A problem that I’d like to solve is homelessness in Seattle, and what I’d do to help those who are in need, and by focusing on those key elements and the leading cause of this issue.
Since I spent five years abroad in four different countries, I have spent practically all of my life in Seattle. I remember realizing how poverty in Seattle is when I started my first work at Starbucks in the city’s center. It was a sobering experience for me to observe so many people who were drunk or injecting drugs. At my place of employment, they would do this primarily in the restrooms, where you may find needles and blood streaks on the floor. Additionally, we provided a biohazard sharps needle trash container for users to dispose of their used needles.
Despite having this advantage, it still came to the point where we had to call the police because of a drug overdose that occurred while we were working. We only recognized this after several customers arrived and we realized they had been using our restroom for a while. As I worked at Starbucks in the metropolitan area, I observed that there is a link between drug and alcohol abuse and homelessness because of poverty.
They have been observed dozing off on public streets, buses, and trains. Children experiencing and enduring homelessness while being aware of their parent’s situation is one of the frightening realities of homelessness. In Downtown and other parts of Seattle, I’ve seen a lot. Due to job losses brought on by the epidemic, it has grown over time. There have been special public health issues that have arisen as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic. However, national difficulties that existed before the coronavirus were made worse by the pandemic. This is best seen by how the epidemic has affected homelessness and access to affordable housing.
To end homelessness in Seattle is by approaching those in downtown, by providing shelters that they can stay in and be able to sign up for housing. Finding programs that are needed such as jobs to support themselves and give them confidence of being financially stable, mental health programs due to the traumatic experiences that they’ve endured and encountered by others. Getting those who suffer from Alcohol abuse in AA meetings, finding them assistance with (DSHS) Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, in terms of food, electrical bills, and free insurance and so on fourth. I believe that if these issues are focused on and by having the funds to do homelessness wouldn’t exist as it should never. Getting them the help they need, can lead to prosperity for them and also for Seattle. In the end they are humans, who have reasons to go through this. If brought to them the resources and counselors to guide and help in the right path, I know there will be a change.