The concept of a social problem is a condition, event, or situation that constitutes as troublesome that needs to be changed. A social problem is not considered to be a social problem unless it is seen as a violating or threatening the fundamentals of society. They span the entire spectrum of the population: white, black, Indian, and Hispanic men, women, and children. No race is exempt; homelessness is an equal opportunity social issue. At the Bakersfield homeless shelter, I worked in the kitchen, and the service learning project raised awareness for me about the underlying issues, factors, and reasons that create homelessness.
The Bakersfield Homeless Shelter addresses homelessness; their purpose is to create a strong safety net for the homeless …show more content…
Individual factors include lacking in qualifications, debt in a mortgage, or relationship breakdown. The homeless can suffer from a loss of self-esteem, the ability and will to care for themselves. Their health tends to decline due to stress about their basic needs, and a way to cope with their stress is to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol. The drugs and alcohol have a negative effect on their lives because it can lead to incarceration. A middle aged white woman, mother of four children, became the breadwinner of her family when her husband injured his back at work. She barely made ends meet and started using drugs; the drugs led her to a prison sentence. When an individual has very few resources and is dealing with the demands of social circumstances, it is known as role strain. Leon-Guerrero (2016) explained that strain occurs when the demands of one’s role, exceeds their ability and resources to fulfill their role and self-medication is a coping response. On the other hand, structure influences are a factor. These factors include housing policies, unemployment, and the lack of affordable …show more content…
The Title II of the 1998 Cranston- Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act can be reinforced; the act is to expand safe and sanitary affordable housing for rent or ownership. Grants to state and local governments are given to build or buy homes and that benefits the economy. Unfortunately, barriers are homeless shelters; shelters provide food and services. Shelters have the ability to turn the homeless people into dependents. Leon- Guerrero (2016) explained that shelters are referred to as “Band-Aid” solutions because they aren’t fixing the problem. Shelters shouldn’t enable the homeless instead prepare them for their independence. Apart of gaining independence is by working and even though capitalist love part-time workers, they are creating the risk of homelessness. Part-time workers have to work twice as hard as full-time workers to obtain their basic needs. Housing is needed, but it can be expensive. An estimated amount for an apartment is between 800 and 1,000 dollars. Burger (2011) explained that for middle and working class apartment rentals can range between 800 and 1,362 dollars. In addition, most apartments require a down payment, the first month’s rent, and the rent will increase over time. For a part-time worker who earns less and is more likely to get their hours cut than a full-time
The Bakersfield Homeless Shelter addresses homelessness; their purpose is to create a strong safety net for the homeless …show more content…
Individual factors include lacking in qualifications, debt in a mortgage, or relationship breakdown. The homeless can suffer from a loss of self-esteem, the ability and will to care for themselves. Their health tends to decline due to stress about their basic needs, and a way to cope with their stress is to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol. The drugs and alcohol have a negative effect on their lives because it can lead to incarceration. A middle aged white woman, mother of four children, became the breadwinner of her family when her husband injured his back at work. She barely made ends meet and started using drugs; the drugs led her to a prison sentence. When an individual has very few resources and is dealing with the demands of social circumstances, it is known as role strain. Leon-Guerrero (2016) explained that strain occurs when the demands of one’s role, exceeds their ability and resources to fulfill their role and self-medication is a coping response. On the other hand, structure influences are a factor. These factors include housing policies, unemployment, and the lack of affordable …show more content…
The Title II of the 1998 Cranston- Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act can be reinforced; the act is to expand safe and sanitary affordable housing for rent or ownership. Grants to state and local governments are given to build or buy homes and that benefits the economy. Unfortunately, barriers are homeless shelters; shelters provide food and services. Shelters have the ability to turn the homeless people into dependents. Leon- Guerrero (2016) explained that shelters are referred to as “Band-Aid” solutions because they aren’t fixing the problem. Shelters shouldn’t enable the homeless instead prepare them for their independence. Apart of gaining independence is by working and even though capitalist love part-time workers, they are creating the risk of homelessness. Part-time workers have to work twice as hard as full-time workers to obtain their basic needs. Housing is needed, but it can be expensive. An estimated amount for an apartment is between 800 and 1,000 dollars. Burger (2011) explained that for middle and working class apartment rentals can range between 800 and 1,362 dollars. In addition, most apartments require a down payment, the first month’s rent, and the rent will increase over time. For a part-time worker who earns less and is more likely to get their hours cut than a full-time