Distributive Justice On Homelessness

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With the growing need to maintain financial stability and the constant aspiration to climb up the social ladder, the rise of homelessness and lack of justice is a growing epidemic that many fail to give thought and attention to. Usually, the instinct of many individuals upon coming into contact with an individual begging for financial help, or merely coming across a homeless encampment, is to keep walking and turn a head away. For the few who are able to spare some change or a sincere acknowledgment, though the small act of kindness serves as a temporary form of aid, it does not address the issue behind homelessness. In the scope of this issue, not only are individuals depleted of basic needs and resources, but also many who fall trap to the …show more content…
One example from the New York Times article, “Treating Homeless People Like Criminals,” points out that a recent law in New Orleans established in 2015, charges offenders jail time of up to six months along with a fine of $500 for getting caught panhandling and sleeping on the streets. Although it is asserted that these are measures to maintain the beauty of the city and to encourage the homeless to find other alternatives, nonetheless it further dismisses the issue of poverty and works against those without a home. Establishing laws to push the homeless out of sight is not a solution, but rather works against distributive justice. Other times when the homeless are jailed, it is for disturbing the peace or acting out in public. With this, it may be caused be a mental deficiency or underlying illness. In the case that they are jailed, then it seems that only at that time will the individual receive the attention they need. Seemingly so, society fails to be able to create proactive and preventative measures to keep citizens healthy and off the streets – and is better at executing post-solutions after the problem has …show more content…
Here, the most appropriate model to utilize would be needs based, which provides individuals with what they are lacking in order to ensure independent and sufficient growth. Resources that partake in a needs based model to alleviate homelessness can include free health clinics, soup kitchens, pro bono legal assistance, temporary housing, or even job skills trainings. These forms of support are one part of the equation to tackle on

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