Current Initiatives to Help The Homeless
GENERAL SOCIAL ISSUES
Danny Xu
5/23/20252 min read
Homelessness has been a problem in for a long time but recently, states have been implementing unique tactics to try and help out the homeless population and make housing easier to afford.
One example of a tactic that was used to try and help homelessness is called "Housing First." By the start of the 2000's, Housing First became one of the most impactful programs to deal with homelessness. Housing First is a homeless assistance program that provides permanent housing for the homeless. Providing homes for the homeless makes it easier for them to achieve their own goals and improve the quality of their life. Studies have shown that housing helps people exit homelessness quickly. With a growing track record of effectiveness, Housing First has expanded in the United States and has slowly started expanding worldwide.
Another way states in America are dealing with homelessness is the government invests money to provide for the homeless population. This money is used for mental health services, housing, and programs for homeless people as many of homeless people have mental issues or severe substance abuse. However, the money put into helping the homeless is still far from enough to being able to solve the issue.
Additionally, states in America have passed measures to help homeless people have a easier time acquire affordable housing. For example, the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) is a housing voucher program that focuses on helping those struggling to acquire a home. In 2016, the voters of Los Angeles voted in favor of Proposition HHH which provides money to create housing units for those that need it. There are many more programs like these in different states used to try and help the homeless.
In conclusion, there are many efforts from the government and society to help the homeless population and despite the issue still being far from over, the reason homelessness exists is not from a lack of effort.
