WEEK 5 DISCUSSION SOCW 6101

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Walden University *

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6101

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Sociology

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Jan 9, 2024

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WK 5 DISCUSSION SOCW 6101 Describe the community. The social characteristics of people experiencing homelessness are often stereotyped and generalized, but they can vary widely. However, it's important to note that homelessness affects a diverse range of individuals across different age groups, genders, and backgrounds. Many homeless people face social isolation due to the stigma associated with homelessness. They often have limited access to social services and may struggle with mental health issues or substance abuse. Also, they may have a history of trauma or abuse, and many are veterans or have been in the foster care system. Economic factors also play a significant role in homelessness. Many homeless individuals are unemployed or underemployed, and they often lack the financial resources or social support networks to secure stable housing. Explain the strengths and challenges associated with that community based on its characteristics. The homeless community, like any other, has its strengths and challenges. Strengths Included: 1. Resilience: Homeless individuals often demonstrate remarkable resilience in adversity. They adapt to harsh living conditions, find ways to meet basic needs, and often help each other survive. 2. Resourcefulness: They often develop innovative strategies to navigate their daily lives, such as finding safe places to sleep, securing food, and accessing services. 3. Community: Despite the hardships, people experiencing homelessness often develop a sense of community. They share resources, provide emotional support, and look out for each other. Challenges Included: 1. Health Issues: Homeless individuals are more likely to suffer from physical and mental health issues, often exacerbated by lack of access to healthcare and the stress of homelessness. 2. Social Isolation: They often face social isolation and stigma, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression. 3. Lack of Stability: The lack of a stable living environment can make it challenging to find employment, maintain relationships, and access services.

4. Safety: Homeless individuals are at a higher risk of violence, theft, and other forms of victimization. 5. Access to Services: While many services exist to help people experiencing homelessness, accessing them can be challenging due to a lack of transportation, identification, or knowledge about available resources. Please explain how you could utilize community strengths to address their challenges. Addressing the challenges of homelessness requires a comprehensive approach that supports the strengths within the community. 1. Identify Strengths- The first step is identifying the homeless community's strengths. This could include resilience, survival skills, community support, and personal talents or skills. 2. Community Support- Leverage the strong sense of community among homeless populations. Encourage peer support groups where individuals can share their experiences, provide emotional support, and offer advice to each other. 3. Skill Development- Provide opportunities for skill development. This could be in the form of workshops or training programs that utilize the community's existing skills and help individuals develop new ones. 4. Partnerships: Partner with local businesses, non-profits, and government agencies. These partnerships can provide resources, job opportunities, and support services. 5. Housing First Approach- Implement a Housing First approach, which prioritizes providing permanent housing to people experiencing homelessness. This approach believes that people can move forward if they are first housed. Utilizing these strengths can create a more effective and sustainable approach to addressing homelessness. Identify at least three (3) macro-practice skills and explain how you would use them to help the community address their challenges. Three macro-practice skills to help the community address its challenges that I would encourage the use of would be fund-raising, mediating, and influencing decision-makers. Fund-raising can allow people from outside the community to help build another up. Asking foundations and major corporations can contribute lots of income for positive causes (Kirst-Ashman and Hull, 2018, p. 149). Mediating is somewhat like a facilitator. This person

helps stop arguments between those who disagree with one another (Kirst- Ashman and Hull, 2018, p. 155). For example, some people may not agree to requesting a city bus line for the community. The mediator can discuss the pros and cons of this person professionally. The last macro-practice skill that can be used in influencing decision-makers. "In many areas of social work practice and one's life, there is a need to influence other people, particularly those with decision-making power such as supervisors, administrators, elected and appointed officials, and others in similar positions" (Kirst-Ashman and Hull, 2018, p. 156). The best people to make a change are those in the position to do so. References Kirst-Ashman, K. K., & Hull, G. H., Jr. (2018). Empowerment series: Understanding generalist practice (8th ed.). CENGAGE Learning. o Chapter 4, “Skills for Working With Organizations and Communities” (pp. 138–174) Austin, M. J., Anthony, E. K., Knee, R. T., & Mathias, J. (2016). Revisiting the relationship between micro and macro social work practice. Links to an external site. Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services, 97 (4), 270–277.

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