Document Type
Portfolio
Publication Date
2023
Abstract
Texas has the fifth highest rate of people experiencing homelessness in the United States. Many individuals are facing homelessness, faced eviction first causing them to be homeless. I want to prevent homelessness and eviction with my social change portfolio. Individuals facing homelessness may be unable to afford healthcare/ mental health care, and untreated diagnoses can cause lasting effects. Being unable to afford primary care can also make it a more significant challenge for someone to get back on their feet. Different risk factors, such as a history of homelessness, substance use, or a criminal background, can cause an individual to be homeless, but having a good support system, resources, and a job with a liveable wage can prevent homelessness. With my prevention plan, I would apply cognitive behavior therapy to address negative thoughts or behaviors that can continually be reframed into a positive. CBT can be applied to show individuals that they are also supported. In many states, legislation has created laws that specifically attack the homeless community and can make anyone feel unsupported. Advocacy is vital to shed light on these laws and the little resources/funding the homeless population may have in Texas. Goal Statement: This social change portfolio aims to alleviate homelessness by minimizing evictions through increasing awareness of resources in the Dallas community. Significant Findings: According to the Dallas Express (2023), a volunteer census found a 214% increase in the Dallas homeless population from 2021 to 2022. On the national side, the End Homelessness Campaign (2023) reports that roughly 18 out of every 10,000 people across America are experiencing homelessness. Helping the homeless population by providing resources, adovaction and applying CBT therapy can be beneficial.
Objectives/Strategies/Interventions/Next Steps:
• To connect indviduals to housing resources to homeless individuals such as rapid rehousing, supported housing, coordinated entry programs etc.
• To provide stable housing to those at risk and experiencing homelessness.
• To collobrate with homeless support services, so individuals can receive identification documents, work on getting an education/employment.
• To assist homeless individuals with a mental health diagnosis receive proper medication/ therapy. • Overtime to reduce the homelessness population and population facing eviction.
