Community Resources
The different community works for the betterment of humankind and their well-being as they promote health and safety in times of crisis and are crucial to discuss to raise the awareness of particular organization among the public (WHO, 2020). Nurses and health practitioners play a role in raising awareness about community resources because patients are unaware of them and their uses (WHO, 2020). In this assessment, National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH) organization will be considered, and its mission and vision will be discussed to promote public health and safety.
National Alliance to End Homelessness Organization
The NAEH is a nonprofit organization in the United States that focuses on addressing and finding solutions to homelessness (End Homelessness, 2023). The organization works to educate the public, advocate for policy changes, and provide resources and support to local communities in their efforts to end homelessness. This organization was founded in 1983 and is based in Washington, D.C. The organization conducts research and analysis to understand the causes and consequences of homelessness (Homelessness, 2022). Further, it provides the best practices for addressing the issue to nurses and health practitioners.
Its mission is to prevent and end homelessness in the United States by promoting data-driven solutions and evidence-based practices (End Homelessness, 2023). The organization works with federal, state, and local governments and other nonprofit organizations to develop and implement effective strategies to combat homelessness. The vision of the NAEH is to contribute to public health and safety improvements by addressing the underlying causes of homelessness and providing individuals and families with stable housing (End Homelessness, 2023).
The mission and vision of this organization contribute to public health and safety improvement by preventing and ending homelessness. It adopted several ways, including health, well-being, and community safety (Homelessness, 2022). Homelessness can have severe health implications, including increased risks of infectious diseases, mental health issues, substance abuse, and physical injuries. This organization aims to provide stable housing, which provides a foundation for individuals to access healthcare, mental health services, and other necessary supports (Homelessness, 2022).
Example Initiative Supports Organizational Mission and Vision
A specific example of a local and global initiative that supports the mission and vision of the NAEH while promoting public health and safety is the Housing First approach. This approach prioritizes providing individuals experiencing homelessness with immediate access to permanent housing without preconditions, such as sobriety or compliance with treatment programs (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2022). Housing First initiatives have been implemented in various cities and countries worldwide, demonstrating positive outcomes. For instance, the Housing First program has effectively reduced homelessness in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada (Ranney, 2021). Furthermore, the initiative has contributed to a safer community by reducing street homelessness, instances of public disorder, and emergency service utilization (Ranney, 2021).
Organization’s Ability to Promote Equal Opportunity and Improve the Quality
The NAEH plays a significant role in promoting equal opportunity and improving the quality of life in communities, particularly by addressing the effects of social, cultural, economic, and physical barriers. They have strongly committed to promoting equal opportunity through their advocacy, research, collaborative partnerships, education, and Housing First approach (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2022). They contribute to positive changes that address the root causes of homelessness and create pathways to a more equitable society. Their advocacy efforts focus on promoting equal opportunity by pushing for affordable housing options, access to healthcare, and employment opportunities. By utilizing data-driven approaches, they develop evidence-based solutions to address the issue (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2022).
In addition, they actively collaborate with various stakeholders, including government agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations. These partnerships help create a collective impact approach to ending homelessness. Similarly, they provide training and technical assistance to service providers, policymakers, and community members to enhance their understanding of the issue and equip them with the knowledge and tools to make a difference (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2022).
Effects of Social, Cultural, Economic, and Physical Barriers
- Social and Cultural Barriers: Homelessness can be influenced by various social and cultural factors, such as discrimination, stigma, and lack of access to support networks. The NAEH works to raise awareness, educate the public, and combat the negative stereotypes associated with homelessness (Weng & Clark, 2018). Promoting understanding and empathy reduces social and cultural barriers, creating an environment that supports equal opportunities and inclusion (Weng & Clark, 2018).
- Economic Barriers: Economic factors, including poverty, lack of affordable housing, and unemployment, contribute significantly to homelessness. The NAEH advocates for policies and initiatives to increase access to affordable housing, healthcare, and job opportunities (Kottke, 2018).
- Physical Barriers: Physical barriers, such as limited access to transportation, healthcare services, and social support networks, can impede individuals experiencing homelessness from accessing essential resources (Thomas, 2020). The NAEH works to create supportive housing models that are well-connected to public transportation, healthcare facilities, and community services (Thomas, 2020).
Implications for the Organization and Community
The implications for the organization and the community include the following:
- Increased Collaboration: Addressing social, cultural, economic, and physical barriers requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community members. The organization facilitates collaboration and partnerships to address these complex issues effectively (Kottke, 2018).
- Sustainable Solutions: By understanding and addressing the underlying causes of homelessness, the NAEH seeks sustainable solutions beyond temporary fixes (Baral et al., 2021). They advocate for evidence-based approaches, such as the Housing First model, prioritizing long-term stability and support for individuals experiencing homelessness (Baral et al., 2021).
- Community Empowerment: The NAEH empowers local communities by providing resources, training, and technical assistance. This support enables communities to develop strategies, tailor interventions to their needs, and actively address homelessness (Baral et al., 2021).
