Do you feel you have limited time to go through various samples online and deliver a masterpiece? Worry not!

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Homelessness and Public Health: A Focus on Strategies and Solutions

David a. sleet.

1 School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA; moc.liamg@teelsadivad

2 Veritas Management, Inc., Atlanta, GA 30324, USA

Louis Hugo Francescutti

3 School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada

4 Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada

5 Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, AB T5H 3V9, Canada

On any given night, hundreds of thousands of people are homeless in the United States and Canada. Globally, the problem is many times worse, making homelessness a global public health and environmental problem. The facts [ 1 ] are staggering:

• On a single night in January 2020, 580,466 people (about 18 out of every 10,000 people) experienced homelessness across the United States—a 2.2% increase from 2019.
• While 61% percent of the homeless were staying in sheltered locations, the remainder—more than 226,000 people—were in unsheltered locations on the street, in abandoned buildings, or in other places not suitable for human habitation.
• Homelessness has increased in the last four consecutive years.
• The increase in unsheltered homelessness is driven largely by increases in California.
• In 2020, 171,575 people in families with children experienced homelessness on a single night.
• A total of 3598 homeless people were children under the age of 18 without an adult present.
• Veterans comprised 8% of all homeless adults (over 46,000 veterans struggle with homelessness).
• People of color are significantly over-represented among those experiencing homelessness.

A layman’s definition of homelessness is usually “a person that has no permanent home”. However, many scholars have divided the broad group of people characterized as homeless into three (or more) categories:

• - People without a place to reside;
• - People in persistent poverty, forced to move constantly, and who are homeless for even brief periods of time;
• - People who have lost their housing due to personal, social, or environmental circumstances.

While this definition refers specifically to homeless individuals, it is equally applicable to homeless families.

Homelessness is closely connected to declines in physical and mental health. Homeless persons experience high rates of health problems such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and Hepatitis A infections, alcohol and drug addiction, mental illness, tuberculosis, and other serious conditions. The health problems facing homeless persons result from various factors, including a lack of housing, racism and discrimination, barriers to health care, a lack of access to adequate food and protection, limited resources for social services, and an inadequate public health infrastructure. Legal and policy interventions have often been used to attempt to address homelessness, although not always from a public health perspective.

In health care, for example, if someone experiencing homelessness comes to an emergency department for medical aid, once treated, the only alternative is to release the patient back onto the street. This creates an endless cycle of emergency department visits, increasing costs and expending resources in the health care system.

Recent work [ 2 ] has emphasized the important role of public health, the health care system, and health care providers in homelessness prevention. In this Special Issue of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH), we have brought together researchers, practitioners, and community organizers to articulate the public health problem of homelessness and identify clear strategies to reduce homelessness and provide more adequate health care and housing for this population. We also explore solutions for important subpopulations, including adults, families with children, adolescents, women, transitional aged youth, and those suffering from mental illness, PTSD, alcohol dependency, mental illness, adverse childhood experiences, and chronic homelessness.

We address many of these issues in the context of public health and explore the public health implications and potential solutions to homelessness, focusing on contemporary and emerging research and innovative strategies, and highlighting best practices to address homelessness among key populations. The papers in this Special Issue attempt to answer several questions related to homelessness and public health, such as:

• What is the extent of homelessness and why do people become homeless?
• What are the public health and health services implications of homelessness?
• What role does housing play as a precursor to and potential solution for homelessness?
• What public health and health care interventions are being employed, and what effectiveness is being achieved?
• What long-term strategies can be developed to prevent homelessness?

