Poverty and Homelessness Flashcards
What is the definition of poverty?
The material and social deprivation that comes about as the result of political and public policy decisions related to the distribution of resources within the population.
There is a distinct inter-relationship between poverty and homelessness
What are the three levels/categories of poverty?
Absolute poverty
Relative poverty
Low income cut-off line
What is absolute poverty?
Not having the resources to satisfy basic biological or physical needs.
What is relative poverty?
Living standards and resources below the average person or household in a given area of the country.
What is the low income cut-off line (LICO)
Income level at which a family may be in strained circumstances because greater portion of income needs to be spent on basic needs than average family of same size.
What are some definitions of homelessness?
Implies more than the absence of four walls and a roof… produces profound social dislocation… is associated with absence of a role in the community, absence of privacy and security.
Marginalized and stigmatized, homeless people lack a base from which to work, go to school, receive training, sustain social contacts, receive social services, provide and receive nurture.
A condition of people who live outside, stay in emergency shelters, or live in overcrowded, substandard conditions and are therefore at serious risk.
People who “live rough” i.e. outside in parks, alleys, doorways, parked vehicles, parking garages etc. as well as those living in shelters.
Also, “invisible homeless” - people who live in substandard housing i.e. shacks and cabins without running water*, transitional housing/in major disrepair; women with children.
What is homelessness (in a nutshell)?
A situational transition.
A rupture in community and family ties.
Loss of residence - ST/increases vulnerability and powerlessness; taxes resilience/severely reduces hope over time.
What are the steps of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs? (bottom to top)
Physiological Needs Safety and Security Needs Love and Belongingness needs Self-esteem needs Self-actualization
What are needs that fall under the “physiological needs” level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?
Air, food, water, shelter, clothing, sleep
What are the needs that fall under the “safety and security needs” level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?
Health, employment, property, family, stability
What are the needs that fall under the “love and belongingness needs” level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?
Friendship, family, intimacy, connectedness
What are the needs that fall under the “Self esteem needs” level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?
Confidence, achievements, respect of others, connections, need for individuality
What are the needs that fall under the “self-actualization” level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?
Morality, creativity, spontaneity, acceptance, experience purpose, meaning and inner potential.
True or false:
Homelessness can be viewed along a continuum from the extremes of absolute homelessness to the inadequately housed.
True.
What is absolute (primary) homelessness?
Totally without shelter of any kind, basic needs totally unmet i.e. refugees fleeing for their lives in war torn zones.
What is relative (Secondary) homelessness?
Living standards and resources below the average person or household in a given area of the country
What are the UN basic standards that a dwelling must meet? (CPHA 1997).
- Adequately protect from the elements
- Safe water and sanitation
- Secure tenure and personal safety
- Within easy reach of employment, education and health care
- Affordable
