Poverty & Homelessness Flashcards

1
Q

What is poverty?

A
  • 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
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2
Q

What is absolute poverty?

A

Not having resources to satisfy basic biological or physical needs (think hierarchy of needs)

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3
Q

What is relative poverty?

A

Living standards and resources below the average person or household in a given area of the country

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4
Q

What is low income cut-off line?

A

Income level at which a family may be in a strained circumstance because greater portion of income needs to be spent on basic needs than average family of same size

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5
Q

What is core need?

A

Household falling below 1 or more standards (adequacy, suitability, affordability) + need to pay 50% or more of household income for average rent for alternative local housing that meets standards-> ie pay the rent /bills or feed the kids scenarios

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6
Q

What is homelessness? (definition)

A
  • “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.
  • the situation of an individual or family without stable, permanent, appropriate housing or the immediate prospect, means and ability of acquiring it
  • People who “live rough” (ex. outside in parks, parking garages, etc.) as well as shelters
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7
Q

What is invisible homeless?

A

People who live in substandard housing (ex. shacks and cabins without running water, houses in disrepair, etc.)

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8
Q

What is homelessness?

A
  • A situational transition
  • A rupture in community and family ties
  • Loss of residence -> ST increases vulnerability and powerlessness
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9
Q

According to the Canadian Homelessness Research Network, what are the four categories of homelessness?

A

1) Un-sheltered
2) Emergency sheltered
3) Provisionally accommodated
4) At risk for homelessness

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10
Q

What is absolute (primary) homelessness?

A

Totally without shelter of any kind, where basic needs are unmet (ex. refugees)

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11
Q

What is relative (secondary) homelessness?

A

Does not meet the following:

1) Adequate protection from elements
2) Safe water and sanitation
3) Secure tenure and personal safety
4) Within easy reach of employment, education and health care
5) Affordable

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12
Q

What is chronic homelessness?

A

Individuals engaged in alcohol/drug or solvent abuse and with psychiatric problems

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13
Q

What is periodic homelessness?

A

Temporary, episodic departures from the home when pressures or tensions become intense

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14
Q

What is temporary homelessness?

A

Result of a crisis or situational transition; possibly transient in nature

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15
Q

What is “at risk” homelessness?

A

Due to paying too much of household income for rent

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16
Q

What are different social theories of homelessness and poverty?

A
  • By choice or personality theory
  • Theory of social disengagement
  • Social disconnection theory
  • Housing and poverty theory
  • Poverty as a social issue theory
  • Typically either seen as government or personal causes
17
Q

What are social factors of homelessness?

A
  • Severe addiction/mental illness
  • Youth “aging out of care”
  • Family violence
  • Women violence
  • Social breakdown
  • Personal factors often the breaking point
  • Lack of support increases risk of losing their housing and once lost can be overwhelming to regain
18
Q

Describe precipitating factors of homelessness and poverty:

A
  • Globalization
  • Reduction in full time jobs with benefits
  • Lack of education/skills training
  • Minimum wage
  • Seasonal/chronic unemployment
  • Poverty
  • Breakdown of family structure (IPA)
  • Limitation to social welfare programs/resources
  • Vulnerable populations
  • Lack of community support
19
Q

What are the goals of harm reduction programs like insite?

A
  • Improve overall health of at-risk populations
  • Reduce harm associated with illegal drug use or other harmful substances (ex. infection/HIV associated with sharing needles)
  • Increase access to health/social services
  • Reduce social and legal incarceration costs
20
Q

What is the role of the outreach nurse?

A
  • Build relationships
  • Provide primary nursing care
  • Provide education (meet client where they are at)
  • Establish partnerships and make referrals to health and social resources
21
Q

What are the different populations of homelessness and poverty?

A
  • Adults
  • Street youth
  • Sex trade workers (MSWM)
  • Mentally ill (dual diagnosis)
  • Aboriginal/first Nations
  • Single parent (women with children)
22
Q

What are common health issues experienced by the homeless population?

A
  • Psych episodes (d/t med lapses)
  • Respiratory infections
  • Trauma (ex. sex for drugs, rape, etc.)
  • Chronic skin/wound infections
  • Addiction complications (ex. alcoholism/drug abuse) (ex. overdose)
  • Lice, bed bugs, etc.
  • Malnutrition/dehydration
  • Dental problems
  • STI’s/HIV
  • GI/GU problems
  • Joint problems
  • Discrimination and stigmatization, causing negative social attitudes (ex. being homeless and LGTBQ)
  • Weather related (frost bite, pneumonia)
  • Mental Health problems!!
23
Q

Overall, what are the health implications (in general) for homeless populations?

A
  • Increase morbidity & mortality
  • Increase exposure to communicable disease
  • Prolonged exposure to stress
  • Prolonged exposure to malnutrition
  • Increased risk to be victims of trauma
  • Increase risk for aggravation of mental health
24
Q

What are barriers for the poor and homeless to access health care?

A
  • No fixed address
  • Chaotic lifestyle
  • Lack of transportation
  • Negative stereotyping
  • Fear of being caught/arrested for illegal activity
  • Previous experience with health care