The 13 research papers and one commentary in this Special Issue are summarized as follows:

• Conceptualizing an Interdisciplinary Collective Impact Approach to Examine and Intervene in the Chronic Cycle of Homelessness. This study by Abdel–Samad et al. [ 3 ] focuses on a novel, interdisciplinary academic–practice partnership model for addressing the problem of homelessness. Whereas singular disciplinary approaches may fall short in substantially reducing homelessness, this approach draws from a collective impact model that integrates discipline-specific approaches through mutually reinforcing activities and shared metrics. The paper describes what is necessary for capacity-building at the institution and community levels, the complementary strengths and contributions of each discipline in the model, and future implementation goals to address homelessness in the Southern California region using a cross-disciplinary approach.
• Mental Illness and Youth-Onset Homelessness: A Retrospective Study among Adults Experiencing Homelessness . Iwundu et al. [ 4 ] conducted a retrospective study and evaluated the association between the timing of homelessness onset (youth versus adult) and mental illness. The results indicated that mental illness (as a reason for current homelessness) and severe mental illness comorbidities were each associated with increased odds of youth-onset homelessness, providing a basis for agencies that serve at-risk youth in order to address mental health precursors to youth homelessness.
• Well-Being without a Roof: Examining Well-Being among Unhoused Individuals Using Mixed Methods and Propensity Score Matching. Ahuja et al. [ 5 ] found that the mean overall well-being score of unhoused participants was significantly lower than that of matched housed participants, with unhoused participants reporting lower mean scores for social connectedness, lifestyle and daily practices, stress and resilience, emotions, physical health, and finances. The unhoused participants had a statistically significantly higher mean score for spirituality and religiosity than their matched housed counterparts. The qualitative interviews highlighted spirituality and religion as a coping mechanism for the unhoused.
• Combatting Homelessness in Canada: Applying Lessons Learned from Six Tiny Villages to the Edmonton Bridge Healing Program. Authors Wong et al. [ 6 ] discuss the Bridge Healing Program in Edmonton, Alberta, a novel approach to combatting homelessness by using hospital emergency departments (ED) as a gateway to temporary housing. The program provides residents with immediate temporary housing before transitioning them to permanent homes. The paper discusses effective strategies that underlie the Tiny Villages concept by analyzing six case studies and applying the lessons learned to improving the Bridge Healing Program and reducing repeat ED visits and ED lengths of stay among homeless individuals.
• Change in Housing Status among Homeless and Formerly Homeless Individuals in Quebec, Canada: A Profile Study. Kaltsidis et al. [ 7 ] used a cluster analysis to develop a typology of the housing status change for 270 currently or formerly homeless individuals who were residing in shelters and temporary or permanent housing. The findings suggest that the maintenance or improvement in the housing status requires the availability of suitable types and frequencies of service use (enabling factors) that are well-adapted to the complexity of health problems (needs factors) among homeless individuals. Specific interventions, such as outreach programs and case management, are prioritized as necessary services, especially for individuals at a higher risk of returning to homelessness.
• Urban Stress Indirectly Influences Psychological Symptoms through Its Association with Distress Tolerance and Perceived Social Support among Adults Experiencing Homelessness. To investigate the simultaneous impact of intrapersonal characteristics (distress tolerance) and interpersonal characteristics (social support) and their association with homelessness, Hernandez et al. [ 8 ] recruited homeless adults from six homeless shelters in Oklahoma City who self-reported urban life stress, distress tolerance, social support, major depressive disorder, and PTSD symptoms. Based on the resulting associations, their findings stress the importance of implementing interventions aimed at increasing social support for homeless persons, something that may also increase skill development for distress tolerance and indirectly lead to a reduction in depression and PTSD.
• “I Felt Safe”: The Role of the Rapid Rehousing Program in Supporting the Security of Families Experiencing Homelessness in Salt Lake County, Utah. Garcia and Kim [ 9 ] describe their research into The Road Home (TRH) program, which provides services to homeless individuals and families. TRH is known for their emergency shelters and also administers the Rapid Rehousing Program (RRHP), designed to help homeless families transition back into stable housing. After collecting qualitative data from focus groups with participants and families, landlords, case managers, and service providers, they make recommendations for program improvements that can increase the residential security of families experiencing homelessness.
