NORTH SOUTH UNIVERSITY
Centre of Excellence in Higher Education
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
School of Engineering and Physical Sciences
MD. TAZVIR RAHAT
Student Name: ………………………………………………………………………
2232949642
Student ID No: ………………………………………………………………………
SOC101
Course: ……………………………………………………………............................
3
Section: ........................................................................................................................
01
Assignment No: ………………………………………………………………….......
The social problem I aim to address as a social changemaker is homelessness. Homelessness is a pervasive
issue affecting millions of people globally, manifesting in various forms such as chronic homelessness,
episodic homelessness, and transitional homelessness. According to a 2022 report by the United Nations, an
estimated 150 million people worldwide are homeless, and about 1.6 billion lack adequate housing. In the
United States alone, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reported over 580,000
homeless individuals on a single night in 2020, with significant portions comprising families with children,
veterans, and individuals with disabilities. The root causes of homelessness are multifaceted, involving
economic instability, lack of affordable housing, mental health issues, substance abuse, and systemic failures
in social services. Economic instability is often driven by unemployment, underemployment, and the rising
cost of living, which outpaces wage growth. Additionally, the lack of affordable housing exacerbates the
problem, as many individuals and families are unable to secure housing within their financial means. Mental
health issues and substance abuse are both causes and consequences of homelessness, creating a vicious
cycle that is difficult to break without comprehensive support. The severity of the problem is amplified by
the fact that homeless individuals often suffer from a lack of basic necessities, leading to poor health
outcomes, increased mortality rates, and limited access to education and employment opportunities. The
impact on communities is profound, as homelessness exacerbates social inequality and strains public
resources. Addressing this issue is not only a matter of providing shelter but also involves tackling the
underlying socioeconomic factors that perpetuate homelessness.
If left unaddressed, homelessness will continue to have devastating impacts on both individuals and society
at large. From a futuristic perspective, the problem is likely to worsen due to factors such as economic
downturns, rising housing costs, and the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Future risks include
increased public health crises, as homeless populations are particularly vulnerable to communicable diseases
and have limited access to healthcare. This vulnerability was starkly highlighted during the COVID-19
pandemic, where homeless individuals faced higher infection rates and poorer health outcomes. Moreover,
the perpetuation of homelessness will likely lead to greater social stratification and reduced social mobility,
as children growing up in unstable housing situations face significant educational disruptions and
psychological trauma. These children are at a higher risk of developing behavioral problems, experiencing
academic underachievement, and continuing the cycle of poverty and homelessness into adulthood.
Economically, the continued strain on public resources, including emergency healthcare, law enforcement,
and social services, will become increasingly unsustainable. If not addressed, the social fabric will weaken,
leading to higher crime rates, decreased public safety, and a general decline in community well-being.
Furthermore, the persistence of homelessness can erode public trust in governmental and social institutions,
as people lose faith in the ability of these systems to provide basic protections and opportunities. Secondary
sources, such as the National Alliance to End Homelessness, predict that without immediate and sustained
intervention, the problem of homelessness could spiral out of control, creating a humanitarian crisis in urban
areas and further marginalizing already vulnerable populations.
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Addressing homelessness is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, it is a moral imperative; every
individual deserves the right to a safe and stable home. The existence of homelessness in affluent societies is
a stark indicator of systemic failures and social injustice. Moreover, tackling homelessness is essential for
public health. Homeless individuals face higher risks of chronic diseases, mental health issues, and
premature death. Providing stable housing can significantly reduce these health disparities and improve
overall community health. Additionally, addressing homelessness is economically beneficial in the long run.
Studies, such as those from the Journal of Urban Economics, have shown that investing in comprehensive
homelessness prevention and intervention programs is more cost-effective than dealing with the
consequences of homelessness through emergency services and incarceration. By reducing the reliance on
emergency healthcare, law enforcement, and other reactive measures, substantial public funds can be saved
and redirected towards more sustainable solutions. Furthermore, solving homelessness can lead to greater
social cohesion and stability. Communities that effectively address homelessness can reduce crime rates,
increase property values, and foster a sense of shared responsibility and solidarity. When individuals have
stable housing, they are more likely to contribute positively to society, engage in their communities, and
participate in the workforce. By tackling this issue, we can work towards a more equitable society where
everyone has the opportunity to thrive. The urgency to act on homelessness cannot be overstated; it is a
pivotal issue that affects the overall health, economic stability, and moral fabric of our society. The social and
economic costs of inaction are far too high, making it imperative that we prioritize and address this pressing
issue with comprehensive and sustainable solutions.
My intervention plan to combat homelessness involves a multi-faceted approach aimed at addressing both
immediate needs and underlying causes. First, I propose the establishment of a comprehensive Housing First
initiative, which prioritizes providing permanent housing to homeless individuals without preconditions such
as sobriety or employment. This approach has been proven effective in numerous studies, including those
conducted by the American Journal of Public Health, showing significant reductions in chronic homelessness
and improvements in mental health and stability. The Housing First model operates on the principle that
stable housing is a fundamental human right and a critical first step in addressing other issues. Alongside
housing, I plan to implement robust support services, including mental health counseling, substance abuse
treatment, job training programs, and healthcare access. These services will be coordinated through
community partnerships with local governments, non-profits, and private sector stakeholders. For example,
job training programs can help individuals develop skills and secure employment, while mental health
services can provide essential support for those dealing with trauma and psychological issues. My motivation
stems from a deep commitment to social justice and a belief in the transformative power of stable housing.
By acting on this plan, the immediate benefits will include reduced homelessness rates and improved quality
of life for individuals. Long-term, the community will experience enhanced public health, economic savings
from reduced reliance on emergency services, and strengthened social cohesion. The beneficiaries of these
actions will be the homeless individuals who gain stability and dignity, and the broader society that reaps the
rewards of a healthier, more equitable community. Furthermore, successful implementation of this plan can
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serve as a model for other communities facing similar challenges, demonstrating the effectiveness of a
holistic and compassionate approach to ending homelessness.
References
• United Nations. (2022). Global Homelessness Statistics.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2020). Annual Homeless Assessment Report
to Congress.
• National Alliance to End Homelessness. (2021). State of Homelessness: 2021 Edition.
• American Journal of Public Health. (2019). Housing First and Health Outcomes in the Homeless
Population.
• Journal of Urban Economics. (2018). The Cost-Effectiveness of Homelessness Interventions.
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