First and Last Name/s of Presenters

Michaela OuelletteFollow

Mentor/s

Prof. Sandra Young Prof. Brian Stiltner

Participation Type

Paper Talk

Abstract

When you have no home, food, water, extra clothes, access to healthcare or other resources necessary for survival, you are three times more likely to die on the streets[OMA1] .

Homelessness has been an issue in the United States for a very long time, but why is it not improving? The average life expectancy for a homeless person is about 50 years of age compared to the national average of around 79 years of age. The homeless population suffers from the same illnesses and health issues as the rest of the population, but at rates three to six times higher than the average person. These illnesses include, but are not limited to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, influenza, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension (MedlinePlus 2021). Research shows that the risk of death on the streets is only slightly affected by substance abuse or mental illness, the factors that increase their risk of death are difficulty getting rest, maintaining medications, eating, hygiene, and being affected by the elements.

People become homeless for many reasons, but the top five are lack of affordable housing, unemployment, poverty, mental illness, and substance abuse with a lack of necessary services. Each of these causes can and should be acted on to prevent this population from becoming homeless in the first place. Homelessness needs to not only be addressed in terms of the current crisis, but through acts that work towards prevention as well. Many may think that the government is responsible for addressing this, which is true, however, just expecting them to make changes for us is clearly not effective. Regardless of their economic status, humans are humans. The public must do their part to make themselves aware of this issue, speak up about it, implement the Housing First method, and act to bring an end to the horrible conditions humans endure every day. This paper will address types of homelessness, health-related causes and effects of experiencing homelessness, and how to end the stigma, implement solutions, and prevention plans.

College and Major available

College of Arts and Sciences, Chemistry

Location

Session 11: Digital Commons & Martire 3rd Floor Boardroom

Start Day/Time

4-27-2023 12:30 PM

End Day/Time

4-27-2023 1:45 PM

Students' Information

Michaela Ouellette - Chemistry-Biochemistry major, Honors, pre-medical, SP2023 graduation

Comments

To fulfill Honors Capstone presentation requirement

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 License.

Prize Categories

Best Multidisciplinary Research or Collaboration, Most Scholarly Impact or Potential, Best Writing

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Apr 27th, 12:30 PM Apr 27th, 1:45 PM

The Population Looked at With a Blind Eye: The Struggles of Homeless People for Understanding and Support

Session 11: Digital Commons & Martire 3rd Floor Boardroom

When you have no home, food, water, extra clothes, access to healthcare or other resources necessary for survival, you are three times more likely to die on the streets[OMA1] .

Homelessness has been an issue in the United States for a very long time, but why is it not improving? The average life expectancy for a homeless person is about 50 years of age compared to the national average of around 79 years of age. The homeless population suffers from the same illnesses and health issues as the rest of the population, but at rates three to six times higher than the average person. These illnesses include, but are not limited to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, influenza, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension (MedlinePlus 2021). Research shows that the risk of death on the streets is only slightly affected by substance abuse or mental illness, the factors that increase their risk of death are difficulty getting rest, maintaining medications, eating, hygiene, and being affected by the elements.

People become homeless for many reasons, but the top five are lack of affordable housing, unemployment, poverty, mental illness, and substance abuse with a lack of necessary services. Each of these causes can and should be acted on to prevent this population from becoming homeless in the first place. Homelessness needs to not only be addressed in terms of the current crisis, but through acts that work towards prevention as well. Many may think that the government is responsible for addressing this, which is true, however, just expecting them to make changes for us is clearly not effective. Regardless of their economic status, humans are humans. The public must do their part to make themselves aware of this issue, speak up about it, implement the Housing First method, and act to bring an end to the horrible conditions humans endure every day. This paper will address types of homelessness, health-related causes and effects of experiencing homelessness, and how to end the stigma, implement solutions, and prevention plans.

 

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