Addis Ababa University

College of Social Sciences

School of Social Work

Theory of Human Behavior and Social Environment

Homelessness

Group Assignment

Name ID

Dessie Gebrie UGR/4464/15

Bazezew Eyassu UGR/2675/15

Eyader Moges UGR/6701/15

Gebremariam Asnake UGR/6558/15

Ghenimetuletif Sirajudin UGR/8728/15

Submitted to; Mr.s Eshikol

Submission date; May 2024

Table content page

Introduction…………………………………………………………………

Chapter 1; About the model…………………………………………………

1,1 Main points of the model……………………………………………..

Chapter 2; Homelessness……………………………………………………

2.1 definition of Homelessness………………………………………………

2.2 Finding and Analysis………………………………………………

Chapter 3; Discussion and intervention plan……………………………………

3.1 Discussion………………………………………………………………

3.2 Social work implication……………………………………………………

Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………

Reference………………………………………………………………………………
 Introduction

Homelessness is a complex and multifaceted issue that affects individuals and

families across the globe, often resulting from a combination of economic, social, and

personal challenges. In this assignment, we will explore the experiences of street

people who have found themselves facing homelessness due to a variety of

circumstances. By examining the vulnerability, Risk, and Resilience model of

AUDREY L. BEGUN. The author presents the vulnerability, risk, and resilience

model as a mechanism /or improved content integration in the Human Behavior and

the Social Environment sequence in social work education. The model demonstrates

the interaction of community and social context variables with individual

characteristics in the deuelopment of social work problems. The five steps in the

model are (1) define the social work problem of concern, (2) identify risk and

protective factors in the social context, (3) identify intrinsic vulnerability and

invulnerability characteristics, (4) intersect tluse two, and (5) explore intervention

and prevention options. We interviewed five individuals who live on streets around

sidist kilo, by identifying their protective factors and intrinsic vulnerability

characteristics that shape their journey, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of how

these factors influence their ability to cope with adversity and navigate the challenges

of homelessness. Through this exploration, we hope to shed light on the importance of

recognizing and addressing these factors in supporting individuals and families

experiencing homelessness.

Chapter 1; About the Model

The vulnerability, risk, and resilience model is operationalized at two levels:

(1) as an educational model and (2) as a planning tool for social issue analysis

or intervention. As an educational model, the starting point is the educator,

who attempts to integrate a disparate body of research related to a specific

social problem. As a planning tool, social workers might be trained to follow

an analytic process such as this one in developing solutions to complex social

problems. In this case, the starting point would be to identify a social issue:

1.1 Main points of the model:

The model Identifying Community and Social Context Factors Related to the Risk

and Protective Factors Continuum of the problem.This about Factors Related to

the Risk and Protective Factors Continuum.unity, environmental, and social

context factors that have a demonstrated effect on the specific problem defined.

These include family climate, stresors, values and belief systems, competencies

and areas of dysfunction.

The protective factors in the model includes characteristics of their social support

net works; workplaces; schools; formal service delivery systems (e.g., health,

mental health, income assurance, and legal); neighborhoods; significant cultural

or ethnic groups; and spiritual or religious institutions

The third steps of the model is about Identifying Individual Characteristics that

Form the Vulnerability and Invulnerability Continuum, this deals with what

individuals bring to a situation, experience, or context

Key invulnerability traits in the model include, ego strengths, secure attachments,

a sense of effectiveness or competence, an internal locus of control, a generalized

adaptability trait, specific coping abilities, and elements of empowerment.

The fourth steps of the model is intersect the Two Continua. In this step, it should

become quite evident that the specific social problem of concern is the result of a

confluence of factors and cannot be attributed to any single fault or source of

blame. As a result of the intersection of the continuum of risk and the continuum

of vulnerability, four probability groups emerge.

1. Low-Probability Group (Low Risk, Low Vulnerability):

2. Low-Probability Group (Low Risk, Low Vulnerability):

3. Moderate Group with Low Risk but High Vulnerability:

4. Moderate Group with High Risk but Low Vulnerability:

Chapter 2: Homelessness

This chapter is about the major activities that ew supposed to do. By considering the

vulnerablity, Risk, and Resilience model, in this section we try to explain our topic

clearly, and and by considering the five steps in the model we Identify Community

and Social Context Factors Related to the Risk and Protective Factors

Continuum of the problem.

2.1 Definition of Homelessness

Homelessness is a complex and multifaceted social, political and economical issue

that refers to the state of individuals or families who lack a stable, permanent, and

adequate night-time residence. It can take various forms, like; Unsheltered

Homelessness: refers to individuals who are living on the streets, in abandoned

buildings, vehicles, or other places not meant for human habitation.

Sheltered Homelessness: This includes individuals who are staying in emergency

shelters, transitional housing, or other temporary accommodations provided by the

government or non-profit organizations. Another form is Chronic Homelessness: this

refers to individuals who have been homeless for an extended period, often for more

than a year, and may have a disabling condition, such as a mental illness, substance

abuse disorder, or physical disability. In our country homelessness caused by Internal

conflicts, ethnic tensions, and political instability, Civil unrest, violence, and warfare

can destroy homes, disrupt communities, and lead to mass displacement of

populations.