• “It’s Just a Band-Aid on Something No One Really Wants to See or Acknowledge”: A Photovoice Study with Transitional Aged Youth Experiencing Homelessness to Examine the Roots of San Diego’s 2016–2018 Hepatitis A Outbreak. In this study, Felner et al. [ 10 ] examined the experiences and needs of transitional aged youth (TAY) aged 18–24 experiencing homelessness who may have been uniquely affected by an unprecedented outbreak of hepatitis A virus (HAV). The findings documented a stigmatization of TAY, interventions that failed to address root causes of the outbreak, and interactions with housing- and social support-related resources that limited rather than supported economic and social mobility. The findings have implications for understanding how media and public discourse, public health interventions, and the availability and delivery of resources can contribute to and perpetuate stigma and health inequities faced by TAY experiencing homelessness.
• Predictors of Overnight and Emergency Treatment among Homeless Adults. Iwundu et al. [ 11 ] aimed to identify the sociodemographic predictors associated with overnight and emergency hospital treatment among a sample of homeless adults. Participants were recruited from a shelter in Dallas, Texas and were predominantly uninsured, low-income men and women from various social and ethnic groups. In logistic regression models, gender emerged as the only predictor of overnight treatment in a hospital and treatment in an emergency department. Women were more likely than men to be treated overnight and use emergency care. The authors concluded that interventions and policies targeted toward homeless women’s primary health care needs would reduce health care costs.
• Association of Problematic Alcohol Use and Food Insecurity among Homeless Men and Women. In a study on alcohol use and food insecurity among homeless men and women, Reitzel et al. [ 12 ] investigated the link between problematic alcohol use and food insecurity among homeless adults in Oklahoma. Problematic alcohol use was measured using the Alcohol Quantity and Frequency Questionnaire and the Patient Health Questionnaire. Food insecurity was measured with the USDA Food Security Scale-Short Form. The results indicated that heavy drinking and probable alcohol dependence/abuse were each associated with increased odds of food insecurity. The results question whether alcohol may take precedence over eating or food purchases among this population of homeless individuals.
• Exploring Tiny Homes as an Affordable Housing Strategy to Ameliorate Homelessness: A Case Study of the Dwellings in Tallahassee, FL. “Tiny Homes” is an emerging strategy to combat homelessness, and Jackson et al. [ 13 ] raise a number of questions about the intentions, efficacy, and policy feasibility of this strategy. The paper seeks to understand the strategies used by stakeholders to plan, design, and implement a “Tiny Homes” strategy, and to assess their effectiveness. Using a case study, they examined how the community was planned, the experiences of residents, and the constraints to success. Their findings highlighted how funding constraints and NIMBYism (Not in My Backyard-ism) stymied stakeholder efforts to achieve equity and affordability, resulting in the inability to achieve project aims to develop affordable housing that served homeless populations.
• Predictors of Emergency Department Use among Individuals with Current or Previous Experience of Homelessness. The study by Gabet et al. [ 14 ] assessed the contributions of predisposing, enabling, and needs factors in predicting emergency department (ED) use among 270 individuals with a current or previous experience of homelessness. Participants were recruited from types of housing in Montreal, Quebec (Canada) and were interviewed about their ED use at baseline and again 12 months later. The findings revealed two needs factors associated with ED use: having a substance use disorder and low perceived physical health. Two enabling factors—the use of ambulatory specialized services and stigma—were also related to ED use. ED use was not associated with the type of housing. The authors suggest that improvements are needed to manage substance use disorders and the physical health of homeless individuals in order to reduce ED use.
• Being at the Bottom Rung of the Ladder in an Unequal Society: A Qualitative Analysis of Stories of People without a Home. The Mabhala and Yohannes article [ 15 ] examines the stories of homeless people and their perceptions of their social status using interviews in three centers for homeless people in Cheshire, in the English Northwest. Education, employment, and health were three domains that provided a theoretical explanation for the reasons that led to their homelessness. Participants catalogued their adverse childhood experiences, which they believe limited their capacity to meaningfully engage with social institutions for social goods, such as education, social services, and institutions of employment. They conclude that, although not all people who are poorly educated, in poor health, and unemployed end up being homeless, a combination of these together with multiple adverse childhood experiences may weaken resilience and contribute to homelessness.
• Commentary: Investing in Public Health Infrastructure to Address the Complexities of Homelessness. In a final commentary, Allegrante and Sleet [ 16 ] introduce the notion that investments in public health infrastructure are needed to address the complexities of homelessness, including the continued threats posed by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and its variants. The lack of affordable housing, widespread unemployment, poverty, addiction and mental illness, which all contribute to the risk of homelessness, would be well-served by improving the fundamental public health infrastructure. They argue that homelessness is exacerbated by system-wide infrastructure failures at the municipal, state and federal governments and from the neglect to invest in public infrastructure, including a modern public health system.

