Everyone admits that homelessness is an ongoing problem but few know how to fix it. There are currently 3 perspectives that should be considered because each offers a valuable piece of the puzzle. One side advocates a "Housing-First" approach which essentially puts people in housing without expectation, accountability, or mental health or addiction treatment.
Their 10 talking points include:
1. Immediate housing stability
2. Improved health outcomes
3. Reduced pressure on emergency services
4. Encourages personal responsibility & independence
5. Increased access to support services
6. Reduces long-term homelessness
7. Promotes social inclusion & community integration
8. Addresses homelessness as a "human rights issue"
9. Reduces the stigma around homelessness
10. Cost-effective in the long-run
The other side takes a "Treatment-First" approach which requires people to be sober, mentally-stable, and accountable.
Their Ten points include:
1. High initial costs
2. Potential for dependency
3. Insufficient addressing of underlying issues at play
Between those two sides lies a rarely mentioned third option that focuses on an educational, strength-based, "solutogenic" approach (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salutogenesis) that teaches life-skills, pro-social behaviors, the ability to self-regulate, trauma-resolution, addiction-recovery principles, trust & emotional connection to others, and a self-image makeover that includes changed thinking, self-compassion & personal forgiveness. Most, if not all of the people I have met that were willing to share their story with me, said they experienced significant traumas (plural) growing up such as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, poverty, constant danger, fear of abandonment, parental substance abuse, incarceration, or poor role modeling. In many cases, the proverbial "apple doesn't fall from the tree" is completely true.
Additionally, only those in treatment facilities are receiving any type of needed programming or skill-development mentioned above. Most rehab facilities focus on client sobriety & basic coping skills but little else. What happens to those who can't afford rehab--then what? 12-step programs are available on the street and many have tried them but turn away because they feel it doesn’t meet their needs. As a result, they remain stuck. These people also don't have access to mental health medications or therapy and consequently self-medicate with cheap drugs to deal with ongoing physical, emotional, spiritual & social pain they feel every day. Combining the best elements of ALL 3 PERSPECTIVES (Housing First, Treatment First & Education First) is necessary for change because it addresses immediate needs, puts expectations and accountability in place, and focuses on changing attitudes, behaviors & thought processes through strength-based, solutogenic coaching.
