Homelessness, Annotated Bibliography Example

Schanzer, B., Dominguez, B., Shrout, P.E., and Caton, C.L.M. (2007).                         Homelessness, health status, and health care use. American Journal of Public Health, 97(3): 464-469.

This article addresses how homelessness is a significant attribute in the development of health problems, and how risk factors for homeless persons with such conditions as infectious diseases, respiratory concerns, and cardiovascular disease are significant. The health status of homeless individuals is difficult to measure because they do not have a static lifestyle that promotes an awareness of these issues, and they do not possess routine access to healthcare services that may be recorded (Schanzer et.al, 2007). Therefore, homeless persons face serious physical and mental concerns that are difficult to treat and to manage as a result of their status (Schanzer et.al, 2007).

Van Laere, I.R., de Wit, M.A., and Klazinga,N.K. (2009). Pathways into Homelessness: recently homeless adults problems and service use before and after becoming homeless in Amsterdam. BMC Public Health, 9(3): 1-9.

This article considers how homeless persons fall into specific profile categories, based upon the reasons that lead to their status in the first place, such as financial problems and addiction rates. The article also addresses the lack of attention and focus on the areas that led to the prevalence of homeless for a population in Amsterdam, and how these individuals require further elements of care and treatment that are essential to their ability to overcome homelessness on a gradual basis (van Laere et.al, 2009). Through interviews, the researchers determined that there is a significant blame game regarding homelessness, but that few individuals and groups are willing to take the steps that are necessary to improve the status quo for these individuals who struggle with food, clothing, shelter, and general health (van Laere et.al, 2009).

Gulcur, L., Tsemberis, S., Stefancic, A., and Greenwood, R.M. (2007).                            Community integration of adults with psychiatric disabilities and histories of homelessness. Community Mental Health Journal, 43(3): 211-228.

This article addresses the relevance of homelessness and its overall impact on those persons with mental health concerns or disorders in reentering society as a fully functional and contributing citizen. It is important to consider that homelessness has a tremendous impact on the ability of these individuals to be integrated into society, given their mental and/or psychological limitations (Gulcur et.al, 2007). Therefore, it is important to address these concepts as they demonstrate the capacity of individuals to be positively impacted by a fostering and supportive community-based environment to promote respect and recovery (Gulcur et.al, 2007).

Turnbull, J., Muckle, W., and Masters, C. (2007). Homelessness and health.             Canadian Medical Association Journal, 177(9): 1065-1066.

This article addresses the importance of homelessness and how it impacts general health and wellbeing for many persons. It is expected that with the ongoing problems associated with homelessness, there will continue to be new challenges with respect to substantially higher rates of chronic illness and infectious disease within this population group, including HIV and AIDS (Turnbull et.al, 2007).  Furthermore, problems associated with substance abuse and mental functioning are widespread and frequent amongst the homeless population (Turnbull et.al, 2007). As a result, it is important to recognize that there is a significant demand for community-based service offerings for homeless persons to reverse this condition , while also making an effort to improve wellbeing through support and guidance from individuals and groups within these communities.