Homelessness and poverty

To me, homelessness and poverty is a really tough concept to talk about. I genuinely believe that homelessness and poverty should not exist in the world we live in today. We have too much technology, resources, funds, and knowledge for this to still be an issue in the world. I believe that the reason homelessness and poverty still exist is based on the way society shoddily distributes these funds and resources. 

A lot of the homeless population in America suffer from mental health conditions, drug abuse, grew up in poverty, or have been disowned and excommunicated by their own families. 

Now I understand how some people have disdain towards homeless people. As highlighted in one of the readings, where there are high numbers of homeless people, there also tends to be high numbers of crime and drug use, along with health hazards (needles, feces, urine). This tends to make people feel unsafe. However, if we try to put ourselves in their shoes, how safe do you think they may feel? 

If funds were allocated to the right places to help treat the homeless people who suffer from mental health conditions or abuse drugs, a lot of them would no longer be homeless or using. They would no longer be on the street. If we invested money into shelters and programs for youths who have been disowned by their families, we can help them get on their feet and make a life for themselves. 

This kind of goes back to my opinion on rehabilitation. If we as a society actually cared for one another, instead of dehumanizing those who are clearly struggling, we would have a better, safer world. A lot of times, the very people we dehumanize and criminalize, just don't know where to go or don't have the resources needed to take the first step in recovery. 

I understand that my approach to rehabilitation won't be effective for every person, but it would certainly help better many lives. 

I think the bigger problem is that homelessness and poverty is very much a systematic issue. The system not only targets these people, but makes it incredibly difficult for them to get out of these situations, especially when they are born and raised in it. A lot of it is generational. 

On a more positive note, I did enjoy reading about the solutions that are in the works and beginning to be implemented to help fight this issue such as the mass building of supportive housing, the mass openings of rehabilitation centers for drug abuse, incentivizing of work programs, the opening of health clinics. These are still not even close to being perfected. I know there are a lot of details that need to be worked out, but it's refreshing to know that this generation is taking a stance and pushing for a reform in the system. 

If you're local to SF and you want to volunteer to help the homeless, this is a great place to volunteer. There are many programs within The Homeless Project that you can participate in to help make a difference. 

https://projects.sfchronicle.com/sf-homeless/how-to-help/