HOMELESSNESS IN COLOMBIA

Throughout the entire history of human civilization, the prevalence of homelessness has been a challenge to every nation. It might be depressing to learn that no countries today have eradicated homelessness, but the human race has never stopped from trying harder than before to tackle this prolonged issue.

Homelessness refers to the people who live in poverty or social marginalization that can be caused by a situation of abandonment, unemployment, loneliness, racial discrimination or mental or physical disability. These people lack enough income to access to minimum levels of health care, housing, clothing and education.

The main causes of poverty and homelessness in Colombia is a product of unemployment in our country. The lack of educational opportunities is another source of poverty, because poor training leads to fewer job opportunities and the low level of economic development also increases poverty.

Despite the reduction of poverty, the decline curve of homelessness has not been maintained. The most dramatic reduction in homelessness was given between 2002 and 2005 (was 16 households out of 100). However, after that year, was increased again until 2008 (18 homes out of 100).

The most promising suggestions are those that will attack the problems that made people homeless in the first place. The government can put more money into building low-cost housing. The mentally ill need special places to live, with supervision, like group homes. People with addictions need places where they can be helped to overcome them. Government should improve access to tenancy sustainment services to ensure that vulnerable people have the support they need to remain successfully in their homes. Another solution can be giving homeless people a chance to continue their education so that they can have decent jobs.

-mpbm

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