HOMELESSNESS IN AMERICA
Issue Statement: Create a 1-paragraph issue statement that hooks your audience and concisely communicates the imperative to address your selected social problem. Include the following:
In 1 paragraph, define your social problem and the population impacted by it.
In 1–2 paragraphs, explain your critical reasons for why the public and decision makers, as well as social workers, need to advocate for change.
In 1–2 paragraphs, describe what happens in communities if your goal to alleviate the problem is realized.
Policy Review: Summarize your selected policy, its relationships to the social problem, and the expected results. Then address the following:
Is your selected policy dictated by local or state statute—or a combination thereof?
How does the policy address your issue statement? Or what is missing?
What are the different sections, or components, of the policy?
How long has the current policy been in place?
Who supports and who opposes the policy?
What changes, or amendments, have been made to the policy?
Explain how this policy affects clients you might see in a clinical setting and why, as a clinical social worker, it would be important to advocate for change.
Sample Solution
Social Problem: Homelessness
Population Impacted: Individuals and families of all ages, races, and ethnicities, but disproportionately affecting people of color, veterans, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ people.
Critical Reasons for Advocacy:
- Homelessness is a public health crisis. People experiencing homelessness are more likely to suffer from chronic health conditions, mental illness, and substance abuse disorders. They are also more likely to be victims of violence and crime.
- Homelessness is a costly problem for society. The cost of homelessness to the United States economy is estimated to be over $20 billion per year. This includes the cost of healthcare, emergency services, law enforcement, and lost productivity.
- Homelessness is a moral issue. Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to live. Homelessness is a violation of human dignity.
- Communities would be healthier and safer. People experiencing homelessness would have access to the healthcare and other services they need to live healthy and productive lives.
- Crime rates would decrease. People experiencing homelessness are more likely to be victims of crime, and they are also more likely to commit crimes as a means of survival.
- Families would be more stable. Homelessness is a major factor in family separation. When families have a safe and affordable place to live, they are more likely to stay together.
- The economy would improve. Homelessness is a drain on the economy. When people experiencing homelessness are able to find housing, they are more likely to be employed and contribute to their communities.
- Increase funding for the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
- Expand access to permanent supportive housing. Permanent supportive housing is a proven way to end homelessness for people with disabilities and other chronic needs.
- Create more affordable housing. The lack of affordable housing is a major driver of homelessness. By increasing the supply of affordable housing, we can help to prevent homelessness in the first place.