In conclusion, shelter is a basic human need. Thus far, we have an inadequate understanding of all the medical and nonmedical, public health, and infrastructural influences that drive homelessness and why so many people are living without adequate shelter. Housing is one of the most critical factors in addressing homelessness and one of the best-researched social determinants of health. Several articles here focus on innovative approaches to providing temporary or permanent housing for those who need it, and it is well known that selected housing interventions can improve health and decrease health care costs. From that perspective, some professionals in the field contend that housing equates to health [ 17 ] and that improved housing options for homeless individuals and families would advance population-level health.

Many of the articles in this Special Issue [ 18 ] focus on specific aspects of life, quality of life, and co-morbidities related to behavioral and social variables influencing homelessness. Explored in detail are factors such as lack of housing, distress, wellness, emergency department use, mental health, drug and alcohol addiction, poverty, low educational attainment, inadequate health care and social services, adverse childhood experiences, ongoing infections, unemployment, and public health infrastructure. In addition to highlighting the impact these factors can have on the likelihood that someone would become homeless, many of the articles also provide recommendations for relevant policies, practices, and interventions that could help reduce homelessness and improve overall well-being.

The intersection of environmental, behavioral, and social factors, in addition to the lack of an adequate infrastructure, must also be considered when studying the determinants of homelessness and designing appropriate interventions. Our ultimate goal in producing this Special Issue of IJERPH is to encourage the development of better evidence to inform public health, social services, and medical care policies and practices that will result in better health for homeless populations.

Acknowledgments

We thank the authors and reviewers for their commitment to preparing and editing these manuscripts and for adding to the knowledge base of this important public health problem.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Essay on Homelessness

Students are often asked to write an essay on Homelessness in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Homelessness

Understanding homelessness.

Homelessness is a serious issue where people lack a safe and stable place to live. It’s often caused by many factors like poverty, lack of affordable housing, and job loss.

Causes of Homelessness

The main causes of homelessness are economic issues, personal troubles, and societal problems. Sometimes, people lose their jobs and can’t afford rent. Other times, personal issues like addiction or mental health problems lead to homelessness.

Effects of Homelessness

Homelessness affects people’s health and well-being. It’s hard to stay healthy without a safe place to sleep and eat. It can also make it difficult to find a job or go to school.

Addressing Homelessness

To help homeless people, we can support organizations that provide shelter, food, and services. We can also advocate for more affordable housing and job opportunities. Everyone deserves a safe place to call home.

250 Words Essay on Homelessness

The phenomenon of homelessness.

Homelessness is a complex societal issue that extends beyond the absence of physical housing. It is a multifaceted problem, deeply rooted in economic instability, systemic failures, and personal circumstances.

Economic Factors

Economic factors play a critical role in homelessness. Rising housing costs, unemployment, and poverty often force individuals and families into homelessness. The lack of affordable housing is particularly problematic, creating a gap between income and housing costs that many cannot bridge.

Systemic Failures

Systemic failures, including lack of social support and inadequate mental health services, also contribute to homelessness. Without proper safety nets, individuals struggling with mental health issues, addiction, or domestic violence may end up on the streets.

Personal Circumstances

Personal circumstances such as family breakdown, job loss, or health crises can also lead to homelessness. These situations can quickly escalate, leaving individuals without a stable living situation.

Addressing homelessness requires a comprehensive approach that tackles economic, systemic, and personal dimensions. It involves implementing affordable housing policies, strengthening social support systems, and providing resources for mental health and addiction services.

Homelessness is a complex issue that demands a nuanced understanding and a multi-pronged approach. By acknowledging and addressing the multifaceted nature of homelessness, society can move towards a more inclusive and equitable future.

500 Words Essay on Homelessness

Introduction.

