Human Aspect of Poverty and Homelessness Notes
Jaylin's Story:
Jaylin is a 32-year-old single mother with three children, one of whom is hearing impaired. She faces numerous challenges in providing for her family.
She works full-time at a local grocery store, earning approximately per hour, which barely covers her basic expenses.
She has no savings, making her vulnerable to unexpected financial emergencies.
She lives in a 3-bedroom apartment, paying in rent each month, a significant portion of her income.
She is one month behind on rent due to car repairs and is facing eviction, highlighting her precarious housing situation.
She receives in food stamps and her children have Medicaid, but she lacks medical coverage, indicating gaps in her access to healthcare.
Questions to consider:
What might Jaylin be feeling? (e.g., stress, anxiety, fear)
Who might Jaylin be thinking about? (e.g., her children, family)
What is she thinking? (e.g., how to make ends meet, where to find help)
Where can she find help? (e.g., local charities, social services)
What are her needs? (e.g., financial assistance, medical care, housing stability)
What would you do to help Jaylin? (e.g., offer resources, advocate for her)
Poverty Defined:
Poverty is difficult to define, but can be measured economically. It affects individuals and families in various ways.
Income poverty: A family's income doesn't meet the federally established threshold, fluctuating across states and countries, with poverty measured by family size. This threshold is adjusted annually.
In 2015, the poverty threshold for a family of four in the United States was (U.S. Census Bureau). This number helps to understand Jaylin's situation.
Approximately 43.1 million Americans currently live in poverty, with an official poverty rate of 12.7% (U.S. Census Bureau, 2016). This demonstrates the widespread nature of poverty.
Relative poverty: Poor people lack money, resources, and possessions (Burger, 2013). They often experience social exclusion and limited opportunities.
Poverty rates are higher for African Americans and Latinos compared to whites, indicating systemic inequalities.
Women and children constitute a large portion of the poor, reflecting gender and age disparities.
Poverty experiences vary; no one type of person or family is poor. Individual stories highlight the diverse causes and impacts of poverty.
Poverty can be caused by job loss, seasonal employment, or inability to save. Unexpected events can push families into poverty.
Understanding poverty goes beyond income, encompassing culture, geography, gender, and race. A holistic approach is necessary to address the complexities of poverty.
Understanding Homelessness:
Defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (2016) in several ways:
Individuals/families lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence (e.g., living in shelters, abandoned buildings) or recently leaving an institution. This includes those who are unsheltered.
Individuals/families on the verge of losing their primary residence, known as being at risk of homelessness.
Runaway youth and families with children lacking a regular nighttime residence, often facing additional vulnerabilities.
Individuals/families fleeing domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or other dangerous conditions, requiring immediate and safe housing options.
Steward B. McKinney Act:
Provides housing assistance and services for homeless individuals and families. It is crucial for addressing homelessness at a national level.
Passed in 1987 to address the increasing homeless population, marking a significant legislative effort.
Funds emergency shelters, transitional/permanent housing, rental assistance, educational programs for homeless youth, and support for those with mental illness, substance abuse, and/or AIDS. These programs aim to provide comprehensive support.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funds agencies assisting homeless families and children under this act, ensuring resources are directed to those in need.
Understanding the Impact of Relative Poverty and Homelessness
Who Are the Homeless?
Children: Become homeless due to their caregivers' homelessness or unsafe home environments; about 2.5 million children are homeless in the U.S. (National Center on Family Homelessness, 2018). Homelessness can have profound and lasting effects on children's development.
Women: Domestic violence is a major cause; over 80% of homeless mothers with children experienced domestic violence (Family and Youth Services Bureau, 2016); about 57% of all homeless women cite domestic violence as the immediate cause; require immediate shelter or safe houses. Safe housing options are critical.
Veterans: Vulnerable to mental illness, substance abuse, and homelessness; predominantly male (about 9% female); about 11% of the adult homeless population are veterans (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2016); approximately 40,000 homeless veterans; linking them to veteran services is essential. Targeted support is needed to address their specific challenges.
People with Mental Illnesses: Approximately 33% of the homeless population has a mental illness (National Coalition to End Homelessness, 2016) like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression; mental illness impacts employment and daily life; often do not seek assistance and live on the streets. Access to mental health care is crucial.
No Boundaries:
Homelessness affects various groups, including veterans and children. It transcends demographic categories.
Causes include poverty, lack of affordable housing, domestic violence, and health issues. These complex factors contribute to homelessness.
Human Services Professionals connect homeless families/individuals with services and provide case management, offering individualized and empathetic care. Their role is essential in supporting vulnerable populations.
Understanding the Links between Homelessness and Poverty:
Homelessness and poverty are linked (National Coalition for the Homeless, 2014). Poverty increases the risk of homelessness.
Poor individuals struggle to afford housing, food, and healthcare, making difficult choices. These struggles can lead to housing instability.
Illness, accidents, or natural disasters can lead to homelessness, demonstrating the vulnerability of those in poverty.
Poor and/or homeless individuals make the best possible choices with available resources and information. Their resilience is often overlooked.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs:
Helps Human Services Professionals understand individual needs and when people seek help. It provides a framework for understanding human motivation.
Physiological needs (food, water, shelter) are at the bottom, followed by safety needs. These are the most basic requirements for survival.
Basic needs must be fulfilled before higher needs (love/belonging, esteem, self-actualization) can be addressed (Maslow, 1943). Addressing basic needs is a prerequisite for personal growth.
Scarcity consciousness: focus on lacking food, money, or basic needs. This mindset can impact decision-making and overall well-being.
Understanding this theory helps professionals see the world from the perspective of someone experiencing homelessness or poverty. Empathy is crucial in human services.
Jaylin's Story (Revisited):
Considering available services, ways to help, potential for homelessness, and professional willingness to work with her. This case highlights the practical application of the concepts.
References:
Air Institute on Research (2018). National Center on Family Homelessness.
Burger (2013). Contemporary Issues in Human Services. Cengage.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (2016). Homelessness Assistance.
National Coalition for the Homeless (2014). Building a movement to end homelessness.