Reference no: EM133752204

The homeless problem is an ongoing issue in the United States. Many people are living on the streets without shelter for a variety of reasons and often they congregate in areas so that they feel safer and are near services they might need. However, it can negatively affect many other people living in the community. Store owners don't want the homeless sleeping in front or behind of their stores because of liability, and also because it drives away customers. Residents don't want homeless people living near their home because they often leave rubbish behind and because they are often difficult to deal with for many reasons, including mental health issues, and/or drug abuse. Communities don't want them living in the local park because they make people who pay taxes to maintain the park afraid to use it, or they destroy the restroom facilities and other park attributes driving away the local residents. None of this changes the fact that these people need help. But what should we do?

A community in Grant's Pass Oregon decided to pass legislation to criminalize homelessness. The Supreme Court pushed back and declared this practice illegal, and you can read about it in the first paper listed below. The second link will take you to a website that opposes criminalization. The third link talks about San Mateo, a city in California that is trying to make homelessness a criminal offense. Take some time to read these (they aren't very long), read the thought questions,

1) Is homelessness a criminal offense?

2) Should cities be responsible for providing shelter and services to homeless residents? If so, how should this be funded?

3) Is providing a shelter enough to address homeless issues?

4) Is the autonomy of a homeless person more important than housed resisdents in a community?

5) If you were asked to come up with a feasible solution to this problem, what would it be? Please describe and explain!