Homelessness is a complex societal issue that has persisted for centuries. It is a state where individuals lack stable, safe, and adequate nighttime residence. This predicament is not confined to a specific region or country but is a global concern that affects millions of people. The complexity of homelessness is tied to an intricate web of systemic issues such as poverty, lack of affordable housing, and societal neglect.

The Causes of Homelessness

Homelessness does not occur in a vacuum. It is a result of a multitude of factors, both systemic and individual. Economic instability is a significant factor. The widening gap between the rich and the poor, coupled with the lack of affordable housing, has led to an increase in the number of homeless individuals. Furthermore, life events such as job loss, family breakdown, or health crises can quickly lead to homelessness if the individual lacks a support system.

Mental health issues and substance abuse also play a role. Many homeless individuals suffer from mental health disorders or addiction, which can lead to job loss, social isolation, and eventually, homelessness. These issues are often exacerbated by the lack of access to appropriate healthcare and social services.

Impact on Society and Individuals

Homelessness has a profound impact on both individuals and society. For individuals, it often means a life of constant insecurity, poor health, and social exclusion. Homeless people are more likely to experience violence, harassment, and discrimination. Furthermore, they often suffer from physical illnesses and mental health issues at much higher rates than the general population.

From a societal perspective, homelessness is a significant economic burden. The cost of emergency healthcare, law enforcement, and social services for homeless individuals is substantial. Moreover, homelessness can lead to increased crime rates and decreased community cohesion, impacting the quality of life for all community members.

Addressing homelessness requires a multifaceted approach. This includes increasing the availability of affordable housing, providing access to healthcare (including mental health services), and creating job opportunities for those at risk. Furthermore, it is crucial to develop social programs that provide a safety net for individuals experiencing life crises.

Preventive measures are equally important. This includes addressing income inequality, improving access to education, and providing support for at-risk populations such as veterans and individuals with mental health issues.

Homelessness is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive and compassionate approach. It is a reflection of the systemic failures of society, and addressing it requires confronting these systemic issues head-on. By increasing the availability of affordable housing, improving access to healthcare and social services, and implementing preventive measures, we can make significant strides towards reducing homelessness. As a society, we must remember that every individual deserves the dignity of a safe and stable home.

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Books | How José Vadi’s essay collection…

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Books | how josé vadi’s essay collection ‘chipped’ explores the skateboarder’s experience, the author grew up in pomona and spent his youth skating around southern california's san gabriel valley and inland empire..

To a skater, the board is an extension of the body. And like a skateboard, an aging body can show life’s hard knocks.

“Skateboarding is truly rebellious and punk in its ethos,” said author José Vadi . “Nobody should care how old someone is just as much as someone shouldn’t care about their sexual orientation, gender, economic background. None of those things should be the determining factor of your ability to enjoy yourself on a skateboard.”

Vadi explores these ideas and more in his sophomore collection of essays, “Chipped: Writing from a Skateboarder’s Lens,” out on Tuesday, April 16.

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“Having an active relationship with skateboarding means having an active relationship with your body – but also the realization of your own mortality,” Vadi said in a recent phone interview from his Sacramento home. “That happens every time you try a trick, whether or not you’re gonna land or get injured, and as your body changes over time.”

As a skater, he has been keenly aware of his changing body with each passing decade. The book’s second essay documents a bad fall he had in 2019 and the excruciating pain that lingered on for weeks. His description of the experience, like much of the collection of essays, is written with sharp prose.

“As an older skater who is graying, you definitely feel self-conscious, not just because of your age but your ability at your age, or lack thereof,” he said.

Vadi grew up in Pomona and began skating in the mid-’90s, on the cusp of his teenage years. The book transitions between skating around Southern California’s San Gabriel Valley and Inland Empire and skating the streets of San Francisco and Berkeley. He also looks at how much has changed since he began.

“In the wake of all these new skate parks that have developed over the past 20 years, these kids are so good out of the gate. The baseline barometer of what is considered proficient in skateboarding today is what we would consider pro in the ’90s,” He said.

