Homelessness poses a significant public health problem for the city of Orlando, Florida, and its impact on the community is profound. The Orlando Sentinel newspaper is an informative source to understand the issue of homelessness in Orlando and how the community works on a resolution. This paper describes the issue of homelessness experienced in Orlando, discusses its effect on all people in the community, explores the actions taken by the community to address it, proposes interventions, and identifies key stakeholders crucial for successful intervention.
Public Health Issue
Homelessness is a complex problem that causes profound effects on people and the whole community. It has gained relevance in Orlando, Florida, due to factors like soaring cost of living, scarce affordable housing solutions, and deep-rooted systemic problems (Orlando Sentinel, 2023). The public health challenge posed by homelessness not only inflicts negative impacts on those rendered homeless but also considerable pressure on the resources and infrastructure within the community.
Homeless people encounter many health risks and vulnerabilities. Often denied access to services vital for their healthcare, they suffer from untreated medical conditions leading to raised rates of sickness (Orlando Sentinel, 2023). Conditions such as mental health problems like substance abuse are common, aggravating their overall well-being further still. Also, exposure to harsh weather, nutritional inadequacy, and unhygienic living create an increased risk of infectious diseases like respiratory infections and skin disorders.
Homelessness has effects beyond the health of individuals. It is a factor that overburdens local healthcare systems alongside emergency services and social support networks. The increasing use of emergency departments for primary medical care combined with the mounting demand for public health resources contributes to rising healthcare costs (Khatana et al., 2020). Additionally, homelessness can bring in worries about community safety because the unfortunate people without stable homes may end up becoming rogues due to poverty and engaging in criminalities for survival.
Addressing the Issue
Various strategies and initiatives have been implemented to address homelessness in the community of Orlando. Notably, there has been a focus on building strong partnerships between government agencies, nonprofit organizations as well as members of the community (Orlando Sentinel, 2023). These partnerships seek to coordinate services between institutions and resources, among other issues giving rise to homelessness. Such collaborations help initiate and offer effective solutions toward resolving homelessness in Orlando.
Moreover, the Coalition operating at the regional level, the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness, has spearheaded systematic changes by implementing initiatives like “Housing First,” prioritizing finding a place to stay (Orlando Sentinel, 2023). This approach puts in the highest priority the current need to secure suitable housing for those who are said to be experiencing homelessness. This strategy acknowledges that finding adequate homes is essential for ensuring the general well-being of those who are homeless and their effective reintegration into society.
Furthermore, the community has implemented emergency shelters, transitional housing programs, and supportive service initiatives to respond to the current homelessness (Khatana et al., 2020). Inter-agency collaboration between healthcare entities, mental health providers, and social services organizations has ensured that essential healthcare services such as assessment and counseling for substance abuse disorders and treatment for mental health conditions are made available within this vulnerable population.
Interventions
Intervention in this issue depends on a multidimensional approach. First, there needs to be a thorough assessment of the housing landscape and how many affordable dwellings are available (Orlando Sentinel, 2023). It entails assessing the exact number that must be devoted to stabilizing individuals facing homelessness and providing them with continuous support services to prevent recurring issues related to unstable housing because repeated relocations destroy communities and can even lead ordinary people to crime.
Moreover, it also becomes critically important to emphasize outreach and engagement. Engaging in street outreach initiatives towards those experiencing homelessness can establish trust amongst these individuals and aid their transition toward stable housing by connecting them with available resources and services (Orlando Sentinel, 2023). Addressing the thorny health needs will certainly require some innovative measures, such as a mobile healthcare clinic coupled with integrated healthcare models which are able to provide both primary care services as well as address mental health issues and substance abuse treatments – all of which directly aimed at engaging those experiencing homelessness.
Community Stakeholders
Intervention that succeeds requires collaboration between different community stakeholders. The involvement of government agencies, including city officials, housing authorities, and health departments, is indispensable in advocating policies and allocating the required resources (Sleet & Francescutti, 2021). Nonprofit organizations specializing in homelessness also hold significance; active participation from groups like the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness positively influences intervention strategies and supports the coordination of services.
Moreover, besides governmental agencies, healthcare providers – encompassing hospitals, clinics, and community health centers – assume a critical role in addressing the healthcare needs of individuals experiencing homelessness (Sleet & Francescutti, 2021). Establishing partnerships with these organizations ensures access to essential medical services while promoting integrated care.
Moreover, maintaining collaborative relationships with local law enforcement agencies proves crucial to guarantee the safety and well-being of both homeless individuals and the broader community (Khatana et al., 2020). Through joint efforts, stakeholders can design initiatives that achieve a balance between enforcement measures and empathy-driven approaches that prioritize connecting people with necessary assistance rather than punitive action.
Conclusion
Homelessness in Orlando, Florida, poses a notable public health issue that impacts individuals without stable housing and the wider community. Dealing with this issue necessitates a holistic strategy centered around ensuring stable housing, catering to healthcare requirements, and nurturing cooperative alliances among various groups invested in the community’s welfare. Through executing initiatives emphasizing affordable housing, proactive outreach programs, and streamlined provision of services, Orlando can make headway in minimizing homelessness while simultaneously enhancing its residents’ general health and prosperity.
References
Khatana, S. A. M., Wadhera, R. K., Choi, E., Groeneveld, P. W., Culhane, D. P., Kushel, M., … & Shen, C. (2020). Association of homelessness with hospital readmissions—an analysis of three large states. Journal of general internal medicine, 35, 2576–2583.
Orlando Sentinel. (2023). Homelessness is a housing problem | Commentary. Retrieved from https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2023/03/19/homelessness-is-a-housing-problem-commentary/
Sleet, D. A., & Francescutti, L. H. (2021). Homelessness and public health: A focus on strategies and solutions. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(21), 11660. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111660
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