These days, homelessness has become a common problem in many parts of the world. Although there are a variety of reasons for this, this issue can be tackled with education and housing.
There could be two primary reasons why the number of homeless people has increased gradually worldwide over the years. Firstly, studies show that nearly 15% of people released from prison are homeless globally. This is because many prisons put more emphasis on punishment than rehabilitation. This prolonged period of punishment can lead to more severe mental health issues, such as depression, stress, and anxiety, among convicts, while the lack of focus on education can contribute to their homelessness after being released from prison. A second major reason is unemployment, with more individuals struggling to find employment due to a competitive society nowadays. As a result, they cannot support their families and handle/cover living expenses, which could result in homelessness.
However, homelessness can be prevented through the provision of affordable housing and quality education. Rehabilitation programs can assist prisoners in securing jobs and finding a place in society after their release. An example of an effective jail can be found in Norway, where prisoners have the opportunity to receive vocational training, education, and therapy, which can enable them to find housing after being released from prison. Moreover, the provision of affordable housing would be an effective strategy to combat homelessness. This can be achieved by channelling government funding into the construction of new houses and apartments for homeless individuals, which could significantly decrease the rate of homelessness.
In conclusion, homelessness will occur for the reasons mentioned above unless education and housing can be provided.