The book provides insight into what it’s like for kids skating out of suburbia to find themselves – or other like-minded skaters who are also exploring the freedom the board bestows.

“You’re so bound to a car, and skateboarding gives you a vehicle, metaphorically and literally, to re-explore your world,” he said. “Growing up in the suburbs, things can get very dull, very quick, and skateboarding allows you to reenergize and reimagine an environment.”

That reimagining can be literal, such as turning an empty industrial space into a landscape bursting with creative possibilities. “It’s turning a loading dock into a skatepark,” says Vadi.

The essays also illustrate the impact that skating had on popular culture, touching on MTV, skating publications such as Thrasher Magazine, and videotapes of riders that got passed around skating scenes and shops around the country.

Music also plays a large role in the book. Vadi writes about how skating incorporated punk, hip-hop, heavy metal, and other genres that helped redefine its culture. In one essay, he investigates the connections between jazz and skating, arguing that the musician and composer known as Sun Ra is a skater despite never stepping on a board.

“If I’m writing through skateboarder’s lens and am really going to try to own that perspective, it has to be inclusive of as much of those different strands as possible,” he said.

As much as the book is about skating, it also reminds readers of the beauty in the documentation of ourselves and the interests we acquire through our lived experiences.

“I feel like ‘Chipped’ is a redocumentation by way of articulation,” he said. “It reflects this larger need to document … and to articulate the many ways that this thing that we care about can impact someone.”

“The point is not to be better than anyone else, or to necessarily compete,” he said. “The point is to enjoy the act itself and in comradery with others.”

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Third-year students aravind krishnan and tej patel are both in the vagelos program in life sciences and management..

University of Pennsylvania third-year students, Aravind Krishnan and Tej Patel, have received Harry S. Truman Scholarships , a merit-based award of as much as $30,000 for graduate or professional school to prepare for careers in public service.

Krishnan and Patel are both majoring in molecular and cell biology, as well as health care management and policy and statistics, in the Vagelos Program in Life Sciences and Management, a dual-degree program in the Wharton School and the College of Arts and Sciences .

They are among 60 Truman Scholars from 54 U.S. colleges and universities selected this year from 709 candidates nominated by 285 institutions. They are the 31st and 32nd  Truman Scholars from Penn since the first awards in 1977.

Krishnan, from Newark, Delaware, co-founded ToxiSense , a biosensor technology for detecting bacterial toxin contamination and screening for bacterial infections. He conducts research in the Perelman School of Medicine ’s Greenberg Lab , where he works on understanding DNA damage repair mechanisms. He is development chair of the Shelter Health Outreach Program , a Penn undergrad-led organization that runs hypertension screening clinics across Philadelphia and partners with Penn Medicine to operate mobile primary care clinics and a free clinic in West Philadelphia. In that role, Krishnan also organized a citywide health needs assessment, interviewing over 100 people at shelters across Philadelphia. Based on the findings, he then helped launch a mobile dental clinic program with Penn Dental Medicine . He has also worked on equity in care delivery abroad, including at the Aravind Eye Hospital in India, through the Center for the Advanced Study of India. Krishnan is a Perry World House Student Fellow , U.N. Millennium Fellow , and recipient of the Wharton Social Impact Research Experience grant and Hassenfeld Foundation Social Impact Grant . He has received several awards and prizes, including the Perelman Grand Prize at the Penn Venture Lab Startup Challenge . He plans to pursue an M.D./Ph.D. focused on immunology and infectious disease.

Patel, from Billerica, Massachusetts, is interested in making health care systems more equitable and cost-effective. He has co-authored 19 peer-reviewed research manuscripts , 10 as first-author, on radiation oncology, health economics, and care delivery. Patel works in Penn Medicine 's Radiation Oncology and Breast Surgery departments, as well as the Human Algorithm Collaboration Lab , where he led a systemwide study examining the cost-effectiveness of a machine-learning intervention meant to increase serious illness conversations in end-of-life care. Patel co-founded the Social Equity Action Lab, a youth-led think tank that brings together students, institutional partners, and policymakers to inform legislation on key health care issues. On campus, Patel is the director of the Locust Bioventures group, coordinator for the Netter Center Pipeline Program , and policy/outcomes researcher for the Shelter Health Outreach Program . He also has interned with the Mongan Institute for Health Policy and Institute for Healthcare Improvement , working on projects covering Medicare Part D policy and alternative payment models. Patel plans to pursue an M.D./M.P.P. with a goal to improve nationwide care delivery.