2.2 Finding and Analysis

In order to understand these problem clearly we conduct an interview with

some individuals living on the streets to gather insights into their experiences and

the environmental and social factors that contribute to their situation. One of our

respondent was a hardworking farmer from Gashna, in Semien wollo. He, at 50 years

old, had a wife and seven children. They lived happily, tending to their farm and

cherishing the close-knit community they were a part of. He was a religious leader in

his home village. He had a small farm place. However, their lives took a tragic turn

when a devastating civil war broke out between the Ethiopian federal government and

the TPLF force. Leaving his farm and home in ruins. He and his family found

themselves homeless, living in a small plastic shelter. The government seemed to

have turned a blind eye to their plight, offering no response or assistance. In this case

the risk factor include; the civil war resulted in the destruction of farm and home,

leading to their displacement and homelessness. The instability and violence of the

conflict created a high-risk environment for his family, exposing them to trauma,

loss, and instability. Also the government's failure to respond or provide assistance to

individuals who were displaced and left homeless due to the civil war represents a

significant risk factor. The absence of governmental support exacerbates the

challenges faced by vulnerable populations, leaving them without access to essential

resources and services. The loss of livelihood and property as a result of the conflict

and economic hardship also considered as risk factor. Without a stable source of

income or resources, they will unable to secure housing or meet their basic needs,

increasing their vulnerability to homelessness and deprivation.

In this case His previous connections within his home village and close-knit

community served as a protective factor before the onset of the civil war. The support

and solidarity of community members can provide emotional and practical assistance

during times of crisis, offering a sense of belonging and resilience.

Their capacity to navigate adversity and maintain hope in the face of hardship also

serves as a protective factor in coping with the challenges they face.

His belief system may provide a source of strength, guidance, and moral support

during times of crisis, helping him and his family navigate the challenges of

homelessness.

The third steps of the model is about Identifying Individual Characteristics that

Form the Vulnerability and Invulnerability Continuum, this deals with what

individuals bring to a situation, experience, or context (in our case

Homelessness), As we understood from our respondent Intrinsic vulnerability

characteristics of Homeless people and their family include: Trauma and

psychological distress resulting from the experience of war and displacement,

economic vulnerability due to loss of livelihood and lack of resources, limited access

to education and job skills, impacting their ability to secure employment, and social

isolation and mistreatment from others, contributing to feelings of despair and

hopelessness. And, intrinsic invulnerability characteristics may include resilience,

coping strategies, social connections, and personal strengths that support individuals

in overcoming adversity. Intrinsic invulnerability facets of our respondent includes

resilience and determination to overcome adversity and provide for the family, strong

family bonds and support system or secure attachment, offering emotional strength

during hardships, hope and optimism for a better future, driving them to persevere

despite the challenges.

Chapter 3; Discussion and Intervention plan

3.1 Discussion

When we intersect the Two Continua, it should become quite evident that four

probability groups emerge. Within Each of the Four Cells. We can identified

different strategy methods for these four groups.

1. Low-Probability Group (Low Risk, Low Vulnerability):

Intervention Strategy: Building on Existing Strengths Focus on reinforcing the

protective factors that contribute to the resilience and coping mechanisms of

homeless people and thier family. For instance Provide support and resources to

strengthen their social support networks, family bonds, and individual strengths.

Offer opportunities for skill-building, empowerment, and access to community

resources to enhance their ability to adapt to challenges.

2. High-Probability Group (High Risk, High Vulnerability):

Intervention Strategy: Comprehensive Support and Services like Implement

trauma-informed care approaches to address the psychological and emotional

impact of the civil war and displacement on their family. Provide access to mental

health services, counseling, and trauma therapy to support their well-being and

resilience-building. And also offer housing assistance, financial support,

healthcare services, and employment opportunities to mitigate the risks of

homelessness and instability.

3. Moderate Group with Low Risk but High Vulnerability:

Intervention Strategy: Targeted Support and Skills Development including;

Assess and address the specific vulnerabilities that increase the risk for Shumet

and his family despite lower external risks. Provide education and training

opportunities, social inclusion programs, and community engagement initiatives

to enhance their resilience and access to resources. And offer mentorship, case

management, and advocacy support to address the underlying vulnerabilities and

promote long-term stability.

4. Moderate Group with High Risk but Low Vulnerability:

Intervention Strategy: Crisis Intervention and Empowerment Prioritize immediate

crisis intervention and emergency support to address the high-risk factors

impacting the well-being and stability of homeless people. Provide advocacy,

legal assistance, and protection services to address issues of government neglect,

lack of housing, and economic insecurity. Foster empowerment, self-efficacy, and

community mobilization to empower them in navigating the challenges they face

and seeking sustainable solutions.

3.2 Social work implication

Social workers play a vital role in addressing homelessness by providing support,

advocacy, and resources to individuals and families in need. In the case of

Shumet and his family, social workers may facilitate access to community

resources, offer trauma-informed care, provide mental health services, advocate

for housing assistance, and empower individuals to navigate challenges and seek

sustainable solutions. Through their expertise in assessment, intervention, and

advocacy, social workers contribute to promoting stability, resilience, and well-

being for vulnerable populations experiencing homelessness.

 Conclusion

In conclusion, social workers play a crucial role in addressing homelessness by

providing support, advocacy, and resources to individuals and families in need. By

facilitating access to community resources, offering trauma-informed care, providing

mental health services, advocating for housing assistance, and empowering

individuals to navigate challenges and seek sustainable solutions, social workers

contribute to promoting stability, resilience, and well-being for vulnerable populations

experiencing homelessness. Their expertise in assessment, intervention, and advocacy

is essential in addressing the complex needs of homeless individuals and families,

ultimately working towards long-term stability and empowerment.

 Reference

1. BEGUN· (2014). THEORY OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR, The Vulnerability, Risk

and Resilience model. Journal of Social Work Education. ·

2. Anthony, E 8 Cohler, J. (1987). The invulnerable child. New York: Guilford

Press.

3. Begun, A., (1990). Assessment and treatment implications of adjustment and

coping capacities in children living with alcoholic parents. Alcoholism Trtatmeni

4. Berger, R. C. (1985). Human behauwr; A prrspctive, for the, helping professions