Assess the Impact of Funding Sources, Policy, and Legislation
Funding sources, policy, and legislation significantly affect the service delivery of the NAEH. Sufficient funding is crucial for the NAEH to effectively carry out its programs and initiatives (Gaetz, 2020). Adequate funding allows them to provide resources, training, and technical assistance to local communities, conduct research, and advocate for policy changes. Insufficient funding can limit their ability to address homelessness comprehensively and may result in reduced services and support for needy community members (Gaetz, 2020).
Similarly, the stability of funding sources also affects the organization’s ability to plan and implement long-term solutions. Uncertainty in funding can create challenges in sustaining programs and initiatives. A lack of consistent funding may lead to disruptions in service delivery, hinder progress, and impede the organization’s ability to address the complex needs of individuals experiencing homelessness (Gaetz, 2020).
The American Planning Association (APA) is a professional organization that promotes sound urban planning practices and policies in the United States (APA, 2023). While the APA does not explicitly focus on homelessness, its policies and guidelines can indirectly impact the work of the NAEH and its efforts to address homelessness. The APA recognizes the importance of homelessness prevention strategies and urban design principles contributing to safe and vibrant communities. APA policies that promote active public spaces, walkability, and connectivity can enhance community engagement and social cohesion, potentially contributing to homelessness prevention (APA, 2023).
As for the policy and legislation, supportive policies, barriers, and restrictions are crucial because favourable policies and legislation prioritizing affordable housing, homeless prevention, and support services significantly enhance the NAEHs’ work (End Homelessness, 2019). When policies align with the organization’s mission, it can lead to increased funding opportunities, improved coordination among stakeholders, and the implementation of evidence-based practices (End Homelessness, 2019).
Conversely, policies and legislation that impose restrictions limit funding or create barriers can hinder the organization’s service delivery. For example, specific programs’ stringent eligibility criteria or funding limitations may restrict access to services and support for vulnerable populations. Inflexible policies that do not account for the diverse needs of individuals experiencing homelessness can impede progress and limit the organization’s ability to achieve its goals (End Homelessness, 2019).
Potential Implications
Funding decisions, policies, and legislation can directly affect the availability and accessibility of services for community members experiencing homelessness (Hallett & Crutchfield, 2018). Insufficient funding or restrictive policies may limit the availability of affordable housing, emergency shelters, healthcare, and other critical support services. This can result in longer wait times, reduced capacity, or even the elimination of services, leaving community members without the necessary resources to address their homelessness and improve their quality of life (Hallett & Crutchfield, 2018).
Moreover, adequate funding and supportive policies are essential for implementing evidence-based practices that effectively address homelessness. When funding and policy decisions align with the organization’s objectives, it enhances its ability to implement comprehensive programs and initiatives that yield positive outcomes for community members (End Homelessness, 2019).
Organization’s Work Impacts Health and Safety Needs of a Local Community
The work of the NAEH significantly impacts local communities’ health and safety needs. The NAEH strives to provide stable housing for individuals experiencing homelessness (Byrne et al., 2021). Access to stable housing creates opportunities for better healthcare access, as individuals have a regular address and can establish relationships with primary care providers. Homelessness often coexists with mental health challenges. The organization addresses mental health needs by advocating for integrated care models that combine housing and mental health support (Byrne et al., 2021).
The NAEH supports harm reduction strategies, such as syringe exchange programs and overdose prevention initiatives, to address the health risks associated with substance use among individuals experiencing homelessness (Ashford et al., 2018). In addition, the organization promotes community collaboration to address safety concerns related to homelessness. The organization emphasizes homelessness prevention strategies to ensure that individuals and families do not become homeless in the first place (Ashford et al., 2018). Many individuals experiencing homelessness have experienced trauma in their lives, which can affect their safety and well-being. The NAEH promotes trauma-informed care approaches to address the unique needs of this population (Hallett & Crutchfield, 2018).
Creative Ideas for Nurse Involvement
Nurses are crucial assets for promoting health safety and quality of life and play a vital role in promoting community resources like NAEH. Nurses can join or initiate street outreach teams that provide medical care, health education, and resource referrals directly to individuals experiencing homelessness in their local communities (Zeien et al., 2021). Moreover, nurses can train shelter staff, volunteers, and other healthcare professionals on basic first aid, infectious disease prevention, and recognizing signs of mental health issues (Zeien et al., 2021).
Nurses can engage in research initiatives focusing on the health and safety needs of individuals experiencing homelessness (Flaubert et al., 2021). They can contribute valuable data and insights to inform policies and advocate for evidence-based practices. Furthermore, they can participate in policy advocacy efforts to promote funding and resources for affordable housing, healthcare, and supportive services. They can leverage their expertise to advocate for policies that address the social determinants of health and support efforts to end homelessness (Flaubert et al., 2021).
Conclusion NURS FPX4060 Assessment 2 Community Resources
The NAEH is crucial in raising awareness, shaping policies, and supporting communities across the United States to address and ultimately end homelessness. They demonstrate a commitment to promoting equal opportunity and improving the quality of life in communities by addressing social, cultural, economic, and physical barriers. Moreover, policymakers and funders must prioritize sustainable funding and supportive policies that align with the organization’s mission. Similarly, nurses’ involvement and expertise, compassion, and holistic approach to care can significantly contribute to the organization’s efforts to improve the well-being of individuals experiencing homelessness.
References
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