Homelessness among African Americans in Philadelphia Research Proposal

Homelessness Among African Americans In Philadelphia
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Abstract
Homelessness is a major problem affecting the people in Philadelphia. The main factors causing homelessness are poor policies and systematic inequalities that have affected black people. There are numerous homelessness effects, such as poverty, health complication, mental health problems, and social problems. These can be addressed with proper policy measures aimed at reducing the prevalence of inequalities among African Americans in Philadelphia. The needs assessment method will be used to understand homelessness in Philadelphia. The needs assessment method is a systematic approach used in the investigation of knowledge, ability, interest, and attitude of a particular group or subject. Scholars utilize this approach to understand certain issues about the challenges that are faced by the public and assists in designing effective solutions. The method will utilize the target population interview and key informants’ interview. The results will be used to inform policy and other essential measures to address the cause of homelessness in Philadelphia.
Homelessness Among African Americans In Philadelphia
Introduction
Homelessness in the United States
Housing is an essential basic need in the lives of all people. It influences several aspects, such as health, education access, employment, and access to transportation. These factors are the basis for determining individuals' ability to succeed and achieve a certain level of economic mobility. In Philadelphia, many people of color are struggling to access quality and safe housing. Across the United States, housing is one of the ways that has cemented racial inequalities and disadvantaged minority groups. Mostly, the state of homelessness results from “flawed local, state, and federal policies; racist lending practices; and the vagaries of an unchecked housing market, all of which have had long-term, intergenerational implications for families and for neighborhoods” (Crowder Jr., 2020, p. 10).
While African Americans make up only 13% of the United States population, a large number account for the homeless people across the country. In 2019, it was estimated that More than half a million Americans were homeless, and African Americans accounted for 40% of that figure. In another report that surveyed the number of homeless people with children, it was found that African Americans accounted for more than 50% of the population. Hispanics accounted for 22% of those who were homeless. It is clear that there an overrepresentation of African Americans in the homeless population within the United States. As the report reveals, there is a lack of proper policy measures or legislation that can assist in reducing the prevalence of homelessness and address the unique needs of minority communities within the United States.
One of the major causes of these disparities is the systematic inequalities and discrimination that have affected the country for many years. These inequalities can be seen in the housing, criminal justice system, and healthcare sectors. In this regard, the prevalence of these disparities explains why a large number of African Americans make up a large portion of the homeless people within the country. Moses (2020) further noted that race and ethnicity are major organizing factors in America. These factors influence “where a person lives when they are born, how they die, and practically everything in between” (Moses, 2020, p. 1). Homelessness continues to affect races and ethnicities that are underrepresented within America. Minority groups such as African Americans are the highest members of the home...