advocating for homeless

Advocating for the homeless

Advocating for the homeless
This paper will examine a specific population of clients who have special needs. I discovered that homeless means more than not having a house but a permanent place of residence of one’s own. In addition, there are other circumstances of reasoning why people are homeless and it’s unfair to stereo type them all as drug user being the primary cause. Drug use could be one reason and then there are others such as: loss of employment, alcoholism, and physical or emotional abuse. The population that I will be examining is the homeless. A personal perspective on how I, as an advocate, assist with problems this group has such as: food, shelter, clothing, and transportation needs.
Specific population: Homeless
“The most adjacent cause of homelessness in United States is poverty” (University of Richmond, 2003). To be homeless means a person doesn’t have a permanent place of residence. A lot of the problems associated with homeless is poor nutrition, unemployment, drug addictions, and violence. Homelessness is increasing more each year and unless there are more programs available the homeless epidemic will continue to expand.
Assisting the client
“Advocacy refers to influencing decisions that affect the welfare or interests of another individual or group” (Barsky, 2002, pg.219). In becoming an advocate for the homeless it would be imperative for me to enable the client on how to make modification toward their situation to benefit themselves. Advocating for the homeless involve tasks such as: goal setting for the client, informative of available resource, and working to alter policies that bound their capabilities. A more precise way to advocate for homeless by enabling them to create change for themselves, and explain how the possibilities for change can help them to achieve their goals. These people must yearn for a change toward their lifestyle with educational and job training and rehabilitation services of drug and alcohol use. In acknowledging the core objective for the homeless situation and advocate can assist a client in proper resources of information. An advocate is crucial for individuals who reside in special condition, and have difficulties in achieving goals or acquire suitable treatment from organizations. A variety of populations encounter exceptional misfortune that impedes them from formulating a normal lifestyle that Americans enjoy. However, every person thoughts of normal may differ, the definition I think of here is: being able to sustain suitable life assistance free from outside entity such as government or nonprofit organization.
Homeless people have many obstacles to overturn because they have no permanent residence and inadequate financial means to change their lifestyle. Meanwhile, no finance, unemployed, and lack of transportation hinder a homeless person from attaining their goals. Therefore, advocating for the homeless is crucial for awareness. By being a voice for these people I can help locate the services they need and empower them to become more self-sufficient.

References
Barsky, A.E. (2000). Conflict Resolution for the helping Profession. Thomson Learning.
University of Richmond. (2003). Solutions for America: Preventing Homelessness in America. Retrieved October 27, 2012, from http://solutionsforamerica.org/thrivingneigh/homelessness.html

References: Barsky, A.E. (2000). Conflict Resolution for the helping Profession. Thomson Learning. University of Richmond. (2003). Solutions for America: Preventing Homelessness in America. Retrieved October 27, 2012, from http://solutionsforamerica.org/thrivingneigh/homelessness.html