Causes for Homelessness

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Research Paper Proposal
Research question: What are the causes of homelessness?
Most people end up becoming homeless due to the fact that they are highly vulnerable and lack decent housing and a consistent source of income. Such individuals also need the fundamental support that will prevent them from becoming homeless. The causes of homelessness indicate a highly challenging relation between systematic problems, structural component and individual circumstances.
Structural aspects associated with homelessness among the geriatric population include economic and societal problems that will impact the opportunities and social environments for individuals. Such elements include the lack of adequate and consistent income, inaccessibility to affordable housing and the necessary health supports (Warnes & Crane 401-421). The changes in the economy on a national and local level can lead to problems for the elderly that earn an inadequate income, pay for food and housing.
Homelessness and poverty are closely linked. Individuals from the geriatric population that is poor are always unable to pay for necessities such healthcare and their housing. When older people lose their jobs and are evicted from their homes due to failure to pay the rent, they can face homelessness. Sometimes these individuals may have physical and mental health issues (Fazel, Geddes & Kushel 1529-1540). Unfortunately, in various instances, these individuals may lack family support or are discriminated by their families which only lead to this tragic state of homelessness. Since the elderly are not a high priority for housing aid from the government, they are highly likely to live in unhealthy conditions such as under a bridge which is detrimental to their health.
Some geriatrics are ex-offenders and may find it challenging to find a job and also without the proper resources to survive outside of prison. Such individuals are highly likely to end up back in prison since they lack any support outside of these institutions. Additionally, these individuals may have been exposed to criminal activities while in prison and may resort to such acts once freed as a means of earning a living (Shelton et al. 465-472). Systems failures such as inadequate discharge planning for people that leave hospitals and mental health facilities is a huge contributor to the state of homelessness. Additionally, special circumstances such as traumatic events and addiction challenges can be both a cause and a consequence of homelessness and physical health issues.
Additionally, over the past twenty-five years, the average age of adults that experience homelessness has increased. Homeless adults aged fifty and older have specific health issues compared to younger homeless individuals. These problems include func...