Poverty & Homelessness Flashcards
What is 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 is absolute poverty?
Not having resources to satisfy basic biological or physical needs (think hierarchy of needs)
What is relative poverty?
Living standards and resources below the average person or household in a given area of the country
What is low income cut-off line?
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
What is core need?
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
What is homelessness? (definition)
- “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
What is invisible homeless?
People who live in substandard housing (ex. shacks and cabins without running water, houses in disrepair, etc.)
What is homelessness?
- A situational transition
- A rupture in community and family ties
- Loss of residence -> ST increases vulnerability and powerlessness
According to the Canadian Homelessness Research Network, what are the four categories of homelessness?
1) Un-sheltered
2) Emergency sheltered
3) Provisionally accommodated
4) At risk for homelessness
What is absolute (primary) homelessness?
Totally without shelter of any kind, where basic needs are unmet (ex. refugees)
What is relative (secondary) homelessness?
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
What is chronic homelessness?
Individuals engaged in alcohol/drug or solvent abuse and with psychiatric problems
What is periodic homelessness?
Temporary, episodic departures from the home when pressures or tensions become intense
What is temporary homelessness?
Result of a crisis or situational transition; possibly transient in nature
What is “at risk” homelessness?
Due to paying too much of household income for rent
What are different social theories of homelessness and poverty?
- 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
What are social factors of homelessness?
- 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
Describe precipitating factors of homelessness and poverty:
- 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
What are the goals of harm reduction programs like insite?
- 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
What is the role of the outreach nurse?
- Build relationships
- Provide primary nursing care
- Provide education (meet client where they are at)
- Establish partnerships and make referrals to health and social resources
What are the different populations of homelessness and poverty?
- Adults
- Street youth
- Sex trade workers (MSWM)
- Mentally ill (dual diagnosis)
- Aboriginal/first Nations
- Single parent (women with children)
What are common health issues experienced by the homeless population?
- 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!!
Overall, what are the health implications (in general) for homeless populations?
- 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
What are barriers for the poor and homeless to access health care?
- No fixed address
- Chaotic lifestyle
- Lack of transportation
- Negative stereotyping
- Fear of being caught/arrested for illegal activity
- Previous experience with health care
