The Use of Secondary Pervention Strategies Which Aid the Homeless Population

The use of Secondary Prevention Strategies Which Aid Homeless Population

Secondary prevention involves strategies which would move the homeless as quickly as possible from their situation of homelessness into housing. These strategies also provide education or some sort of job-training programs in an attempt to prevent the individual from becoming homeless again. There are many problems which exist when trying to implement a strategy which will be affective at addressing the needs of the homeless. One of the major problems which exist is efficiency it is consider to be the most common failing among local agencies and programs which come to the aid of the homeless.

Many times assistance is given to individuals who were truly not at a high risk of become homeless. This is primarily due to poor targeting. In several areas individuals truly need services are not receiving them because they are being received by people who were never in danger of becoming homeless. Better ways of targeting would decrease the wasting of resources and redirect them to the people who are in truly need (Martha R. Burt, 2007).

Another problem which would need to be addressed would be revamping the programs which are set up to provide permanent housing to the homeless. In most large cities that are huge waiting lists where people have to wait as long as a year or more before receiving a home. There needs to be a program in place which would make the transition smoother and less complicated for the homeless. The homeless should also receive counseling on how to manage their finances and job training to help the avoid being in another homeless situation again.

There is also a need for better training to be given to the public and private agencies which work with the homeless to improve the quality and consistency of service which they provide. Providers must keep in mind that they are providing a service, although their customers are homeless and many of them suffering with other problems. When working to help the homeless it is important that they are treated with dignity and respect (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2007).

Society must steps up to do their part to help improve that live of the homeless. In today’s society it seems as if people have become numb to the issues of homelessness. As long as it is not directly affecting them in any way people to go along with everyday life as if it is not their problem to address. Many times the homeless are viewed by society as people who have just given up on life and have taken that easy way out by just dropping out of touch with society. Therefore, society tends to not be supportive of legislation and laws which are designed to address the needs of the homeless. There has to be more programs developed