The students applied to the Harry S. Truman Scholarship program with assistance from Penn’s Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships . 

In addition to funding, Truman Scholars also receive priority admission and supplemental financial aid at some graduate institutions, leadership training, and special internship opportunities within the federal government.

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation was created by Congress in 1975 to be the nation’s living memorial to President Truman. The foundation has a mission to select and support the next generation of public service leaders.

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Home — Essay Samples — Social Issues — Homelessness — Homelessness: Causes, Effects, and Solutions

Homelessness: Causes, Effects, and Solutions

• Categories: Homelessness

About this sample

Words: 687 |

Published: Feb 7, 2024

Words: 687 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Table of contents

Causes of homelessness, economic factors, social factors, effects of homelessness, physical effects, psychological effects, solutions to homelessness, short-term solutions, long-term solutions, current state of homelessness.

• Poverty: Poverty is the primary cause of homelessness. Homeless individuals often lack access to basic resources such as food, clothing, and shelter. Poverty can result from a lack of education, low wages , or job loss.
• Unemployment: Unemployment is another significant economic factor contributing to homelessness. Many homeless individuals are unable to find stable employment due to limited education, job skills, or discrimination.
• Lack of affordable housing: The lack of affordable housing is a significant contributor to homelessness. Many individuals cannot afford the high cost of rent, and affordable housing is often limited in urban areas.
• Domestic Violence: Domestic violence is a significant social factor contributing to homelessness, particularly among women and children. Many victims of domestic violence flee their homes and become homeless.
• Substance Abuse: Substance abuse is another significant social factor contributing to homelessness. Homeless individuals often turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with their difficult situation, leading to addiction and further isolation.
• Mental Illness: Mental illness is a significant social factor contributing to homelessness. Many homeless individuals suffer from mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, making it challenging to maintain stable housing and employment.
• Malnutrition: Homeless individuals often lack access to healthy food, leading to malnutrition and related health problems.
• Exposure to Extreme Weather: Homeless individuals are often exposed to extreme weather conditions such as heat, cold, and rain, leading to health problems such as hypothermia or heat stroke.
• Poor Hygiene: Homeless individuals often lack access to basic hygiene products such as soap and water, leading to poor hygiene and related health problems.
• Depression: Homeless individuals often experience feelings of hopelessness, loneliness, and depression, leading to mental health problems.
• Anxiety: Homeless individuals often experience anxiety related to their uncertain living situation, leading to mental health problems.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Homeless individuals who have experienced trauma, such as domestic violence or natural disasters, may develop post-traumatic stress disorder, leading to mental health problems.
• Emergency Shelters: Emergency shelters provide temporary housing and basic needs such as food, clothing, and hygiene facilities for homeless individuals.
• Food Banks: Food banks provide free or low-cost food for homeless individuals who lack access to healthy food.
• Outreach Programs: Outreach programs provide support services such as counseling, job training, and healthcare for homeless individuals.
• Affordable Housing: Affordable housing provides stable, safe, and affordable housing for homeless individuals.
• Job Training Programs: Job training programs provide homeless individuals with the skills and education needed to secure stable employment.
• Mental Health Treatment: Mental health treatment provides homeless individuals with the necessary mental health support to manage their mental health issues and improve their quality of life.
• Statistics: According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, there were an estimated 580,000 homeless people in the United States in 2020.
• Homelessness and COVID-19: The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the homelessness crisis, with many homeless individuals lacking access to healthcare and shelter.
• Homelessness in Urban vs Rural Areas: Homelessness is more prevalent in urban areas, but rural areas also have a significant homeless population, often with limited access to resources and support services.

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Health Problems Among Homeless People Essay

Introduction.

