national allegiance to end homelessness
Assessment 02 – Community Resources
For this assessment, you will research a selected local, national, or global nonprofit organization
or government agency to determine how it contributes to public health and safety
improvements, promotes equal opportunity, and improves the quality of life within the
community and submit your findings in a 3–5 page report.
Before you complete the detailed instructions in the courseroom, first review the local, national,
and global nonprofit organizations and government agencies in the list below and select one to
be the focus of your assessment.
• Advocacy & Services for LGBTQ+ Elders: Works to improve the quality of life of older
LGBTQ+ adults through advocacy, education, and the provision of services.
• Equal Justice Initiative: Committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive
punishment, challenging racial and economic injustice, and protecting basic human
rights.
• National Alliance to End Homelessness: Works to prevent and end homelessness
through research, education, and advocacy.
• Urban Triage: Empowers Black families while mobilizing community resources and
distributing them to those most in need.
• World Health Organization: The directing and coordinating authority for health within
the United Nations system, responsible for providing leadership on global health matters
The National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH) is an organization that works diligently to address the issue of homelessness through various means such as research, education, and advocacy. Let’s break down how the NAEH contributes to public health and safety improvements, promotes equal opportunity, and enhances the quality of life within the community.
- Public Health and Safety Improvements:
- The NAEH focuses on addressing homelessness, which is not only a social issue but also a public health concern. Homeless individuals often face challenges accessing healthcare services and are at higher risk of various health problems due to factors such as exposure to harsh weather, lack of proper nutrition, and limited access to hygiene facilities.
- By working to end homelessness, the NAEH contributes to improving public health outcomes by providing stable housing, which is foundational to maintaining physical and mental well-being. Stable housing reduces exposure to environmental hazards and provides a platform for individuals to access necessary healthcare services.
- Moreover, reducing homelessness contributes to community safety by addressing issues such as crime rates associated with homelessness, public disturbances, and the strain on emergency services.
- Promotion of Equal Opportunity:
- Homelessness disproportionately affects marginalized communities, including racial minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities. The NAEH acknowledges these disparities and works to address systemic issues that contribute to homelessness among these groups.
- Through advocacy efforts, the NAEH promotes policies and programs that aim to eliminate barriers to housing and support services for marginalized populations. This includes advocating for fair housing policies, affordable housing initiatives, and targeted services for specific populations such as veterans and youth experiencing homelessness.
- Additionally, the NAEH works to raise awareness about the intersecting factors that contribute to homelessness, including poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to education and employment opportunities. By addressing these underlying causes, the NAEH strives to create a more equitable society where everyone has access to stable housing and the resources needed to thrive.
- Improvement of Quality of Life within the Community:
- Stable housing is essential for individuals and families to lead fulfilling lives and actively participate in their communities. By focusing on ending homelessness, the NAEH directly impacts the quality of life for those experiencing housing instability.
- Beyond providing housing, the NAEH also emphasizes the importance of supportive services such as case management, mental health counseling, and employment assistance. These services are crucial for helping individuals transition out of homelessness and maintain housing stability in the long term.
- Additionally, by partnering with local communities, service providers, and government agencies, the NAEH fosters collaboration and innovation in addressing homelessness at the grassroots level. This community-driven approach ensures that solutions are tailored to the unique needs of each community, leading to more effective outcomes and lasting change.
In conclusion, the National Alliance to End Homelessness plays a vital role in promoting public health and safety, advancing equal opportunity, and enhancing the quality of life within communities across the nation. Through its research, education, and advocacy efforts, the NAEH works tirelessly to address the root causes of homelessness and create a society where everyone has access to safe, stable housing and the opportunity to thrive.