Analyzing Homelessness in Australia: A Community Development Essay

This essay delves into the complex issue of homelessness in Australia, characterizing it as a significant societal problem stemming from unequal resource distribution, domestic violence, and poverty. It highlights the disproportionate impact on elderly and younger populations. Utilizing the conflict theory of community development, the essay suggests that capitalism exacerbates the problem by concentrating wealth and limiting opportunities for vulnerable individuals. Potential solutions discussed include accessible housing, targeted support for the elderly, platforms for youth development, health and nutrition programs, and government policy modifications. Ultimately, the essay emphasizes the need for societal empathy and increased funding to support homeless individuals and foster a healthier future. Desklib provides a platform to access this and many other solved assignments.

COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT

Homelessness
Homelessness can be
characterized as a
societal problem in which
individuals lack the
appropriate housing and
shelter facilities.
Homelessness is a social
concern that intensely
impacts upon the daily
lives of regular citizens
and also restricts the
quality of living for the
same.

Causes of Homelessness in Australia
The unequal distribution of resources within the society is a
primary issue which increases homelessness. The fact that the
privileged section of society does not facilitate much attention
and support to the underprivileged creates a major gap within
their standard of living.
In Australia, domestic violence has been stated as one of the
most crucial reasons why individuals tend to face homelessness.
Domestic issues of citizens create the possibilities of separation,
divorce and other related problems which results in lack of
shelter to majority of individuals.
Insufficient finances and poverty also adds up to the heightened
cases of homelessness in Australia. The poor and underprivileged
that do not have the adequate money to buy or afford shelters
are reported to face extreme challenges in respect with
homelessness.

Australian Population Segment impacted by Homelessness
In Australia, the two major population segments
that are highly impacted by homelessness are
mentioned below:-
Elderly population Younger population

Conflict Theory of Community Development
According to the conflict theory of community development, it can
be suggested that the unequal and unfair allocation of significant
resources within the society can be characterized as increased
degree of capitalism.
The respective condition facilities the division of the society in
accordance with bourgeois and proletariats.
High percentage of capitalism within the Australia, leads to more
intensive concentration upon the economic growth.
The respective creates a major dysfunction within the society as
the regular individuals are not provided with sufficient platforms
for increasing their revenues, development and growth.
The inability to capitalize upon the existing resources leads to
lack in financial capacity of the individual which in turn leads to
homelessness among the same.

Possible solutions to Homelessness
The accessible and feasible
accommodation opportunities can be
termed as one of the prominent solutions
to the homelessness.
The facilitation of effective support to the
elderly individuals in regard with
acquiring assistance and affordable
accommodation from the housing officials
can also help to lower the cases of
homelessness.
Younger population can be given platforms
for personal and professional growth
which can allow them to improve their
existing standard of living and in turn
allow them to buy their own houses as well

Possible solutions to Homelessness
The idea and concept of health and nutrition can be
encouraged and integrated among the homeless individuals
by providing them with daily meals and assistance so as to
make them physically fit and mentally strong.
The government officials can also lead more modifications
and specifications within their prevailing housing rules and
framework so as to make it easier and flexible for the
homeless individuals to prevail their rights and get access to
permanent shelter in the country
As a society,. all the members should become highly assertive
and considerate towards the homeless citizens. The empathy
shall prevail for the same and adequate funding must be
generated in order to support and encouragement the same
for a better and healthy future in the upcoming run.

REFERENCES
Shinn, M. and Khadduri, J., 2020. In the midst of plenty:
Homelessness and what to do about it. John Wiley & Sons.
Hand, T. and MacKenzie, D., 2020. A clarion call for youth
homelessness system reform. Parity, 33(3), pp.32-36.
MacKenzie, D., Hand, T., Zufferey, C., McNelis, S., Spinney, A. and
Tedmanson, D., 2020. Redesign of a homelessness service system
for young people. AHURI Final Report.
Huber, M.A., Brown, L.D., Metze, R.N., Stam, M., Van Regenmortel,
T. and Abma, T.N., 2020. Exploring empowerment of participants
and peer workers in a self-managed homeless shelter. Journal of
Social Work, p.1468017320974602.
Smith, D., McKay, F.H. and Lippi, K., 2020. Experiences of
homelessness by people seeking asylum in Australia: A review of
published and “grey” literature. Social Policy &
Administration, 54(3), pp.441-459.