Homeless people constitute one of the most vulnerable groups in society. They often arrive at their situation due to domestic violence, unemployment or underemployment and lack of affordable housing, forced eviction or power abuse, natural disasters, mental disorders, etc. Some are born into homelessness. Once in the street, these people become victims of the social stigma. They have little chance of finding proper housing, and, having little support and no hope, are forced to fend for themselves. It is no wonder that they suffer from numerous health problems, and have very little chance to get the proper health care if any at all. In this paper, we will discuss the health problems that are commonly faced by homeless people (adult men and women, children, and adolescents).

Homeless adults usually suffer from 8-9 diseases simultaneously. They often have dermatologic problems (lice, eczema, scabies, etc.), respiratory infections, dental conditions, injury, foot diseases (fungal infections, trench foot), sight problems, and mental illnesses, as well as thermoregulatory issues (Donohoe, 2004). They frequently suffer from chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, tuberculosis, hypertension, HIV/AIDS (American Psychological Association, n.d., para. 5). Homeless people of both sexes report mental problems (74% men and 83% women), so there is no substantial difference. The significant difference is also absent when it comes to substance use (73% men, 68% women) (Edens, Mares, & Rosenheck, 2011). Still, males appear to more frequently abuse alcohol than women. It is also known that 47% of homeless women “meet the criteria for a diagnosis of major depressive disorder,” which is two times higher than the same rate for women in general (American Psychological Association, n.d., para. 5)

Homeless people have a high mortality rate, and their lifespan rarely exceeds 45 years. Homeless women commonly have suffered from childhood abuse (more than half of all homeless children and women become homeless attempting to escape domestic violence). Homeless girls and women very often suffer from sexually transmitted diseases due to the non-availability of reproductive health services, prostitution, and sex traded for food, shelter, or substances – the so-called survival sex (Donohoe, 2004).

The non-availability of contraceptives and other means of birth control combined with the frequent survival sex mean that homeless women get pregnant often; the pregnancy rate among them is approximately two times higher than the national rate (Donohoe, 2004, para. 10). While pregnant, women suffer from numerous health conditions and are unable to get proper medical care, which also affects the health of their future children. Children born into homelessness are exposed to a significantly higher risk of death than children who have a home. As for common illnesses, homeless children very often have “respiratory, ear, and skin infections… developmental delay, and face neglect and abuse” (Donohoe, 2004, para. 9). The developmental delay often becomes evident at an early age, during infanthood, and leads to significant psychological and physical problems which cause emotional disorders and lack of social skills. Homeless children also often suffer from stunted growth, anemia, cardiac and neurological diseases.

Homeless adolescents suffer from numerous health issues as well. These include malnutrition, thermoregulatory issues (e.g., heatstroke and hypothermia), sexually transmitted infections (hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, and others), asthma, traumatic injury (including self-inflicted injury), and other problems (Murphy & Tobin, 2012, 638-639). They also often abuse substances.

To sum up, it should be noted that homeless people, one of the most vulnerable groups in society, suffer from numerous health problems. On average, they have 8-9 illnesses simultaneously. All the four identified groups (homeless men, women, children, and adolescents) experience various chronic health conditions, such as asthma. They also have dermatologic problems. Both adults and teenagers often abuse substances and suffer from sexually transmitted diseases. Women and girls are more prone to sexually transmitted diseases due to survival sex; they also have high pregnancy rates. All the groups are vulnerable to thermoregulatory issues. Most adults of both sexes have mental problems; children experience developmental disorders that significantly influence their lives when they become adolescents. All the groups often experience trauma due to harsh conditions they live in; sometimes, especially among adolescents, traumas are self-inflicted.

American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Health & homelessness . Web.

Donohoe, M. (2004). Homelessness in the United States: History, epidemiology, health issues, women, and public policy . Web.

Edens, E. L., Mares, A. S., & Rosenheck, R. A. (2011). Chronically homeless women report high rates of substance use problems equivalent to chronically homeless men. Women’s Health Issues, 21 (5), 383-389.

Murphy, J. J., & Tobin, K. (2012). Addressing the problems of homeless adolescents. Journal of School Leadership , 22 (3), 633-663.

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